Free walking tours in Meis and what to see

Must-sees

Meis is a rural municipality in the Salnés, the largest in the area, spread across parishes among Albariño vineyards and hills. Its big visit is the monastery of Armenteira, founded in the 12th century and still home to Cistercian nuns. The Romanesque church, with a large rose window on the façade, keeps a later cloister, and the monastery's surroundings are one of the most peaceful corners of the area.

From Armenteira, the Ruta da Pedra e da Auga, the Stone and Water Route, is a trail of about six kilometres that follows the river Armenteira down towards Ribadumia. It passes restored water mills, small waterfalls and a hamlet with stone sculptures recreating traditional Galician life. Above the monastery rises Monte Castrove, with prehistoric remains and wide views over the Arousa estuary.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Meis. The usual format is to explore the monastery of Armenteira and the well-signposted Stone and Water Route on your own. Many pilgrims pass through on the Spiritual Variant of the Portuguese Camino, which links Armenteira with the estuary. If you want guided visits, the most practical options are trips around the Salnés from Pontevedra, Cambados or Vilagarcía, which usually include Albariño wineries.

How long to spend

An hour is enough for the monastery and its surroundings. If you walk the Stone and Water Route, allow half a day, bearing in mind it is linear and you need to get back to the start. With a full day you can add Monte Castrove and a visit to a Salnés winery, finishing in Cambados or on the coast.

Where to stay

Meis has mostly rural houses and small places to stay, some around Armenteira and others among vineyards, ideal if you want calm and have a car. Choice is limited, so book ahead. If you cannot find a room, Cambados, Vilagarcía de Arousa and Pontevedra are very close and have much more variety, as does Sanxenxo in summer.