Would you like to discover the famous Rías Baixas estuary from a charming village? This is the trip we suggest you make to the municipality of Sanxenxo, a place with a wide range of options for you to enjoy rural tourism without complications.
Located in the Galician province of Pontevedra, and within the Salnés region, the municipality has an intense lifestyle as a result of its fame for the quality of tourism, landscapes and culture that you will find here. All this, adorned with the essence of an old fishing village that you will love.
You will probably want to organise your trip around the most characteristic places to visit in this coastal area, and we are going to show them to you so that you know why some people say that you can find a paradise in Galicia.
First of all, we must highlight its coastline, with stunning landscapes and plenty of beaches where you can listen to the sound of the Atlantic lapping against the sand. It is the area with the most blue flag qualifications in Spain, and this is what has led to an increase in summer tourism in recent years.
Among the most important beaches you will find here, we highlight La Lanzada, perfect for surf lovers due to its waves. A quiet beach that shares an extension with the municipality of O Grove. The most characteristic view of Sanxenxo is Silgar, which is known as the beach of Sanxenxo. You can enjoy it from the inside, visiting the sculpture of A Madama, or from the outside walking along the promenade.
These are only the best known, but in its 36 kilometres of coastline along the Rías de Pontevedra and Arousa, there are up to 24 beaches, more than half of which have a Blue Flag status. There are also small coves where you can relax in the sunshine of the touristic capital of the Rías Baixas.
And continuing with the maritime world, the Juan Carlos I Marina deserves special attention, which is the meeting point of tourists and sailors. In addition, various trips depart from here to the neighbouring island of Ons.
To enjoy the traditional life and the essence of Sanxenxo, we recommend you visit the fishing village of Portonovo, which is one of the most important centres of the municipality and one of the most popular tourist spots, especially in summer, when its Baltar beach fills up with bathers, as well as other more intimate beaches such as Canelas and Caneliñas.
It is undoubtedly the ideal destination for a fun day out, especially at night when there is a livelier night atmosphere. It is a place full of restaurants where you can enjoy a markedly Galician gastronomy.
You have to order the lacón con grelos (pork shoulder with turnip tops), one of its typical dishes along with Galicia’s most famous octopus-based dish, pulpo a feira. And who could resist a delicious empanada pastry? If you will allow us to give you a tip, ask for one with scallop filling, since this shellfish is one of the most typical products here. Any of the fish and seafood from this area are simply of the highest quality and freshness.
Finally, we cannot finish without mentioning its local fiestas. In August and September, the locals ocelebrate San Ginés and Santa Rosalía respectively, while in Portonovo, during the month of August and in honour of its patron saint, San Roque is celebrated.
