Immerse yourself in the O Morrazo Peninsula, one of the most beautiful regions of the Rias Baixas in Galicia, Spain
The O Morrazo peninsula is located in Pontevedra, Galicia Spain this peninsula is formed by the municipalities of Cangas, Bueu, Marín, and Moaña, and separates the Ria de Vigo (Vigo Bay) from the Ria de Pontevedra (Pontevedra Bay). Just of the coast of the peninsula, you will find the Cíes Islands and the Islands of Ons protecting the mouths of the bays, a natural Atlantic park paradise.
If you are looking for a place to unwind and enjoy food and wine in its purest essence, then you must visit the O Morrazo Peninsula. Here you can taste the rich Galician gastronomy, the best seafood of the Rías Baixas! Apart from the amazing seafood on this peninsula, you can taste other artisan-made products like; the Goat Cheese in Moaña, Bread and Empanada pies made with black cornbread "Millo-Corvo" in Bueu, etc... pairing with the local artisan naturally brewed beer or wines which are part of an established wine region. IXP Ribeiras do Morrazo, is a Spanish geographical indication for Vino de la Tierra (Wines of the land) wines. Vino de la Tierra is one step below the mainstream Denominación de Origen (Appellation of Origin) indication on the Spanish wine quality ladder and mirrors the Vins de pays of French wine.
Sit back on its beautiful white sandy beaches, soak in the landscape that will leave you speechless, topped with historical-artistic monuments you can visit dotting the peninsula.
Follow the footsteps of the curious Pilgrims that crossed over the hills of O Morrazo to Pontevedra. The Camino de Santiago (St. James way) does not have a route that includes this area, but there are some records of pilgrims taking a variation of the coastal way of St. James. Legend says the pilgrims cross by boat to Cangas where they stopped at the Ex-collegiate church of Santiago de Cangas, then followed thru the hills to Santiago de Ermelo, where there is a Santiago Cross there today built in the 50's after that onward to San Xulian in Marin ending in Pontevedra which would hook up with the Portuguese way to Santiago de Compostela.
Here are some of the best places to visit, things to do, and taste while on vacation on the O Morrazo peninsula:
The fish market, old quarter, and Masso old Factory of Cangas
A charming little town that will captivate you for its beautiful beaches and fishing history, like the impressive old Massó canning factory an imprint of the past. In the morning a must-visit is the market of Cangas that will give you a good idea of all the different types of fish and seafood that are caught in the area, apart from other local produce. Take a stroll thru the historic quarter with the ex-collegiate church of Santiago de Cangas e Islas Cíes. Along the promenade of the village, you will arrive at the golden beach of Rodeira, one of the largest and with the best access from the town centre. But if you prefer to enjoy the wild water you will have to get to the beaches along the jagged coastline like; Limens, Nerga, Melide, etc..
The Romanesque Church of San Andrés and Wayside Cross of Hío
Erected in the 12th century, at the height of the Romanesque period, as it can be derived from the elements retained from that time: the main front and the aisle walls. The tympanum is occupied by a huge San Andrews cross, and a series of trusses ornamented with iconic figures appear in its cornice. Standing by the church is the Wayside Cross of Hio, considered to be the best wayside cross in Galicia, it was sculpted in 1872 from one solid block of granite by José Cerviño García and Ignacio Cerviño Quinteiro.
Donon the village on the tip of the peninsula with amazing beaches and a lighthouse trail along the Costa da Vela, Cabo Home and O Facho
This small village is at the very tip of the peninsula offering excellent views of the coastline and Cies Islands. A great place to spend some time on the beaches like Barra and Melide. Take a walk along the trails stopping at the lighthouses to admire the views. It is an area open to the Atlantic sea, although protected by the Cies Islands in front. The history of this area dates back to the Celts & Romans a reminder of this is the Monte do Facho with an ancient stone lighthouse from the 17th century believe to have an old version in this very same place. In this village, you could taste some of the local seafood at one of the restaurants offering the delicacy, Percebes (Gooseneck Barnacles) among other locally caught fish and seafood.
Moaña's A Fraga trail, Goat Cheese and Mussels
Located in the north of Vigo Bay, a beautiful town rich in gastronomy, especially noted the mussels that are farmed and harvest on the platforms called Bateas on the bay. Like the other villages on this peninsula, there is a market and beaches, plus a green woodland trail that follows along the river Fraga. You will see some old flower mills some still even in use to make the cornbread of the area that goes so well along with the Goat cheese produced in the area! A must-see for the best panoramic views of the village and the bay of Vigo is at the vantage point at the Cruz de Paralaia (Cross of Paralaia)
Bueu, Pulpo and the Masso History Museum
Bueu, a fishing town is famous for Pulpo (Octopus) and has the Pulpo festival every year. Here is where the Masso family arrived from Catalonia bring to life the salting and canning industry of the peninsula. In what used to be part of the old factory the have a small museum dedicated to the history of the Masso family and has a collection of navigation instruments, old documents, books, curious objects, models of historic ships, etc.. From here you can also take the ferry boats to the islands of Ons.
The Military Navy Port of Marín
Especially known for the Naval Military School located in front of the island of Tambo and for having a beautiful natural space, the Cotorredondo park where you can find Lake Castiñeras, a place to enjoy nature. As well as having important megalithic monuments, petroglyphs, and churches of great historical value such as Santa Maria’s church.
The Enchanted Forest of Finca do Frendoal in Aldán
In the small town of Aldán there is a mysterious country house known as Torre de Aldán that was owned by the Counts of Canalejas, who were important landowners in this region. People say that this enchanted forest was their recreational farm, where they use to go for walks, play, and hunt.
Our food experts have chosen the best tour operators offering tours with food, wine, walking holidays in O Morrazo. You can check our full list of top food tours to O Morrazo and recommended boutique hotels in the sections of the travel to O Morrazo destination guide.
Population: 82,445