The Best Attractions to See in Tui
Between famous cathedrals and other religious buildings, by way of the international bridge that connects this town to Portugal, you will find plenty to see in Tui. Set in the province of Pontevedra, this destination has great charms that will give you unforgettable moments.
If you are keen to spend your next holiday discovering all the wonders of Galicia, then you cannot overlook this place. Its monuments are part of its great appeal and, what is more, it has incredible gardens, restaurants and streets that will amaze you.
Since 2012, Tui and the town of Valença do Minho in Portugal have been joined by the Miño bridge to form a great "euro-city". This integration has been very positive and certainly adds a special touch to the list of things to see in Tui.
Below, we have drawn up a list of sites and monuments you cannot miss on your visit to this Galician destination:
Cathedral of Santa María de Tui
It is, with good reason, one of the most important cathedrals in all of Galicia; its fortress-like look and stoic Romanesque style make it the main attraction to see in Tui. It was built in the 12th century and you reach it at the end of the town's old quarter, on Plaza de San Fernando.
Standing in front of the cathedral of Tui, as many call it, you cannot help thinking you are before a great castle. You will also see its main portal, considered one of the oldest Gothic sculptures on the Iberian Peninsula. The main nave and the chapels are also adorned in this style.
The building has two towers and several passageways inside. Many reasons have made it the favourite of tourists and visitors, who are struck by its incredible façade, decoration and monuments.
Opening hours
The Cathedral of Tui has different opening hours depending on the season you choose to visit. From September to May, during winter, you can visit it every day of the week from 10:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
In spring, from May to September, it is likewise open to the public every day from 10:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In summer, from June to September, Monday to Saturday it opens straight through from 10:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Sundays at the same hours as in spring.
If you wish to include visits to the cathedral roofs, you must go Monday to Friday, except holidays, and the entry times are: 1:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Monte Aloia Nature Park
The incredible Monte Aloia Nature Park, another of the wonders to see in Tui, covers more than 746 square kilometres with 10 kilometres of trails. It was the first Nature Park in Galicia, with a tower or watchtower 700 metres high and incredible views over the River Miño.
This place is pure nature, so if you like relaxing landscapes you cannot leave it out of your itinerary. Across its vast fields you can walk, take in the scenery from the different viewpoints and much more. It also has a café where you can sit down for a drink surrounded by a unique setting.
You can spend a whole day in this park and forget about the rest of the world. It is ideal to go with the whole family, or alone to enjoy activities such as cycling or hiking. In short, it is a must-see and one of the best things to see in Tui.
River Miño
As you will have noticed, in our rundown of things to see in Tui we have mentioned the River Miño several times. The reason is that, besides being of great importance to the town, it is also the longest river in all of Galicia.
This vast body of water rises in the province of Lugo and crosses Ourense and the province of Pontevedra. It is more than 300 kilometres full of incredible views. In Tui there are many attractions around the river, and from various points of the town you will get incredible panoramas.
Walking along the riverbank is deeply calming; you can take a stroll at any time of day and relax as you lose your gaze on the horizon. There is also a lovely riverside walk and a marina where various competitions and recreational activities are held.
The old quarter of Tui
As in most Galician towns, Tui also has a large old quarter. It keeps medieval structures through which run narrow streets you should wander during your stay.
Likewise, since its beginnings this town has had great commercial activity, and since 1967 it has been listed as a Historic-Artistic Site. Tui can be split into two areas: the upper and the lower. In the upper one stand its great Cathedral, the Church of San Francisco and the Diocesan Museum. In the lower one are the Convent of the Poor Clares, the Church of San Telmo and the old Convent of Santo Domingo.
In the streets of Tui you will find a wide range of food. So as you walk and discover old structures, you can also stop to taste tasty local dishes. Be sure not to miss the delicious food of Tui during your visit.
Monastery of Santo Domingo
Last on this list of things to see in Tui is the Monastery of Santo Domingo. It was built in the 14th century and has an incredible cloister. Its structure is markedly Gothic and of great artistic interest.
Moreover, if you decide to visit it you will also get wonderful views of the rest of the town that you will only find from this point. It is also very close to the Cathedral of Tui, so you can include both destinations in your walk.
