10 Things to See in O Grove (and Surroundings)

Caribe Gallego or Galifornia, call it what you like, but the O Grove Peninsula is one of the top destinations for a trip to Galicia. Are you planning a cultural and culinary visit to this little Galician corner? Here we tell you the best things to see in O Grove (and surroundings). The must-do plans that you cannot miss! And yes, it includes indulging in a fantastic seafood feast

We declare ourselves in love with this area. Rober spent his summers here as a child, last year we had a fantastic week, and in 2021, taking advantage of our stay in Sanabria, we decided to return for a few days to recharge our batteries in the best way: with dreamy sunsets and great seafood. Because O Grove is famous for its prized seafood.

In fact, this town is known as >, and one of its most important events of the year is the O Grove Seafood Festival, which coincides with the Feast of the Pilar and where seafood is obviously the main star.

Keep in mind that O Grove is the name of both the municipality and the peninsula where it is located. In this article, we will discuss the places to visit throughout this beautiful peninsula, which, although not large, houses some really cool spots.

Ready to explore one of our favorite places in Galicia with us? Let's go:

At the northeastern tip of the Peninsula, we will start our route in the town of O Grove, where we could spend a morning discovering its charms. Visit the Fish Market, the Confín beach with its curious sculpture of a woman who has lost her head (though you won't take long to find it), stroll along the promenade, pass by the Town Hall, and of course, end your stay with a fantastic seafood feast.

Whenever we go, we opt for Taberna Lavandeiro, but remember to make a reservation before you go (even several days ahead). They have seafood platters with lobster for €70 and with crab for €50. Big, delicious, and the staff is very nice. If you have room left afterwards, order cheesecake

From the port of O Grove and from other nearby ports, several tourist boats set sail to navigate the Ría de Arousa, which can be an ideal plan to do in O Grove with kids. But how can this activity be improved? Easy: with a tasting of Galician mussels yum! The ride is affordable (around €15-20) and lasts a little over an hour.

-> You can go directly to one of the offices of the companies offering this tour at the port, or book online the boat ride through the Ría with mussel tasting.

Tip: we just discovered this tour that also ends with a fantastic seafood feast and a queimada We think it offers a great value for money.

Separated from O Grove by a bridge of just 300 meters, the Isla de la Toja is synonymous with mansions, soaps (who doesn't remember the scent of Magno gel from their childhood baths?) and of course, hot springs. Its Spa is one of the most famous in Spain and symbolizes the transformation of an island that was once used mainly for grazing into the jet set bubble of Galicia in the 20th century.

In true Hollywood style, you can take a mansion route along Rúa da Condesa. And although they are a bit more modest than those of big American stars, they are still a bit enviable. Among the famous people who have houses here are Amancio Ortega, the Calvo family (yes, the one who makes canned goods), the brothers of Adolfo Domínguez, the president of ONO, or the owner of Hesperia hotels.

But there are more things to do on Isla de la Toja... like taking a photo with one of the most unusual churches in Galicia, which is completely covered with scallop shells, trying your luck at the Casino, taking a boat ride through the Ría, or strolling through a pine forest until you reach the Aldea dos Grobits, the Galician version of Hobbiton. A great plan that kids (and not-so-kids) will enjoy.

-> Bonus: if you prefer, join this free tour of La Toja.

With fine, beautiful golden sand, La Lanzada Beach is the most famous in the area (and undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Galicia), but with its 3 km length, even in summer, you'll find a little spot for yourself. We always make time to come, even if it's just to enjoy the sunset, one of the most magical moments you'll have while traveling through these lands.

Furthermore, the beach is perfect for everyone: families with children, couples, and even those wanting to do more than just lie around on the beach... La Lanzada is a great beach for surfing, and if you're a complete beginner, don't be shy, as there are schools offering beginner courses, check it out.

But we already told you our favorite plan is to come here at sunset: when the beach is deserted, or almost, you will get to experience an unforgettable moment. It's better if you bring a beer to enjoy sitting on your towel, or if you do it from a beach bar in the area, like Kiosko Alegre (try the grilled sardines) or Pé Na Praia with a more extensive menu of both food and cocktails.

Very close to there is another must-see in O Grove, and a perfect alternative for viewing a sunset: the Ermita de La Lanzada. Last year we stayed in a little house right next to this 17th-century hermitage, so every night we had a date with it.

There is a legend surrounding this hermitage whereby any woman who wishes to become pregnant should come to this point, enter the sea, and let 9 waves pass over her belly. There are 3 key dates: June 21, June 23 (San Juan), and the last weekend of August when the pilgrimage of the Virgen de La Lanzada is celebrated.

By the way, you can also see an ancient and curious castro with the remains of a necropolis. It is open to the public and can be visited, although to be honest, the Castro de Baroña or that of Santa Trega are on another level. But while you're there, take a stroll.

As you can imagine, there's a good handful of beaches to see on the O Grove Peninsula where you can spend a few hours relaxing. Here are some of the most beautiful:

This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in the O Grove Peninsula. When you walk along this path that runs along the coast, you will be transported instantly to the Seychelles... We're not exaggerating: you will pass through semi-deserted beaches with huge light-colored rocks reminiscent of the paradisiacal beaches washed by the Indian Ocean via a wooden walkway. However, the water here is much colder

The walk is almost 2 kilometers and easy. We started at the southern tip, next to the San Vicente Nautical Club, and made it to the end at Playa de Canelas. Pay attention to the sculptures you encounter along the way, one of the most beautiful represents the volunteers who tirelessly cleaned up after the Prestige ecological disaster.

If you have more energy, you can continue along the path to reach an old military battery with a very curious rusty cannon, still belonging to the Ministry of Defense (in fact, it has a perimeter that marks this military area, which is now practically unused).

If it's a rainy day or you simply want to learn more about the traditions in this area, a good plan is to visit this ethnographic museum, with exhibitions and displays related to the work and life of Galician fishermen. The museum is divided into 7 sections: salting process, fishing gear, shellfish harvesting, hermetic preservation, riverside carpentry, rope making, and navigation devices.

Admission costs €2 (adults) and €1 (children). It's closed on Mondays. It might be worth checking the hours on the official website.

Along the road that borders La Lanzada Beach, next to the Complexo Intermareal Umia-O Grove, there are several birdwatching points. Did you know this is one of the Galician areas most frequented by birdwatching enthusiasts?

In the area, you can see over 200 different species of birds, including the Eurasian oystercatcher, the Canarian gull, the curlew, and the Balearic shearwater. More info here.

There's no better place to overlook the O Grove Peninsula from above than this viewpoint, located at over 150 meters above sea level, which will allow you to perfectly see the entire area. However, what's most striking isn't what you can see in the distance, but the colossal rock that dominates the viewpoint.

To access it during peak season, you'll have to park next to a quiet picnic area surrounded by trees (a good place for a picnic) and from there walk the last stretch uphill.

The O Grove Peninsula is the perfect base to discover some of the most charming places of the Rías Baixas. Here are some ideas:

Of course, one of the best things to do in O Grove is to feast... And we're not talking about trekking boots. We've told you that O Grove is the seafood capital, so take advantage and enjoy the Galician gastronomy and its quality products.

In this post, we tell you some restaurants where to eat in O Grove and surroundings.

If you arrive by car in the town of O Grove, there is ample public parking throughout the port area and around the Municipal Market. It would be quite rare not to find a spot there (we never had any issues, even during peak season), but if that happens, take a stroll also along Avd. de Beiramar around the soccer field and Confín beach.

The first piece of advice we'll give you is to book in advance! This is one of the most visited areas in Galicia, and during peak season it can be a real challenge to find something good, beautiful and cheap. Or to find anything at all :-p

The second piece of advice is to leave you with a handful of accommodations that you will surely love:

And that's all, friend Although we're sure we've forgotten something. But we promise to return to keep exploring the O Grove Peninsula and its surroundings. We hope this article is useful and that you have a fantastic trip. Oh! And don't forget to check out all our posts about Galicia

Do you know more things to see and do in O Grove and its surroundings?