Routes, beaches and legends in Ons Island
Visit this breathtaking island in the National Park and discover its magical sandy areas and its seaside houses
The Archipelago of Ons, in the town of Bueu (region of O Morrazo), closes the Estuary of Pontevedra with a coastline punctuated by beaches and a spectacular view of the steep cliffs.
In the village you can visit the district of Caño with its typical fishermen's houses and hórreos (granaries on pillars). The different trails take us up to the vantage point O Centolo, which offers a stunning view of A Lanzada beach and gorgeous sunsets over Sálvora island.
don't miss ...
- District of Caño
- Lighthouse route
- Area dos Cans beach
- Vantage point O Centolo
The hell hole
Following the trail around the island, you will also encounter the over 30 m deep buraco do inferno (hell hole), where it is said that condemned souls can be heard lamenting their sins. During great storms, the sea crashes against the rocks, making the howls seem never-ending.
Area dos Cans beach is home to the anthropomorphic tomb of A Laxe do Crego, a rock which you can access depending on the tides, and which probably owes its name to a grave dug in the Middle Ages for a priest.
Despite the lack of documentary evidence or physical remains of a monastery, there must have been a community of hermit monks here (as was customary on other Galician islands), demonstrated by the toponymy of the sarcophagus.
At two at night the light on Ons is cut off. In the almost ferocious gloom, it is all too easy to believe such stories… However, we also must not forget the famous raio verde (green flash), an optical phenomenon that can be observed as the sun sets. However, only a few people have had the privilege of seeing it.
Many people consider the Ons Islands to be the most ‘untamed' in Galicia – a paradisiacal place full of magic and charm
We also recommend walking the lighthouse route: Setting off from the district of Curro (which is where all the services available on the island can be found), you will discover - in addition to the church - three restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wines.
Continue through the fishing district of Caño, admiring the wonderful views and observing the cemetery and old church along the way. The route continues through the Chan de Pólvora pine forest (there is a campsite here), before ascending to the district of Cucorno situated 128 m above sea level – the highest altitude on the island. The lighthouse is situated here, but access is not permitted. Even so, you can delight in the beautiful panoramic view of the coast (from Monte Louro, to the Muros Ría to the north, all the way to Cabo Silleiro in Baiona to the south).
