Named after its capital city, the Province of Pontevedra hugs the Atlantic Ocean in the Spanish community of Galicia. It’s home to spectacular landscapes that range from rugged mountains to offshore islands, as well as historic cities overflowing with museums. Pontevedra is renowned for its abundance of shellfish and Albariño wine.
Things to do in Pontevedra
Whether you’re seeking archaeological treasures or sun-drenched beaches, the Province of Pontevedra won’t disappoint.
Stroll the streets of Vigo. Watched over by a 17th-century fortress, Vigo is an important trade hub with beautifully preserved buildings and public parks. Admire the Neoclassical-style Church of Santa Maria and stroll through the lively Plaza de la Constitucion before getting your cultural fix at the Museo Quiñones de Leon. Ethnographic exhibits are the focus of the Museo Liste, while the MARCO hosts changing exhibitions of contemporary art.
Explore the Castro de Vigo. Nestled on the slope of its namesake mountain, this archaeological site preserves what was once the largest city in Galicia. It offers insight into life in the area between the 2nd century BC and the 3rd century AD, with several reconstructed castreño buildings that were typical of the period. From the top of O Castro Mountain, there are magnificent views across Vigo’s walled city and its estuary.
Escape to the Cies Islands. Forming part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, this sun-drenched archipelago lies at the mouth of the Ria de Vigo, just off the coast of Pontevedra. Its rugged cliffs, dunes and beaches provide an important habitat for birdlife, with petrels, pelicans and Iberian guillemots regularly spotted here. Boat cruises access the islands of San Martiño, do Faro and Monteagudo, with the latter home to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Playa de Rodas.
Getting around Pontevedra
Vigo International Airport is the main aviation gateway to the Province of Pontevedra and has flights to destinations across Spain. The larger Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport is an hour away. Trains connect to major towns and cities throughout the Province of Pontevedra while buses serve smaller destinations.