At the summit of As Rías Baixas

The ascent to the highest point of the Costa da Vela rewards travellers with a breathtaking view of the Cíes and Ons on the horizon. O Facho can boast one of the most spectacular and photographed sunsets in As Rías Baixas. It rises to a height of 184 metres and bids farewell to the sun next to one of the most important archaeological sites in the province of Pontevedra.

From the top of A Picaraña you will enjoy a formidable panoramic view of the region of O Condado and the castle of Sobroso. Legend has it that at the top, at an altitude of 387 metres, Pedro Madruga had a fortress which was later demolished by the Catholic Monarchs. The chapel of A Santa Cruz, built in 1907, still stands at the top.

The Santa Trega viewpoint provides a unique image in Galicia, a 360-degree panoramic view of the natural border between Galicia and Portugal. Its altitude of 341 metres allows you to observe the confluence of the waters of the river Minho with the Atlantic Ocean just a few metres from one of the best-preserved pre-Roman settlements in the country.

One of the most impressive views the Cíes Islands offer visitors is the panoramic view over the Vigo estuary from the lighthouse viewpoint, 178 metres above sea level. The 4-kilometre route from Rodas beach takes just over an hour and a half to reach the summit. The final zigzagging section is one of the steepest and most recognisable points on the Galician coast.

It is the highest point on the O Grove peninsula and the best alternative for contemplating the Arousa estuary and the Atlantic Ocean. It also offers a complete view of the inlet of O Bao, on the isthmus of A Lanzada, a national reference point for bird watching. At the summit there is a Nature Interpretation Centre and a children's leisure area.

Vigo's peculiar orography places the viewpoint of O Castro hill in the city centre, which offers a complete panoramic view of the Vigo estuary with O Morrazo in front and the Cíes Islands on the horizon. You have to cross the walls of the old fortress to reach this spectacular enclave that overlooks the fishing port and the Town Hall tower. It is 149 metres above sea level.

From this viewpoint and the Alto de Guillade viewpoint you can easily observe the valley and the meanders of the Miño river, which at this point makes a turn of almost 360 degrees. From the top you can see the bridges between Filgueira and Cortegada and the village of Crecente. In autumn, the ochre colours of the abundant trees create an almost mystical atmosphere.

From the mound known as O Con do Forno there is a spectacular panoramic view over the town centre of A Illa and a large part of the Arousa estuary. It has become one of the busiest spots on the coast of the province in summer and has housed a stone figure of the Heart of Jesus "The Saint" since 1962. The ascent is a pleasant 20-minute walk from the centre.

The overwhelming beauty of this watchtower at an altitude of almost 630 metres will leave an indelible mark on your memory. It provides a spectacular view of the Miño and Louro river valleys. Its highest point is at the top of San Xiao, which has a small hermitage from 1713 built on top of a Romanesque temple.

This pyramidal mound offers dream views of the Vigo estuary, with Rande and San Simón Island as protagonists. It climbs up to a magical spot. Legend tells of an underground tunnel that connected this 329-metre-high mountain with the castle of Soutomaior. This secret route was used during the War of Independence to send reinforcements in the fight against the French.

This strategic natural enclave is a delight for the senses as it offers an exceptional snapshot of the entire Arousa estuary, including the coast and the interior. Perfect for cycling, another option is to go by car and do the last stretch on foot. The climb up to almost 300 metres will be rewarded with a fabulous sunset.

In Silleda we find a waterfall of about 30 metres high that makes a deep impression when seen from the top of the viewpoint of O Toxa. This enclave surrounded by dense forests of oak, chestnut and cork oak trees is a natural balcony overlooking one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Galicia.

Enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Galicia from the Trasmañó mountain in Redondela. It is located more than 250 metres above sea level, but can be easily reached by driving to the foot of the hill. At the top there is a bench with the inscription "Galiza. It's different" that made this spot go viral. Enjoy a sunset over the Vigo estuary with views of the Cíes Islands or San Simón Island.

The parish of Domaio, in Moaña, has inaugurated one of the most impressive panoramic viewpoints in As Rías Baixas, located 600 metres above sea level. When it is clear, it is possible to see the three estuaries of the province of Pontevedra. It is an easily accessible place to visit with the family and enjoy a unique setting, where the Chan da Arquiña dolmen is located.

The new viewpoint of O Couto das Forcadas is located in the forest park of A Fracha, in A Canicouva, and enjoys privileged views of the Pontevedra and Vigo estuaries. Pedestrian and cycle paths have also been installed in this recreational area of the municipality of Pontevedra, which has become a kind of "balcony" overlooking the estuaries.

A few metres from the lighthouse of Cape Silleiro, going up from the road that connects Baiona with A Guarda towards the old military barracks, we find a wooden viewpoint built on a set of large rocks and with spectacular views. From the platform, located about 100 metres above sea level, you can see the Cíes Islands, Monteferro, the Monterreal peninsula - where the Baiona Parador is located - and, on clear days, the Costa da Vela and the Arousa estuary.