20 Attractions and Activities to Experience in Rías Baixas

When planning our road trip in Galicia, we were particularly drawn to a specific area: the Rías Baixas. This region is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, historic towns, wild beaches, lost islands in the ocean, dramatic cliffs, lighthouses, and countless surprises. Are you curious about the 20 best things to see and do in the Rías Baixas? Let’s dive into this post! 🙂

Spoiler alert: we weren't wrong! The Rías Baixas are one of the great treasures of Terriña (and there are plenty of places to explore), but what truly captivated us were the Rías Altas (though that's another story, and you can read about it here).

The term "Rías Baixas" refers to the southwestern area of Galicia, stretching from Monte Louro to the mouth of the Miño River, and includes the Ría de Muros and Noia, the Ría de Arousa, the Ría and Terras de Pontevedra, and the Ría de Vigo.

Rías are geomorphological features similar to bays. The key difference is that rías are formed where the sea enters the mouth of a river. Galicia is dotted with rías, which is why its seafood is renowned for being so rich and flavorful: here, where saltwater meets freshwater, the seafood thrives like nowhere else!

But before you get too hungry thinking about all that delicious seafood, let’s get to the heart of the matter…

The beauty of Baixo Miño

We entered the Rías Baixas through the Baixo Miño area, and it was the perfect introduction. Be sure to visit the charming town of Tui, home to one of the most spectacular cathedrals in Galicia. You won't want to miss the Castro de Santa Trega, an ancient settlement that once housed over 3,000 inhabitants—quite a metropolis for its time.

Pro tip: Don't forget to take in the stunning views of the Miño River's mouth. If you have extra time, embark on the unique hiking route through the Molinos de Folón y del Picón, featuring around 60 mills cascading down the mountainside.

Exploring the Castro de Baroña

When it comes to ancient settlements, the Castro de Baroña stands out, particularly because of its breathtaking location atop a promontory overlooking the beach. The remains of this Iron Age village, surrounded by well-preserved walls, are incredibly fascinating.

Castros were fortified settlements that flourished in northwest Spain during pre-Roman times. Their circular structures, all of similar size, suggest a sense of equality among their inhabitants. Strategically positioned on elevated ground, these sites made it easier to survey the surrounding area.

Discovering the Islas Cíes: A Must-See

Technically not part of the mainland, but are you really going to miss out on the Islas Cíes? You would regret it forever! This Atlantic paradise is one of the most pristine jewels in all of Galicia, and it’s no surprise. Its beauty captivates instantly, especially thanks to Playa de Rodas, which frequently appears on lists of the most beautiful beaches in the world (and is undoubtedly one of the finest beaches in Galicia).

Accessing the islands from the Rías Baixas is straightforward: simply hop on a boat for a round trip that same day, or opt to stay overnight at their campsite. Remember to request a permit for your visit.

We visited twice—once from Vigo and another from Portonovo near Sanxenxo. Our advice is to not miss out on this experience, as visiting the Cíes is not just one of the best things to do in the Rías Baixas but in all of Galicia.

Alternative: If you’re already familiar with the Cíes, didn't secure a permit, or have time for a double adventure, consider visiting the beautiful Isla de Ons. You can take this boat tour from Vigo.

Unveiling the Charm of Vigo

Often dismissed as uninteresting or even unattractive, Vigo surprised us during our two-day stay. With low expectations, we discovered a vibrant city with a lively atmosphere. While it may not be a must-visit, if you find yourself here, you might be pleasantly surprised.

For more insights, check out the best things to see and do in Vigo.

Pontevedra: The Provincial Capital

No exploration of the Rías Baixas is complete without mentioning Pontevedra, the provincial capital and one of the most beautiful cities in Galicia. Key attractions include the Santuario da Virxe Peregrina, the riverside promenade along the Lérez, and wandering through the historic streets and squares. The best way to experience it is through this free tour. For more, find out what to see and do in Pontevedra.

The Stunning Playa de la Lanzada

After a few days between Vigo and the Cíes Islands, we settled down at the Playa de la Lanzada, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Galicia. Honestly, we fell in love with this place, and since our first visit, we have returned every year.

The Lanzada beach is expansive (there’s room for everyone) and surrounded by spectacular natural scenery with crystal-clear waters (which can be as cold as an arctic plunge). Don't miss the sunsets from the Ermita da Lanzada; we even spotted dolphins one day (though they’re actually called arroaces here).

Exploring the O Grove Peninsula

Visit the O Grove Peninsula, famous for its microclimate, pristine beaches, and breathtaking landscapes that explain its nickname "Galifornia". It is one of the most popular summer destinations. While you’re there, take a trip to the Isla de la Toja and embark on your own mansion tour (did you know some of Galicia's wealthiest people have residences here?).

No visit to Galicia is complete without indulging in a magnificent seafood feast. We treated ourselves to a legendary seafood dinner at the Lavandeiro restaurant in O Grove. It was fantastic.

Strolling the Pasarela Piedras Negras

One of the most stunning spots in this area is the wooden walkways at San Vicente do Grove. This 2-kilometer trail winds through breathtaking beaches with such clear waters and round rocks that you might feel like you're in the Seychelles. Just remember, the water will remind you that you’re back in Galicia! XD

As a perfect ending, we recommend stopping by the Nautical Club for a cold drink or, if you catch a concert, enjoy a combo of swimming, sunset, beer, and music!

Discovering Isla de Arousa

The Isla de Arousa is another gem you can reach without needing to take a boat, which is a great advantage! This Galician haven, filled with coves and paradisiacal beaches, is one of our favorites. It reminded us of New Zealand, but we can't quite pinpoint why. Our next Galician adventure? Camping in the Carreirón Natural Park sounds like a splendid idea, and kayaking there would be an absolute treat!

Don’t have a car? No worries! You can reach it by boat with this boat tour around the Ría de Arousa.

Cambados: The Capital of Albariño

Of all the wines produced in Galicia, the albariño is the most famous. To taste it (and perhaps buy a few bottles), head to Cambados, the capital of albariño. Here, we encountered one of the most striking sights of the trip: the ruins of the Church of Santa Mariña Dozo, an ancient baroque temple from the 15th century that still retains four of its central arches and part of the tower, though the roof is long gone.

Join this free tour to discover all its important corners or read our post about the best things to see and do in Cambados.

Roaming the Morrazo Peninsula

Explore the Península del Morrazo until you reach the Mirador del Cabo Home, where you can snap a photo beside the distinctive shell monument—best done at sunset. If you're up for a hike, a trail leads from here to Monte do Facho, offering even more spectacular views. This prime location attracted various civilizations throughout history, so keep an eye out for ancient petroglyphs along the way, ruins of an old castro, and a circular stone watchtower from the 18th century at the top.

Combarro: The Village of Horreos

During your journey through Galicia, you’ll see horreos everywhere, but none are as iconic as those in Combarro. With its stone and wooden horreos lining the shore, it stands out as one of the most picturesque villages in Galicia and certainly among the most charming in the Rías Baixas. Here, you can also enjoy delicious food (the O Bocoi restaurant is said to be the best, but we missed out on a reservation when we visited 😜).

Find out everything to see and do in Combarro in a day.

Baiona: A Charming Port Town

Another enchanting town in the Rías Baixas is Baiona, known for its castle (now a Parador), a quaint historic center, three urban beaches, and a replica of the caravel La Pinta. This is where Martín Alonso Pinzón arrived in 1493 with the news of the "discovery" of America.

For insights on what to see and do in Baiona, check out our post here.

The Medieval Bridge of Río Seiria

One of our personal discoveries was the Medieval Bridge of Río Seiria (or the Xuño Bridge), located close to the Castro de Baroña. For a moment, we felt like Frodo on the way to Mount Doom (promising there’s no trace of Gollum there). This bridge is truly a hidden gem.

Have you heard of it?

Pazo de Oca: A Noble Heritage

Palaces known as pazos belonged to Galician nobility, especially during the 17th to 19th centuries, characterized by their austere yet elegant architecture. You’ll encounter many of them, but one of the most beautiful is the Pazo de Oca, famous for its stunning gardens, often referred to as the Galician Versailles or the Generalife of the North. If you wish to visit with a guide, reservations are required, so keep that in mind.

Fervenza do río Toxa: A Majestic Waterfall

The Pazo de Oca is a bit distant from the coast, so if you go, you can also take the opportunity to visit Galicia's tallest free-falling waterfall, the Fervenza do río Toxa (30 meters). It's located just 16 kilometers from the Pazo de Oca.

The Unique Dunes of Corrubedo

Stretching 1 km long, 20 m high, and 250 m wide, the Dunes of Corrubedo are yet another treasure in the region. These protected dunes (don’t even think about stepping on them) lie between the Rías de Arosa and Muros and Noya, and this Natural Park is one of the greatest surprises your trip to Galicia will offer. A visitor center provides informative insights into the dune ecosystem, and from here, trails lead closer to the dunes.

Mirador de Rá: A Viewpoint to Remember

As you traverse the winding Galician roads, you’ll spot many signs pointing to viewpoints, making it challenging to choose just one. However, we suggest the Mirador de Rá, not only for its stunning coastal views but also for its unique cliff formation at the mountain's summit.

Muros: The Quintessential Fishing Village

Nestled at the northern edge of the Rías Baixas is Muros, a quintessential fishing village where wandering through its historic center is a delightful experience. Stroll around, enjoy something at one of its terraces, and explore the harbor and plazas. We spent a morning here and found it to be a highly interesting place to visit in the Rías Baixas.

We wrapped up our visit with a hearty meal (the kind that makes you feel like you’ve exploded from all the good food) at the Restaurante A Darsena (only 10€).

Central eléctrica do Tambre: A Serene Spot

We conclude our recommendations for places to see and things to do in the Rías Baixas with a unique location we discovered thanks to our blogger friend Eviña. The central eléctrica do Tambre features a beautiful stone building by the river, surrounded by lush forests. If you seek tranquility, this is a great spot. Don’t miss the hanging bridge!

A visual guide: Map of the Rías Baixas

There’s nothing better than a comprehensive map capturing all the must-visit spots in the Rías Baixas to help you navigate your adventure:

More activities in the Rías Baixas: Excursions

We did all our visits by car, except the one to the Cíes, of course. But if you lack transport, don’t worry! There are tours available that will take you to explore the essential spots of the Rías Baixas. Check them out:

• Excursion to the Rías Baixas and La Toja from Santiago
• Tour of the Rías Baixas from Pontevedra
• Rías Baixas tour with a boat ride from Santiago
• Bajo Miño tour from Vigo

And with that, we’ve reached the end of this article featuring some of the best places to visit in the Rías Baixas. As you can imagine, there’s plenty more to discover, but this is a great starting point, right? We spent a week in the area and still felt eager to explore even more (after that initial visit, we've returned four times and counting!).

If there’s one lesson we learned from our trip to Galicia, it’s that this destination is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace: it’s better to focus on a specific area and explore it thoroughly. We are certain we will return… once again!

Do you know of any more things to see and do in the Rías Baixas? We would love to expand this list!

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