Galicia Tourist Guide 2018

Cíes Islands

Golf course. Illa da Toxa. OGrove

Mariscadoras

Discovering the Rías Baixas

The Rías Baixas are a top summer destination for many Galicians. Blessed with a temperated climate, fishing villages like Boiro, Ribeira, Marín, Combarro, and Cangas all boast beaches with sun-kissed sands . Across the water from them is the Atlantic Islands of Galicia Na- tional Park, which can be reached by boat. You can go visit some of the islands and their tranquil beaches and protected flora and fauna. There are several groups of shell- fish gatherers that you could accompanyon their route through the shell-fishing grounds in the Arousa, Pontevedra or Vigo rías. There, they extract clams and cockles to sell at the markets.

Located in valley of O Salnés , Cam- bados is one of this region of Galicia's most elegant manors. Surrounded by grapevines that pro- duce wines with the Rías Baixas designation of origin , take a walk through the town's historic centre to admire the stately homes and majes- tic Pazo of Fefiñáns. A visit to the Salazones de Morei- ras in O Grove, where they salt fish, will teach you a great deal about fish- ing and shell-fishing. The trays where they cultivate mussels and other molluscs are part of the landscape in the Rías Baixas. If you sail around them,youcanseehowpeopleworkout on these platforms.

Continuing along the coast, you will reach Combarro . The traditional hórreos , which were used to store ag- ricultural harvests, are located on the side facing the sea; behind them you will find the fishermen's houses. The granite and wood used to build both constructions combines to create an attractive little town. Just a few kilometres away is Pontevedra , which is home to one of Galicia's most beautiful historic centres. Take a leisurely walk through its streets and plazas, making sure to stop off at the Museo Pro- vincial [Provincial Museum] to admire its collection, which in- cludes a sizable sampling of Galician artwork.

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