What to see in Pontevedra
Pontevedra, a charming city located in the Galicia region of northwest Spain, is a tourist destination not to be missed. With its rich history, its well-preserved old town and its location next to the beautiful Rías Baixas, Pontevedra offers a unique experience. From Viajeros Canallas, in this blog we'll tell you about the must-sees and must-do's in this fascinating Galician city.
A tour of the Old Town of Pontevedra
We will begin our tour of Pontevedra in its old town, one of the best preserved in Galicia. Strolling through its cobbled streets will take you back in time. Discover the Plaza de la Leña, surrounded by bars and restaurants where you can taste the delicious Galician gastronomy. Don't miss the Basilica of Santa María la Mayor, an impressive Gothic church that stands in the heart of the city.
The Alameda of Pontevedra
La Alameda is a beautiful park located in the centre of Pontevedra. This is the perfect place to relax, take a leisurely stroll and enjoy nature. Stroll along its wide paths, admire its statues and sculptures and discover its beautiful gardens. Moreover, from here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lérez river and its surroundings.
Pontevedra Museum
If you are a lover of art and history, the Pontevedra Museum is a must-see. This museum houses an impressive collection ranging from Roman times to contemporary art. Explore its rooms and admire its sculptures, paintings and archaeological objects, which will allow you to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the region.
Virtual tour of the museum
But the key question is, what to see in Pontevedra beyond the museum? You'll be glad to know that the city is full of historical and cultural attractions.
La Plaza de la Ferrería and the Casa de las Caras (House of Faces)
The Plaza de la Ferrería is another outstanding place in Pontevedra. Here you will find the Casa de las Caras, a building with a very peculiar façade decorated with numerous faces carved in stone. This place has become a symbol of the city and is an obligatory stop for visitors.
Visit the Shrine of the Pilgrim Mother
The Santuario de la Peregrina is a beautiful baroque church dedicated to the patron saint of Pontevedra. Its façade and interior are impressive, and the place has great religious and cultural importance for the city's inhabitants. In addition, the famous Fiesta de la Peregrina is held in August, a festival full of tradition and folklore.
Routes through the Rías Baixas
Pontevedra is located in the region of the Rías Baixasknown for its stunning coastal landscapes and its estuaries. Make the most of your visit to take a boat trip and discover the beauty of the Rías Baixas.
Discover the Illas Atlánticas Natural Park
If you are a nature lover, you cannot miss the Illas Atlánticas Nature Reserve, which includes the Cíes, Ons, Sálvora and Cortegada Islands. These islands are true natural paradises, with white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and a great diversity of flora and fauna. You can take a boat trip
Bridge of Los Tirantes
The French Bridge of Los Tirantes is one of the most recognisable symbols of Pontevedra. This modern pedestrian structure connects the city with the island of Sculptures and offers spectacular views of the river Lérez. Strolling across the bridge and enjoying the scenery is an unforgettable experience.
Walk along the river Lérez
One of the distinctive features of Pontevedra is its location next to the river Lérez. Take a pleasant stroll along the river and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds it. The river walk will take you through beautiful parks and gardens, offering you a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the city and the bridges that cross the river.
What to eat in Pontevedra
The city of Pontevedra is also known for its rich gastronomy and deep-rooted culinary tradition. Here you can enjoy a wide variety of delicious dishes that will make you salivate. We leave you with some of the most emblematic dishes and local products that you cannot miss during your visit to Pontevedra, and if you want to know more about the best places to eat in Pontevedra, we leave you this post where you will discover the 9 best places to eat in PontevedraWhen you have the chance to do the Portuguese Way, you already know where to eat in Pontevedra.
Fresh seafood and fish
Thanks to its privileged location by the sea, Pontevedra is famous for its excellent selection of fresh seafood. Order a mariscada, an assorted seafood platter, which includes prawns, mussels, clams, spider crabs and much more. You can also enjoy fish such as turbot, sea bass or Galician-style octopus, an iconic Galician dish.
Galician Empanada
Galician empanada is another essential dish in Pontevedra. It consists of a bread dough filled with different ingredients, such as tuna, meat, vegetables or seafood, and then baked to obtain a delicious combination of flavours. It is an ideal dish to enjoy at a picnic or as a snack during your visit.
Galician octopus
Galician-style octopus is a traditional Galician dish that you can't miss in Pontevedra. It is octopus cooked tenderly and then cut into slices, seasoned with olive oil, paprika and coarse salt. This dish is usually served on a wooden board and is a real treat for seafood lovers.
Tetilla cheese
Galicia is known for its excellent cheese, and Tetilla cheese is one of the most outstanding. This conical-shaped cheese with a creamy texture is made from cow's milk and has a mild, slightly acidic flavour. You can enjoy it on its own or as part of a cheese platter with quince jelly and nuts.
Albariño Wine
Pontevedra is located in the Rías Baixas wine region, known for producing one of the most prestigious white wines in Spain: Albariño. This wine is characterised by its freshness, its fruity aroma and its balanced flavour. Accompany your meals with a good Albariño wine and experience the perfect combination of flavours.
Santiago Cake
You can't leave Pontevedra without trying the famous Tarta de Santiago. This delicious traditional dessert is made with ground almonds, sugar, eggs and lemon zest. It is characterised by its moist and smooth texture, and is usually decorated with the cross of Santiago in icing sugar. It is the perfect finishing touch to a traditional Galician meal.
Pontevedra is a vibrant destination that captures the hearts of all who visit with its beauty and diversity. However, it is natural to wonder What to see in Pontevedra?. Our advice is to start with its old town, one of the best preserved in Galicia, where history comes alive at every turn. Don't forget to visit the majestic Basilica of Santa María, the iconic Puente del Burgo bridge and, of course, its busy Plaza de la Peregrina square.
We hope this post has inspired you to discover the must-see places in Pontevedra, one of the stages of the Camino de Santiago Portuguese and immerse yourself in its rich culture. Whether you are an art lover, a natural adventurer or a passionate foodie, Pontevedra has something for everyone. So don't hesitate to plan your next visit to this charming city and experience unforgettable moments.
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