The estuaries
Paradise and pantry
The coast of the province of Pontevedra has three spectacular estuaries dotted with cliffs, islands, ports, mountains, beaches and dreamlike landscapes that make it a perfect place for all kinds of visitors.
The estuaries of Vigo, Pontevedra and Arousa are an idyllic setting for relaxation, with more than fifty blue flag beaches , and also the province's marine larder. From its waters the fishing fleet and shellfish gather the best fish, molluscs and crustaceans in the world, delicacies of excellence ready to be tasted in just a few hours in the restaurants of As Rías Baixas.
From passing sailors to sporadic visits from the interior, As Rías Baixas are generous and offer those who visit them an unforgettable experience.
Aerial view of the Cíes Islands
The Arousa estuary is the largest of the three and is characterised by the presence of numerous islets and reefs that act as natural breakwaters. The area located in the protected area of the O Grove peninsula stands out, in the inlet that forms part of the Umia-O Grove Intertidal Complex, an ideal place for birding enthusiasts.
This estuary is favourable for anchoring boats and is an ideal place for recreational sailing, allowing all kinds of nautical activities to be practised. Blue flag beaches dot its coastline, and in its waters more than 2,300 rafts, two thirds of those in As Rías Baixas, produce the prized mussel.
Cortegada, opposite Vilagarcía de Arousa, is part of the Atlantic Islands National Park and has an exceptional laurel forest. A Illa de Arousa is a paradisiacal environment with a beautiful and wild natural park (O Carreirón) and idyllic beaches.
Boat harbours in Vilanova de Arousa
The Pontevedra estuary has the most regular layout of the three. The river Lérez, which bathes the provincial capital, is the most important river that flows into it.
There are several islands in the estuary, including Tambo and Ons. The latter is part of the Atlantic Islands National Park and is an exceptional natural enclave, with beautiful beaches and cliffs. The estuary bathes the southern coast of the region of O Salnés and the northern coast of O Morrazo, strips of coastline dotted with numerous blue flag beaches.
This estuary stands out for its biological richness and its very high productivity due to its abundance of nutrients, good lighting and the movement of its waters.
The Vigo estuary, which owes its name to the largest city in Galicia, located on its southern shore and with one of the most important fishing ports in the world, stretches out like a marine spear, narrowing as it moves further inland.
From the Rande bridge, from where you can see how the traditional rafts float in line, the estuary opens up again to form the San Simón inlet. One of the greatest naval battles in history took place in the Strait of Rande in 1702, in which the Anglo-Dutch navy defeated the Spanish-French fleet. The sinking of the galleons gave rise to stories of formidable treasure, a legend that Jules Verne recorded in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
At the mouth of the estuary, like a stony ship stranded in the ocean, are the famous Cíes Islands, one of the most beautiful landscapes in Galicia and the flagship of the Atlantic Islands National Park.
