Sangenjo

Day Trips

Begin your day with the gentle sound of waves as the sun rises over Silgar Beach. Take a leisurely stroll along the golden sand, collecting shells and breathing in the crisp Atlantic air. Stop at a beachfront café to savor a warm café con leche and a freshly baked pastry.

Rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the tranquil waters of Sanxenxo’s bay. Bask under the sun and cool off with a refreshing swim before trying your hand at stand-up paddleboarding. Refuel with some locally caught fried fish and a glass of crisp Albariño on the sand.

As twilight falls, secure a table at a beachside marisquería and indulge in a platter of fresh shellfish. Listen to the gentle murmur of live Galician folk music drifting across the shore. Top off the night with a moonlit walk, letting the stars guide you back to your accommodation.

Set off early to the trailhead leading up to Castro de San Xusto, an ancient Celtic fortress nestled in the hills. Feel the cool morning breeze as you ascend along shaded forest paths lined with moss-covered stones. Pause at panoramic viewpoints to gaze out over the Ría de Pontevedra below.

Descend toward nearby hamlets for a rustic picnic of local cheese, chorizo, and crusty bread sourced from a village bakery. Visit a family-run olive oil press to learn about traditional Galician pressing methods. Sample the freshly produced oil drizzled over warm bread for an authentic taste of the region.

Return to Sanxenxo for a home-style Galician dinner at a taverna tucked in a quiet alley. Savor hearty stews like caldo gallego paired with a glass of Ribeiro wine. End the evening sharing stories with friendly locals gathered around communal tables.

Embark from the port of Sanxenxo on a traditional fishing boat bound for the pristine Ons Island. Feel the sea spray on your face as the vessel cuts through emerald waters. Spot seabirds wheeling overhead as you approach the island’s secluded coves.

Disembark for a guided nature walk along wooded trails leading to hidden beaches and crystal-clear lagoon pools. Learn about the island’s unique flora and fauna, including protected shellfish beds and endemic wildflowers. Refresh with a seaside picnic of Galician empanadas wrapped in waxed paper.

Return by boat at dusk to witness a fiery sunset painting the sky over the Rías Baixas. Dine at a waterfront restaurant back in Sanxenxo, sampling the day’s fresh catch prepared with olive oil and garlic. Toast to a day of adventure under the cloak of a star-studded night.

Drive or bike to the nearby village of Combarro, famous for its granite hórreos and narrow cobblestone streets. Wander through the historic port area, admiring centuries-old granaries perched on stone pillars. Pop into artisan shops to watch craftsmen carve wood and sculpt mini hórreos.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch of pulpo a la gallega at a terrace overlooking the fishing boats bobbing in the harbor. Join a quick workshop to learn how to tie traditional Galician fishing nets. Saunter along the waterfront promenade, snapping photos of colorful boats and medieval chapels.

Sample pintxos and local wines at a cozy bar in the village center. Savor flamenco guitar and traditional Galician dance performances in a restored manor house. Breathe in the salty sea air one last time before heading back to Sanxenxo.

Head inland to the rolling vineyards of Rías Baixas for a greenhouse Albariño tasting tour. Walk among vine rows trained on trellises, learning about the region’s unique Atlantic climate. Chat with winemakers as they explain harvest techniques passed down through generations.

Participate in a blending workshop where you craft your own Albariño cuvée under expert guidance. Feast on a gourmet farm-to-table lunch featuring seasonal vegetables, local cheeses, and artisanal bread. Stroll the estate’s herb gardens, inhaling the scent of fresh rosemary and thyme.

Return to Sanxenxo for a tapas crawl along the harborfront, pairing small bites with house reds and bubbly cava. Engage in friendly conversation with locals who share stories of the sea and the land. Wind down the day with a gentle stroll along the marina lit by lanterns.

Begin at Punta Sardiñeiro for a coastal hike offering sweeping views of rocky cliffs and hidden coves. Listen to the rhythmic crash of waves against the shoreline as you navigate well-marked trails. Keep an eye out for dolphins or seabirds diving into the surf below.

Descend to a secluded cove for a picnic of Galician octopus salad and fresh fruit. Bask in the sun or explore tide pools teeming with starfish and sea anemones. Return along the clifftop path stopping at a lighthouse to learn about the area’s maritime history.

Dine at a nearby chiringuito serving grilled sardines and patatas bravas. Sip on a cold beer or a glass of Albariño al fresco. Watch as the sun dips into the horizon, turning the Atlantic into a canvas of fiery colors.

Stroll into Mercado de Sanxenxo as vendors set up stalls bursting with fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables. Chat with fishermen delivering their morning catch straight from the boat. Purchase premium ingredients for a hands-on cooking class later in the day.

Join a local chef in a sunlit cooking studio to prepare traditional Galician tapas like empanadas, zamburiñas, and tortilla española. Learn knife skills, seasoning secrets, and plating techniques. Sit down to enjoy your creations paired with a tasting flight of local wines.

Head to a lively tavern where live bagpipes and percussion accompany a communal feast of Spanish omelet and grilled meats. Sample regional cheeses and quince paste while swapping travel tales with fellow diners. Conclude the evening with a stroll through Sanxenxo’s illuminated streets.

Drive south to the archaeological park of Santa Tegra perched atop Monte Santa Tegra. Trace the ruins of a Celtic hillfort while panoramic views reveal the border between Spain and Portugal. Read interpretive panels that bring to life the daily lives of ancient inhabitants.

Enjoy a picnic lunch with Galician chorizo, cheese, and crisp local apple cider on a stone bench overlooking the forested valley. Browse the onsite visitor center’s exhibits, including pottery shards and reconstructed dwellings. Hike a secondary trail to discover hidden chapels and hermitages.

Return to Sanxenxo for dinner at a seaside brasserie featuring shellfish platters and garlic prawns. Walk along the illuminated pier as fishermen haul in their nets. Savor the gentle hum of nighttime harbor life before retiring for the night.

Head to Playa de A Lanzada for a kayaking adventure through dune-lined estuaries and tidal channels. Receive a safety briefing and paddling tips before launching into the calm waters. Glide past marshes alive with birdlife, including herons and oystercatchers.

Pull ashore on a secluded spit of sand for sunbathing and a beach picnic of local sandwiches and citrus fruits. Explore the dunes on foot, discovering resilient plant species adapted to the salty wind. Return to your kayak for a leisurely paddle back as the tide shifts.

Celebrate with a beachfront barbecue organized by local guides, grilling fresh fish and vegetables over an open flame. Share stories around a bonfire under a canopy of stars. Toast marshmallows or sip hot chocolate as the night air grows cool.

Spend a relaxing morning indulging in a leisurely breakfast at a café overlooking the marina. Choose freshly baked croissants, Galician yogurt with honey, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Plan the afternoon’s activities using insights gleaned from locals.

Visit a nearby artisanal distillery to sample local liqueurs like Queimada and orujo. Learn about folkloric traditions behind the famous fire ritual and taste a shot steeped in local mythology. Wander the quay to browse souvenir shops stocked with handmade ceramics and textiles.

Board a sleek sailboat for a sunset cruise around the Ría de Pontevedra, admiring the coastline bathed in golden light. Enjoy a multi-course Galician feast onboard featuring octopus, shellfish rice, and a rich crema catalana paired with regional wines. Disembark feeling enriched by the aromas, flavors, and tales of Galicia.