What to see and do
1
Traslatio/Route of the Sea of Arousa and River Ulla
The port of Vilanova de Arousa is the starting point of this singular sea-river route that takes us to Santiago de Compostela, sailing along the Sea of Arousa and Ulla River, following the itinerary of the Apostle’s boat.
During the trip, while enjoying the “ria” or estuary, we will get a close-up view of the platforms where Galicia’s famous mussels are cultivated and discover the 17 stone crosses that mark the sea-river Way of the Cross that guides this Camiño de Santiago.
On reaching the Ulla River, we will pass by the impressive remains of the Torres de Oeste, in Catoira, a fort that defended Compostela from attacks by Vikings, Normans and Saracen pirates. Every year, in early August, an impressive festive re-enactment of those invasions is held here. The route ends in Pontecesures, after going up the final stage of the Ulla River through wetlands of great natural value, which form part of the Natura 2000 Network.
2
Historia of Valga Museum
The history of Valga is linked to two outstanding, singular figures: the pro-Galician politician and historian Xesús Ferro Couselo (1906-1975) and the Belle Époque singer and dancer Agustina Otero, known worldwide as La Bella Otero (1868-1965). Both of them are very much present in this modern building that features the municipality’s main values and characteristics, while devoting an entire floor to each of them.
3
Valle-Inclán House-Museum
Also known as “Casa do Cuadrante,” it features a significant part of Valle-Inclán’s work and other publications related to his life, as well as manuscripts of other documents linked to the life and administration of Vilanova de Arousa. It likewise houses original furniture and the characteristic household goods of a middle-class Galician home in the mid-19th century.
Undoubtedly, the Salnés region and its famous Albariño wine form the heart of the Rías Baixas. In Vilanova we will be able to enjoy the most exquisite wine tourism, giving us the opportunity to live a genuine sensorial experience.
4
Wine tourism for the senses
From these two singular locations, both on Monte Lobeira, we will be able to enjoy wonderful views of Ría de Arousa, the Salnés region, the Barbanza area, the Isle of Ons, etc.
5
Monte Lobeira and Faro das Lúas viewpoints
6
Torres do Oeste Cultural
Activation Centre
This singular building and its surroundings, very close to the Torres do Oeste, feature everything we know about the Vikings’ presence in Galicia, especially in this region. Here we will find detailed information about the Nordic culture, the “Torres” (Towers), the Viking Festival and a genuine Viking longship.
7
Lamprey Festival
They say that you either love it or hate it. Which explains why some call it the queen of the river while others describe it as a monster. In any case, Pontecesures is one of the best places for appreciating this singular animal, a delicacy that is very popular around the feast of “San Lázaro” (St. Lazarus).
Still standing after 2,000 years, it dates from the 1st c. AD. This beautiful example of Roman engineering was and is a crossroads and a witness to history. With twelve sturdy arches in perfect condition, the evidence suggests that it was originally several kilometres long.
8
Roman bridge of Pontecesures
This is a network of well-maintained sites of great natural and scenic interest that we can visit at our leisure. It is made up of the singular Mina Mercedes Lagoon, the Vilarello river beach, the Irmáns Dios Mosquera Park, the Monte Beiro viewpoint and the Parafita and Raxoi waterfalls and waterwheels. Five places that are not to be missed.
9
Valga Eco-Museum
10
Viking Festival and Torres do Oeste
The remains of an impressive defensive fort that was built to protect Santiago de Compostela from Barbarian invasions, the present-day Torres do Oeste become internationally renowned every first Sunday in August thanks to the Viking Festival.
This festival, which has been held 1960, attracts thousands of visitors every year due to its singular “festive invasion” and the growing interest in the Nordic culture, linked to our history and to Compostela.
4
Wine tourism for the senses
Undoubtedly, the Salnés region and its famous Albariño wine form the heart of the Rías Baixas. In Vilanova we will be able to enjoy the most exquisite wine tourism, giving us the opportunity to live a genuine sensorial experience.
5
Monte Lobeira and Faro das Lúas viewpoints
From these two singular locations, both on Monte Lobeira, we will be able to enjoy wonderful views of Ría de Arousa, the Salnés region, the Barbanza area, the Isle of Ons, etc.
6
Torres do Oeste Cultural
Activation Centre
This singular building and its surroundings, very close to the Torres do Oeste, feature everything we know about the Vikings’ presence in Galicia, especially in this region. Here we will find detailed information about the Nordic culture, the “Torres” (Towers), the Viking Festival and a genuine Viking longship.
7
Lamprey Festival
They say that you either love it or hate it. Which explains why some call it the queen of the river while others describe it as a monster. In any case, Pontecesures is one of the best places for appreciating this singular animal, a delicacy that is very popular around the feast of “San Lázaro” (St. Lazarus).
8
Roman bridge of Pontecesures
Still standing after 2,000 years, it dates from the 1st c. AD. This beautiful example of Roman engineering was and is a crossroads and a witness to history. With twelve sturdy arches in perfect condition, the evidence suggests that it was originally several kilometres long.
9
Valga Eco-Museum
This is a network of well-maintained sites of great natural and scenic interest that we can visit at our leisure. It is made up of the singular Mina Mercedes Lagoon, the Vilarello river beach, the Irmáns Dios Mosquera Park, the Monte Beiro viewpoint and the Parafita and Raxoi waterfalls and waterwheels. Five places that are not to be missed.
10
Viking Festival and Torres do Oeste
The remains of an impressive defensive fort that was built to protect Santiago de Compostela from Barbarian invasions, the present-day Torres do Oeste become internationally renowned every first Sunday in August thanks to the Viking Festival.
This festival, which has been held 1960, attracts thousands of visitors every year due to its singular “festive invasion” and the growing interest in the Nordic culture, linked to our history and to Compostela.
