Mussels and cockles are the kings of the menu
Fish and shellfish have always been the local sustenance In Vilanova de Arousa (Vilagarcía de Arousa). For this reason, those people who have cooked and enjoyed this food for as long as they can remember are the best ambassadors of these dishes. The ría of Arousa is rich in cockles, harvested when the tide is low, and in mussels, cultivated inbateas (floating structures in the sea). In fact, the rías are a perfect environment for this bivalve, which converts Galicia in a worldwide exporter of this mollusc.
Accompanied by the rising and falling of the tides, you can enjoy these delicacies when the dusk falls. They can be prepared in different ways: steamed, with vinaigrette, marinated, etc. In this event, beginning in the second week of August, you can taste these or other shellfish, as well as different local dishes.
What to see and do in Vilanova de Arousa
Apart from enjoying this food festival, there are other activities you can do to make the most of your visit. Some suggestions are discovering the house of O Cuadrante , a manor house where the famous writer Ramón María del Valle-Inclán was born; and visiting the churches of A Pastoriza or San Cibrán or the Encarnación Chapel.
A stop at the viewpoint in the Lobeira Hill or a walk through O Esteiro (a natural space where the mouth of the Currás River is located) in Vilanova de Arousa are also good options.
