- Pontevedra's centre is largely pedestrianised
- The Rías Baixas are Galicia's best beach area
- The Cíes Islands are part of a national park and need a permit in high season
- Albariño wine comes from around Cambados
- Airports
- Vigo (VGO), Santiago (SCQ), Porto (OPO)
- Best time to go
- June-September
- Type
- Province
Pontevedra is a small, handsome city in southern Galicia, with granite squares, stone crosses and arcaded streets. It became known across Europe for pedestrianising its centre, which makes it an unusually pleasant place to stroll, sit outside and eat. It also sits on the Camino Portugués, so you will see pilgrims passing through.
The province covers the Rías Baixas, a series of wide estuaries with sheltered beaches, fishing villages and some of Spain's best seafood. Offshore lie the Cíes Islands, often counted among the finest beaches in Spain, and inland is Albariño wine country. Vigo, Galicia's largest city, is also in the province. See our Spain guide.
Things to do
- Pontevedra old town – Praza da Leña, Praza da Ferrería and the scallop-shaped Santuario da Peregrina, dedicated to pilgrims.
- Museo de Pontevedra – a well-regarded museum spread over several buildings, with Galician art and archaeology.
- Cíes Islands – white-sand beaches such as Praia de Rodas and clifftop walks, reached by boat from Vigo and other ports. Visitor numbers are capped, so a permit is needed in summer.
- Combarro – a fishing village lined with traditional stone granaries (hórreos) on the shore.
- Cambados and Albariño wine – the heart of the Rías Baixas wine region, with wineries to visit and an Albariño festival in summer.
- O Grove and A Toxa – seafood restaurants, a spa island and boat trips to see mussel rafts.
- Sanxenxo – the area's main beach resort, popular with Spanish families.
- Vigo – a busy port city with an old quarter and oysters sold on Rúa da Pescadería.
Where to stay
| Area | Why stay there |
|---|---|
| Pontevedra old town | Walkable, atmospheric and central to the rías |
| Sanxenxo / Portonovo | Beaches and summer resort life |
| Cambados | Wine country with a pretty historic centre |
| Vigo | City base with ferries to the Cíes Islands |
| Baiona | A historic harbour town south of Vigo |
Getting there
Vigo airport is closest, about 30 minutes from Pontevedra, though UK flights are limited; Santiago airport is roughly 45 minutes to an hour away. Porto in Portugal, around an hour and a half to two hours by car, has the widest choice of UK flights. Trains run frequently between Pontevedra, Vigo and Santiago, and high-speed services connect the region with Madrid. A car is useful for exploring the rías.
Best time to visit
June to September offers the warmest weather and the best beach days, though the Atlantic stays fresh. The Cíes Islands boat season mainly runs from around Easter to autumn. Spring and autumn are good for walking and wine, but expect some rain.
Apply for your Cíes Islands authorisation online before booking boat tickets, especially for July and August.
Top attractions in Pontevedra
LandmarkAlhambra
A hilltop palace-fortress of carved stucco, tiled courtyards and water gardens, the Alhambra is the high point of…
LandmarkPark Güell
Gaudí's hillside park of mosaic benches, gingerbread-style lodges and a famous dragon, with sweeping views over…
MuseumPrado Museum
One of the world's great art museums, the Prado holds Spain's royal collection, from Velázquez's Las Meninas to Goya's…
LandmarkReal Alcázar
A dazzling Mudéjar palace and gardens in the heart of Seville, still used by the Spanish royal family and famous as the…
LandmarkSagrada Família
Gaudí's unfinished basilica, with its forest-like nave and glowing stained glass, is Barcelona's must-book sight.
NatureSerra de Tramuntana
A UNESCO-listed mountain range of stone villages, olive terraces and hairpin roads along Mallorca's north-west coast.
Pontevedra on the map
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to visit the Cíes Islands?
Yes, in the main season the Galician government requires a free authorisation, which you need before buying a ferry ticket.
Is Pontevedra worth visiting?
Yes, its car-free centre is a pleasure to walk, and it makes a good base for the beaches and wineries of the Rías Baixas.
Is Pontevedra on the Camino?
Yes, the central route of the Camino Portugués passes through the city on its way to Santiago.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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