Free walking tours in Vilagarcía de Arousa and what to see

Must-sees

Vilagarcía de Arousa is the largest town on the Arousa estuary and a good starting point for exploring the Salnés. Its centre is easy to walk, between the Praza de Ravella, the shopping streets and the seafront promenade, which follows the port to A Compostela beach, the largest in the municipality. In the Vista Alegre quarter stands the manor of the same name, Renaissance in origin and joined by an arch to the former Augustinian convent.

Outside the centre, Carril and Vilaxoán deserve a visit, two seafaring parishes with their own harbours. Carril is known for its clam beds and its views of the island of Cortegada, part of the Atlantic Islands National Park, which holds a laurel forest. To see the estuary from above, climb to the Cruz de Xiabre viewpoint. Inland are manor houses such as Rubiáns, surrounded by vineyards and camellias.

Free tours and guided visits

Vilagarcía does have free walking tours of the centre, a pay-what-you-like way to get to know its streets and its history tied to the port and the estuary. In some seasons the National Park also runs free guided visits to Cortegada, with limited places. The town also works as a base for trips around the Salnés, with stops in Cambados, O Grove or the island of A Toxa.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the centre, the seafront and Vista Alegre. If you add Carril, Vilaxoán and the Xiabre viewpoint, allow a full day. With two or three days you can use Vilagarcía as a base and explore the rest of the estuary, from the Albariño wineries of the Salnés to the beaches of O Grove. In summer book ahead, as the area fills up.

Where to stay

The most practical area is the centre, near the seafront and the railway station, from where you can do everything on foot and have good links to Santiago and Pontevedra. If you prefer a quieter, seafaring atmosphere, Carril and Vilaxoán have places to stay by the sea. Inland there are manor houses and rural houses surrounded by vineyards, a good option if you have a car.