Vilanova day 3
Taking Vilanova de Arousa as a base port again, we recommend a day devoted to visiting the main points of interest in the Salnés region. Here are some of the most iconic places, but there’s plenty more to choose from.
Morning
1. Caldas de Reis
After starting the day with breakfast overlooking the sea in one of our eating establishments, you will take the car to Caldas de Reis, a reference point on the Portuguese Way of St. James, which is about 20 minutes from Vilanova. Here you can enjoy a pleasant walk through its historic centre, where the main points of interest are the Burgas Fountain and the Bermaña Bridge. You can complete this visit with a tour of the Botanical Garden and the Carballeira (oak tree), which have been declared a Picturesque Site and Historical Garden, as well as a Cultural Heritage Site (“BIC” in Spanish).
2. Barosa
Towards the end of the morning, we recommend that you travel about 10 minutes by car to the Barosa River Nature Reserve. Here you will see a magnificent waterfall surrounded by 17 waterwheels that are arranged over a height of 30 meters. The spot is easily accessible and has parking nearby. You will enjoy a pleasant walk with the sound of water in the background – you can even walk along a small trekking route that coincides with a section of the Portuguese Way of St. James. You can also take the opportunity to have a drink at the bar located at the foot of the waterfall or to have a small picnic.
Afternoon
3. Pazo Baión
The beginning of the afternoon will be marked by food and wine in another of Vilanova’s leading wineries. Less than 20 minutes from Barosa is Pazo Baión, which offers various types of wine tourism experiences, between 1 and 2 hours. You can enjoy a walk through its vineyards and get to know its benchmark wines paired with food products. Remember that to enjoy this activity, you must make a reservation in advance on the winery’s website or by contacting by phone.
5. Cambados
Before returning to Vilanova, you can visit the neighbouring municipal district of Cambados. The must-see is the Plaza de Fefiñáns, dating from the 17th century and declared a historic-artistic site. The Church of San Benito and Pazo Fefiñáns will welcome you with their centuries-old charm.
Also not to be missed is the walk through the streets of Cambados, passing by the Ruins of the Old Church of Santa Mariña Dozo, declared in 2014 as the third most important funerary monument in Spain and included among the most significant in Europe. Then move on to the Tower of San Sadurniño, whose beauty becomes more prominent at sunset. These remains will take you back to the time of the Viking invasions, being one of the few remains from the time. In addition, this spot also served as a lighthouse to guide ships coming into the port.
After this intense day, and less than 15 minutes by car, you will return to Vilanova de Arousa for a well-deserved rest after a jam-packed day of discoveries.
