Things to do in Rías Baixas
Our most recommended things to do in Rías Baixas
1. Rías Baixas: Boat Trip, Mussels, Wine, and Winery Visit Tour
Stop at O Grove Town, the perfect village for spending time in tranquility, and experiencing the sensations of the real and genuine Galicia. Enjoy the rural atmosphere away from tourism and have a pleasant break and Galician meal. Take a walk through the vineyards of the very prestigious Albariño. Have the opportunity to learn about the production of this excellent wine as well as engage in a tasting of three wines of the denomination Rias Baixas in good company. Next, stop at the shrine of "la Lanzada." Get a full overview of this mystical place, established in the 9th century, and take a beautiful walk. Cross part of the bay of Poio, and see beauty contained on a giant rock upon which it is built. See the granaries that surround it, the houses overlooking the sea, and the several stone crosses typical of Galicia, called Cruceiros, which are on the site. Tour the characteristic streets and squares of this place, and have the possibility to take a real and authentic journey through time, as well as visit an area of great ecological value. Next stop at the island of Toja, famous for the production of soap and for its hot springs, located in an area called Red Natura 2000. Discover a small museum of the old soap factory and a chapel completely covered with shells. End with a tour of the sea, during which you will admire and face directly the production of mussels, oysters, and scallops, making different stops to contemplate the watering holes. Taste steamed mussels in great quantity accompanied by one of the best local Albariño wines (Condes de Albarei) and shots of Crema de Orujo.
2. Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour
Skip the line and discover the Romanesque architecture of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela with a guide. Explore the Cathedral and its museum and see the last stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Admire the beautiful interiors of the cathedral on 4 floors and learn about the construction and destruction of the cathedral throughout the centuries. See notable features of the cathedral, such as the Chapel of Relics, the Royal Pantheon, the Treasury, the Chapter Library, the Botafumeiro, and the Obradoiro balcony. If you choose the Portico of Gloria option, your guide will wait for you in Plaza do Obradoiro so they can explain more about this Romanesque masterpiece and the legacy of Maestre Mateo.
3. Ría de Arousa: Boat Ride to Mussel Farm with Tasting
Embark on a cruise in the Rías Baixas and learn how mussels are cultivated on this guided tour of a mussel farm with tastings. Disembark from the Port of O Grove and cruise along the picturesque Ría de Arousa. Visit the cultivation parks (also known as Bateas) with a guide, where you'll discover how mussels, oysters, and scallops are farmed. Back on board, enjoy a tasting of steamed mussels, accompanied by wine, water, or soft drink, all while you explore the bottom of the sea through the boat's underwater vision.
4. From Santiago: Rías Baixas Galicia Seafood & Wine Day Tour
Enjoy a day trip from Santiago de Compostela and discover the best of Rías Baixas. Immerse yourself in Albariño wine and Galician seafood. Enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the estuary and learn about mussel, oyster and scallop growing at the best place of Europe for that. At the first stop, take a walk along local vines of Albariño grapes and learn about the production of this wonderful white wine from local guides of one of the most exclusive cellars in the region. After the visit, taste 3 amazing varieties of Albariño wine which can´t be found in normal markets or restaurants, wines which are sold at the best restaurants of Europe and the most exclusive markets of the world. Move onward to one of the most spectacular beaches in Galicia, the beach of La Lanzada. Travel back in time to the 10th century to get acquainted with its history and legends. Next, the island of La Toja waits for you with its thermal history and interesting industrial past in making Spain's best soap. Discover the world of shellfish breeding on a cruise. Sail on a route passing through countless "bateas" from where the best mussels, oysters and scallops come from. Eat as many mussels as you wish, freshly picked from the water and boiled in albariño wine. All this is accompanied by as much white local wine as you want, soft drinks, water and liqueur shots. Then make your way to the beautiful village of Combarro, built on a giant rock and dotted with "horreos", fishermen's houses and lots of stone crosses. Take a walk through tiny streets, squares, and an area of high ecological value. Centuries of history along stone streets, small shops and lots of beautiful bars and restaurants. Next, it's time to breathe in one of the only places of the Low Estuaries where we can find the native Galician forest. Enjoy the native nature of Galicia by a tiny river flowing through granite rocks and full of mills and small waterfalls.
5. O Grove: Ría de Arousa Catamaran Tour with Seafood Lunch
Explore the O Grove coast aboard a catamaran with a large deck. Savor fresh seafood paired with a glass of wine, water, and soft drinks. Stop at a pristine beach for a refreshing dip in the sea. Board the spacious and modern boat in O Grove. Settle in and enjoy views of the city as you depart on the Ría de Arousa saline estuary. Keep an eye out for the large variety of seabirds that frequent this lush landscape. Sit down to a lunch packed full of local flavors. Feast on steamed mussels, oysters with vinaigrette sauce, and shellfish rice. Savor a healthy dessert of seasonal fruits like juicy melon. Anchor at the edge of a magnificent beach on the coast of O Grove. Admire the views or hop in the water for a swim in the sea. Return to your meeting point in O Grove at the end of your tour.
6. From A Coruña: Rías Baixas Day Trip
Visit the region of Rías Baixas on this day trip from A Coruña. Take a guided tour in the historic center of Pontevedra, visit the fishing village of Combarro, and see the natural landscapes of Illa da Toxa. Also, enjoy a boat trip with a tasting of mussels and wine. The first stop of your day trip is in Pontevedra, where you will have a walking tour of its historic center. Wander through the city's pedestrian-friendly streets and see the Church of the Pilgrim Virgin, the Ruins of San Domingo, and many more important sites. After your tour head to Combarro. Arrive at the fishing village of Combarro and be charmed as you tour its cobbled streets and see the facades of its buildings. After your tour, leave Combarro and head to Illa da Toxa. Illa da Toxa is a popular travel destination, known for the Chapel of the Shells, the soap factory, and its natural landscapes. Take another guided tour and then take a boat trip through the Ría de Arousa. During your boat trip see the mussel rafts and enjoy a tasting of local quality wine and mussels. Make a stop in O Grove and have the opportunity to taste local dishes during your free time for lunch. Afterward, head to Cambados, the capital of Albariño, and one of the most important points of the Rías Baixas. Finish your day with a visit to an Albariño wine cellar, where you will taste 3 different varieties of wine. Learn the entire process of wine elaboration, labeling, and production.
7. Rías Baixas: Guided Day Tour from Santiago with Boat Ride
You'll depart Santiago de Compostela at 09:15 AM by bus for a 9-hour excursion to Rias Baixas, returning at around 07:00 PM. Detailed Itinerary Pontevedra: Visit the old town of Pontevedra and discover one of the best-preserved historic centers in Galicia. Founded in Roman times it was the main engine of the region for centuries. See the ruins of Santo Domingo, the Church of the Peregrina, and other monuments on a tour of the most interesting parts of the monumental area. Combarro: Stop to admire this picturesque town that's the perfect example of popular architecture, and features an abundance of granaries and stone crosses. Take a river boat ride with a visit to the mussel rafts and the island of Tambo. Enjoy mussels and wine onboard. Afterwards, you'll have free time for lunch. A Lanzada Beach: This is one of the most famous beaches in Galicia. Its fine sand, 2.5 kilometers (about 1.5 miles) of open water, amenities, and cleanliness make it worthy of the Blue Flag year after year. Cambados: Visit the Plaza de Fefiñanes, a charming space that's home to the 17th-century manor giving the square its name. See the arch bridge, the Church of San Benito, and a group of houses built in the popular architectural style.
8. Granbazán Winery: Guided Tour and Wine Tasting
Explore the Granbazán Winery on a guided tour that includes a tasting of its fine wines paired with typical Galician foods and the opportunity to unwind as you stroll throughout the vineyard. Discover the origins of viticulture in the Rias Baixas as your guide leads you around the complex. See the winery and vineyards and taste the wines accompanied by a traditional Galician aperitif. Enjoy a relaxing hike through the forest, past the rivers and mill routes, as well as numerous nearby points with great architectural and cultural value. Admire the beautiful landscapes that make this winery even more special.
9. Santiago de Compostela: Land of Legends & Meigas Night Tour
Through this night tour in Spanish you can discover Santiago de Compostela in a fun and different, magical and mysterious way. Get to know the main monuments of the old town while discovering all its mysteries, legends and secrets; meet her Meigas, spells and amulets; what is the Santa Compaña and the rituals to protect oneself from it; or the relationship of the Camino de Santiago with the Templars and the game of the goose. Starting in the Platerías Square, you'll discover numerous legends about Santiago and our history. You'll admire its impressive buildings and the secrets that this square hides. Next, you'll marvel at the impressive Obradoiro Square and Cathedral facade. Then you'll discover the door through which pilgrims entered the Cathedral in the Middle Ages, in the Azabachería Square. Here you'll learn the history of Meigas and other mysterious beings... And the amulets to protect you from them. You'll also know who the Templars were and the relationship with de Way of Santiago and the Game of the Goose. You'll also get to know streets that many people from Compostela do not even know, you can admire the city market building, mysterious cruises and legends, who's the Santa Compaña and how to protect yourself from it if you meet it... You'll finish the tour in the spectacular Quintana Square, where you can meet a mysterious ghost that appears when night falls… Do you dare to take this mysterious night tour?
10. Costa da Morte, Finisterre, and Muxía: Guided Coastal Tour
Start by taking a short walk along the medieval bridge of Pontemaceira, where pilgrims cross on their way to Finisterre. Continue to the sea and your second stop at Muxía. See the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Barca and the Holy Stones. Enjoy hearing legends and stories about this place from your guide. Move on to the famous Lighthouse of Finisterre. Have free time to enjoy the spectacular views, enter the lighthouse, or take a photo at kilometer 0 of the Camino de Santiago. Visit the village of Finisterre and get some restaurant recommendations from your guide. After your meal, stop and enjoy the waterfall of Ézaro, famous for being the only waterfall in Europe that flows directly into the sea. Stop at the Hórreo de Carnota, one of the 5 largest traditional granaries in Galicia. Learn about the importance of these structures from your guide. Enjoy a final stop at the picturesque fishing village of Muros.
Rías Baixas: Boat Trip, Mussels, Wine, and Winery Visit Tour
Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour
Ría de Arousa: Boat Ride to Mussel Farm with Tasting
From Santiago: Rías Baixas Galicia Seafood & Wine Day Tour
O Grove: Ría de Arousa Catamaran Tour with Seafood Lunch
Rías Baixas: Guided Day Tour from Santiago with Boat Ride
From A Coruña: Rías Baixas Day Trip
Santiago de Compostela: Land of Legends & Meigas Night Tour
Granbazán Winery: Guided Tour and Wine Tasting
From Santiago: Day-trip to Rías Baixas
Costa da Morte, Finisterre, and Muxía: Guided Coastal Tour
Santiago de Compostela: Private Walking Tour
Frequently asked questions about Rías Baixas
What top attractions are a must-see in Rías Baixas?
The must-see attractions in Rías Baixas are:
Galician Atlantic Islands Maritime-Terrestrial National Park
Pescanova Biomarine Center Museum
Lanzada Beach
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What are the best tours in Rías Baixas?
The best tours in Rías Baixas are:
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What are the best outdoor activities to do in Rías Baixas?
The best outdoor activities to do in Rías Baixas are:
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What are the best indoor activities in Rías Baixas for rainy days?
The best indoor activities in Rías Baixas for rainy days are:
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What are the best inexpensive tours in Rías Baixas?
These are the best activities when you are visiting Rías Baixas on a budget:
Santiago de Compostela: Walking Tour with an Official Guide
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What are the most popular museums and exhibitions in Rías Baixas?
These are the most popular museums and exhibitions in Rías Baixas:
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Top Attractions in Rías Baixas
1 Galician Atlantic Islands Maritime-Terrestrial National Park
2 Pescanova Biomarine Center Museum
3 Ría de Arousa
4 Lanzada Beach
5 Ponte Maceira
6 Lérez River
1 Rías Baixas Tours
2 Rías Baixas Activities
3 Rías Baixas Walking tours
4 Rías Baixas Guided tours
6 Rías Baixas Churches & cathedrals
7 Rías Baixas Culture & history
8 Rías Baixas Rainy-day activities
9 Rías Baixas UNESCO sites
10 Rías Baixas Museums & exhibitions
11 Rías Baixas Religious & spiritual activities
12 Rías Baixas Architecture
13 Rías Baixas Boats & yachts
14 Rías Baixas Cruises & boat tours
15 Rías Baixas Water activities
16 Rías Baixas Wheelchair accessible
17 Rías Baixas Day trips
18 Rías Baixas Outdoor activities
19 Rías Baixas Sailing trips & boat tours
20 Rías Baixas Sightseeing cruises
Other Sightseeing Options in Rías Baixas
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What people are saying about Rías Baixas
Awesome! Kudos to Alberto! Love his energy and passion to share the info. Such a storyteller!! He covered every single detail during the visit. He was generous to share tips for restaurants and more places to visit. I was very pleased with this tour and will highly recommend it also , he made it a fun experience!!
Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour Reviewed by Grecia, 11/25/2022
Great trip for the family! Unlimited fresh muscle on the boat, probably ate 2kg per person. It is a great opportunity to learn about Galician traditions.
Rías Baixas: Boat Trip, Mussels, Wine, and Winery Visit Tour Reviewed by Angela, 10/1/2022
Silvia is a super nice guide, she gives lots of information and anecdotes. I recommend 100%
Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour Reviewed by Jo, 10/1/2022
Tour maravilloso!!! Vale la pena hacerlo!!! La guía excelente!!!
Rías Baixas: Boat Trip, Mussels, Wine, and Winery Visit Tour Reviewed by Monica, 10/14/2022
This is a treasure and an experience worth having.
Ría de Arousa: Boat Ride to Mussel Farm with Tasting Reviewed by Alex, 10/11/2022