Have you ever heard of Pontevedra? The small riverside town is part of the pretty area of the Rías Baixas, which translates into Lower Bays, and is located in the southwest of the Spanish region Galicia and is worth the visit.

What makes it quite pleasant is that the old town is entirely pedestrian, so there is no noisy traffic. Instead, find yourself easily lost in the historic center, enjoying the beautiful buildings, streets to walk through, and the pretty plazas (squares) with their bars and terraces.

This place is perfect for: Family Travel / Couple Travel / Solo Travel

Best months to visit: June / July / August / September

There is no airport in Pontevedra. However, there are four airports that you can fly to that are all relatively close. In this guide, I show you how to get to Pontevedra from the nearest airport in Vigo.

From Vigo Airport

Vigo Peinador Airport is the closest airport to Pontevedra, about 30 kilometers away. Take the bus Vitrasa L9A (approximately 20 minutes) to get into the city center. The frequency is every 30 minutes, except for Sunday mornings when the bus passes only every hour.

Get off at Travesia de Vigo, and take the bus L4C or L23 to the Vigo bus station. The bus company Monbus has buses available every hour that drive to Pontevedra.

Bus schedule Vitrasa L9A

Bus schedule L4C

Bus schedule Monbus

By Car: The distance between Vigo-Peinador International Airport (VGO) and the city center is 30 km, and the journey takes about 30 minutes if you decide to go by car ➔ Rent a car

#1 Peregrina Square

Peregrina Square (Galician: Igrexa da Virxe Peregrina) is quite famous in Pontevedra’s historical center. It connects the old town with the city’s new area, and many people pass through this square. Here, you can expect a lively atmosphere. Peregrina Square is considered the city’s heart, and you will find many shops, bars, and cafés to hang around.

What makes this square unique is its symbolic pilgrim church, the Iglesia de la Virgen Peregrina. It is dedicated to all walkers who pass through Pontevedra doing the Portuguese Camino. Make sure to go inside this beautiful church. 

#2 Praza Da Leña

The Plaza de la Leña, located in the historic center, is a gorgeous and typical Galician stone square that deserves several visits.

This place tends to get quite crowded in the afternoon, especially with good weather, as it is popular amongst locals and tourists. If you want to come for lunch or dinner, I suggest booking a table.

#3 House Where Valle-Inclán Lived

Ramón María del Valle-Inclán was a Spanish novelist. One of his most remarkable novels is Tyrant Banderas  (1926). The Galician writer lived in this house while he was studying high school, and it was here that he wrote his first book, The Collection of Feminine Love Stories (1897). You can also find a statue of the writer in Madrid! The building is located on one of Pontevedra’s most beautiful squares, Praza Das Cinco Rúas, where five streets meet.

#4 Basilica Of Santa Maria A Maior

The catholic church Real Basílica de Santa María a Maior is the city’s main church and dates from the 16th century. The western facade, as seen here in the photo, is beautiful to watch. It has a wide staircase to access the gothic-style church.

The surroundings of the church are pretty, too! Many green spaces invite you for a break right next to this emblematic building.

#5 Ruins Of San Domingos

The Ruins of San Domingos (Galician: Ruínas de San Domingos) is an interesting site to visit in Pontevedra. The Gothic temple dates back to the 13th century and is the remains of a Dominican order. Today, only the head and the convent entrance are still preserved.

You find this place only five minutes away from the Pilgrim Church.

#6 Burgo Bridge

The medieval Burgo Bridge (Galician: Ponte do Burgo) is the original symbol of Pontevedra and crosses the Lérez River. The stone bridge was rebuilt over the centuries and is of Roman origin. It dates back to the 12th century! Since 2020 it has been entirely pedestrian.

I recommend spending some time by the bridge and enjoying the view. There is a promenade that invites you for a pleasant walk. And you can also take lovely photos from here!

For all those doing the Portuguese Way, you will walk across this bridge to Santiago de Compostela. Pay attention to the details; the bridge’s pavement incorporates small blue lights that mark the Portuguese Way, and you will find carved pilgrim shells between the arches!

Tip: Visit the bridge at night, as it has beautiful lighting

#7 Sculpture Park

In 1999, the Island of Sculptures (Galician: Parque Illa das Esculturas / Illa do Covo) became an open-air museum, and it is a pretty green park where one can disconnect and enjoy contemporary art and nature. It is also known as Covo Island, or, as a Gallego would call it, Illa do Covo.

On your walk through the park, you will find many fascinating sculptures: a pyramid, a labyrinth, and a pedestrian footbridge that crosses the Lérez River.

It is located a bit outside the historic center, but worth the visit – especially on a sunny day!

Pulpo a la Gallega: A typical dish you will find everywhere in the region is the Galician-style octopus. The “Pulpo a la Gallega” consists of cooked octopus, potatoes, paprika, salt, and olive oil and is served on a wooden board. It is typical to eat this dish with small chopsticks.

Lamprea: You can find it in many restaurants in Pontevedra as it is a popular dish. The lamprey fish is cooked in its blood with a good splash of local red wine.

Pimientos de Padrón: They are one of the best tapas in Galicia. The green peppers are served fried with sea salt sprinkled on top of them.

Browse through the list below for some of the most notable museums to visit in Pontevedra, and check entrance fees, opening hours, and location.

If you have some spare time during your stay, you should consider visiting nearby sites. The places below are perfect for a day trip and will enrich your holiday!

• Visit the village Combarro, famous for its more than 50 granaries
• Visit Vigo, the city that has one of the largest fishing ports in Europe
• Escape to Ons Island, which is part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park

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Thank you so much,

Anja