What to See in Pontevedra: Galicia’s Largest Province

Pontevedra is one of the largest provinces in the region of Galicia, and it holds some of the best beaches and historic sites. Its capital of the same name was rated by the UN as the most comfortable city to live in. That is why, when you visit, you should have a list of things to see in Pontevedra so you can enjoy it in the best way.

One of this city's greatest advantages is that everything you need to see in Pontevedra is just a few steps away. Enjoying this city is one of the things every tourist visiting Galicia should do. Squares, churches and beaches are some of the places we can visit and discover in this beautiful province.

Beyond its history, you can discover everything to do with antiquities and architectural beauties spanning more than 4,000 years of history in the Pontevedra region. That is why tourists fall in love with this magical province.

These are the best beaches to see in Pontevedra…

One of the greatest advantages of the Pontevedra region is that it has some of the best beaches in Galicia. So put on your best swimsuit and enjoy the sun, the sea and the mild climate that lets you make the most of this setting. You can travel with family, friends or as a couple and enjoy it just the same.

These are our favourite beaches to see in Pontevedra, the ones we recommend you visit and enjoy:

Cíes Islands

Of course, you cannot go to Pontevedra without visiting the islands. There you will find Rodas Beach, considered the best beach in the world by a British newspaper. Although its waters are very cold, you can enjoy this beautiful beach and spend a lovely day. You can reach the islands by boat, on your own, and stay for a few days.

Coves of the Bay of Aldán

This is a bay you should visit, especially because the temperature is one of the best in the whole area, and it is a calm sea with turquoise, crystal-clear water, ideal for those who fear seas with dark water.

A Lanzada Beach

This beach is one of the longest, but you have to be careful because it is also one of the roughest. The swell is strong when the sea is choppy, so keep an eye out on this great wild beach.

History to see in Pontevedra

The squares are the most remarkable places in the province. The list of things to see in Pontevedra has to include the squares, as they are a great way to get to know the place and take a stroll.

These are some of the squares you can discover and visit while learning all about the history of the province of Pontevedra. Remember that all these spaces are full of interesting history worth getting to know.

• Basilica of Santa María La Mayor: A Catholic church dating from the 16th century.

• O Teucro Square: Named in honour of the city's Greek founder.
• Museum of Pontevedra: A museum with a wide variety of collections.
• A Ferrería Square: Stands out for being set around a 16th-century fountain.
• Convent of San Francisco: One of the oldest, with a Gothic church.

Towns to see in Pontevedra

The best thing about the Pontevedra region is that it has a great number of towns with plenty of historic sites, beaches and many more architectural spaces. If you want to discover the province, these are some of the towns you can visit to get to know it more closely.

• Combarro
• Baiona
• Pontevedra
• Tui

Discover more to see in Pontevedra

The province of Pontevedra hosts the best festivals and is the setting for great excursions. These are the favourites among tourists and the ones you can enjoy during your visit to the province.

Festivals

Everybody loves a festival, and to enjoy the best ones, visit the province of Pontevedra in Galicia.

Feira Franca of Pontevedra

It is one of the best medieval festivals in Galicia and recreates that great era. Tourists can enjoy it on the first Saturday of September.

Viking Landing of Catoira

Continuing with the oldest eras, this festival stages the finest recreations of Viking invasions. It always takes place in the first days of August.

Since Galicia is the capital of wine and seafood, there is a festival for each. In honour of wine you can enjoy the Festa do Albariño, held in summer in Cambados. But there is also the Festa do Marisco in O Grove, held in October, a great feast around the sea's specialities and Galician shellfish.

Excursions

Outdoor excursions are one of the greatest attractions to see in Pontevedra. These are just some of the routes you can visit in this region of Galicia.

• Castro de Santa Trega: You can climb up and see great beauty, with the border between Spain and Portugal marked only by the River Miño.

• Fervenza of the River Toxa: This is the waterfall considered the highest free fall in Galicia.
• Cabo Home: The best place to enjoy the sunset, as well as to take the routes to nearby beaches.