Pontevedra is the little slice of heaven in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. With its breathtaking views and stunning beaches, Pontevedra hosts thousand of tourists every year. The rolling green hills, the perfect place for nature lovers. Also, a rich culture and its ancient history make it a place to visit once. There are many go restaurants, the beaches, and landmarks that tourists admire and we bet you will fall in love with. In fact, it is one of the most accessible cities and was awarded European prize, “Intermodes” in Brussels in 2013. If you have a plan to spend your holiday in Pontevedra, here are 10 things that you can do in Pontevedra, Spain.
1. Stroll Around Casco Antiguo de Pontevedra
Casco Antiguo de Pontevedra is one the beautifully preserved cities of the Pontevedra. If you walk around the city, you will find ancient Roman walls, old buildings, squares, and museums. The Camino river is also something that you won’t miss. There are bars open from early hours in the seasons and if you want a good meal there are many restaurants with an amazing variety of foods. If you are a foodie then you should try out the local cuisines. Also, you can stroll around the city whole day and still have a great day!
Information
- Name: Casco antiguo de Pontevedra
- Address: Casco antiguo, Pontevedra, Spain
- Tel: +34 986090890
2. Visit Iglesia de la Virgen Peregrina
Source: José Antonio Gil Martínez
Iglesia de la Virgen Peregrina is a sacred and religious site of Pontevedra. It is a beautiful church in the middle of the city. It is a lovely pilgrim building with a floor plan shaped like a traditional scallop. It is a very spiritual place to be in the Pontevedra and gives serene feeling just to be there. It is a symbol of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela and an icon for female pilgrims. If you are passing by, stop and admire the beauty and beliefs of the church.
Information
- Name: Iglesia de la Virgen Peregrina
- Address: Pontevedra, Spain
- Website: http://forosdelavirgen.org/212/virgen-peregrina-de-pontevedra-espana-15-de-agosto/
3. Enjoy food at Plaza de la Lena
In the heart of the old part of Pontevedra, Plaza de la Lena is a square with lots of restaurants and bars. There are old and new museums and art galleries. It is surrounded by stone mansions some with arcaded fronts from the 16th century. The facades of the houses and the small cruise will move you to the same century when it was built.
Information
- Name: Plaza de la Lena
- Address: Plaza de La lena, s/n, 36002 Pontevedra, Spain
- Hours: All hours
- Price: $18-$100 depending upon the place you chose
4. Tour the Basilica of Santa Maria
Right on the Camino river is the church, Basilica of Santa Maria. Having more than 30 carved figures, it was sculpted by two major artists, Joao Nobre from Portugal and Cornelius from the Netherlands. It is a religious and sacred place of the people in Pontevedra. It has a beautiful building made with stones and they offer you an Albarino wine. They even have seat warmers in the church which is a surprise for the new visitors coming there. It is definitely a piece of good architecture that is worth a visit.
Information
- Name: Basilica of Santa Maria
- Address: Address: Avenida de Santa Maria 24, 36002 Pontevedra, Spain
- Tel: +34 8986869902
5. Learn fine arts at Museo de Pontevedra
Located in the heart of the old town, Museo de Pontevedra is a museum in Pontevedra. It displays a fine exhibition of the art and architecture gallery. The building is already unusual and very charming. The antique gold jewelry collections, the jet stone collections and the chamber of the Numancia frigate are a delight to see. The place is an amazing destiation for history and art lovers.
Information
- Name: Museo de Pontevedra
- Address: Pontevedra, Spain
- Website: http://www.museo.depo.es/
- Hours: 10AM-9PM
6. Cool off at Area Cova Beach
Area Cova Beach is a wonderful little beauty in the coast of Pontevedra. This is one of the most famous and coolest beaches in thPontevedrasa. As it is famous among the locals, it may be crowded in the summer. In a sunny day, the color of the sea reminds you of the Carribean. It is a small beach but you can enjoy the sights and scenery. You can have a sunbath or enjoy a cool swim in the beach on a sunny day. The beaches are sandy and the water is transparent which is great.
Information
- Name: Area Cova Beach
- Address: Pontevedra, Spain
- Hours: 7AM-10PM
- Price: Free Entry but may cost for camping.
7. Enjoy Seafood at the Arcade
Renowned for seafood, Arcade is a fishing village near the sea. There are many restaurants and places for food around the area. The Oyster Festival on the first weekend in April is a popular festival in the area. Oysters bars sell oysters and other seafood near the main street at an affordable and inexpensive prices. Also, it is a beach and fun place to spend your time. It is one of the places to be when you are passing by the town.
Information
- Name: Arcade Potevedra
- Address: Pontevedra, Spain
- Hours: All hours
- Price: Free Entry but restaurants cost around $15-$50
8. Visit beautiful garden of Pazo de Oca
Along with being a historic site, Pazo de Oca is a beautiful little garden in Pontevedra. It is a beautiful garden away from the crowd and noise of the city. It is a tranquil place and the walk around the place is very peaceful. There are boats on the pond, beautiful pathways and small cottage-like place where you can have a seat and relax. And also it is a great place for the picnic with the family and the friends. It really feels like a slice of heaven when you go there.
Information
- Name: Pazo de Oca
- Address: Oca, A Estrada, 36685 Pontevedra, Spain
- Tel: +34 986587435
9. Convent of San Francisco
Sitting above Praza Ferreira, Convent of San Francisco is a large church and monastery with great religious importance. It has a history of about back to 13th and 14th Centuries, which is both interesting and weird. The church offers free food to the poor people. It is a place for contemplation and meditation. There are nice looking side chapels and the architecture seems to be plainer, more Gothic which is a contrast to the Spanish churches.
Information
- Name: Convent of San Francisco
- Address: Plaza de Galicia, Pontevedra, Spain
- Tel: +51 1 4267377
- Hours: 9:30AM-5:30PM
- Price: Free
10. Hike around Molinos DO Folon
Molinos DO Folon is a 60-mile area which has an ethnic importance to the people in the area. It was declared as a part of the rich ethnographic heritage of the Bajo Miño. There are interesting old mills and the scenery is good. It is a place where you come to take a walk around and soak in nature. Going up one side of the hill and down the other takes a couple of hours. If you love hiking and exploring, you will immediately fall in love with the place.
Information
- Name: Molinos DO Folon
- Address: EL Rosal, Pontevedra, Spain
- Hours: All hours except some special days
- Price: Free for locals and about $30-$40 for international tourists
Have a good trip and travel!
