Things to do in Pontevedra | Spain - What to see and visit

Pontevedra is a picturesque city, with the majority of its historic center completely pedestrian and monumental, full of beautiful churches and large squares. I breathed quality of life there, and it’s no surprise that the city has won several international awards in that regard.

It’s worth noting that Pontevedra is not only the capital of one of the 4 provinces of Galicia, but also the capital of Rías Baixas and the capital of the Portuguese Pilgrimage Route to Santiago de Compostela. It is very close to the border of Portugal, so you may consider it as a crossing point to other great itineraries in Iberian Peninsula.

Have you heard of the Cies Islands, Vigo, Baiona, Sanxenxo or O Grove? All of these destinations are part of Pontevedra and offer many interesting experiences when visiting the north of Spain. While this article will focus mainly on the things to do in Pontevedra historic center, in the end I will also provide some cool tips on other places to visit in the province and on the whole region of Galicia.

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Where is Pontevedra located, in Spain?

Pontevedra is located in the Rías Baixas region of Galicia, as already mentioned, on the banks of the Lérez River, approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of the city of Vigo and 70 kilometers (43 miles) southwest of the regional capital, Santiago de Compostela. I also mention the distance between Pontevedra and the border of Portugal, which is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles).

Other useful articles in this blog:
1 - Things to do in Santiago de Compostela
2 - Things to do in Galicia
3 - Things to do in Vigo
4 - Visit the Ons and Cies Islands
5 - Things to do in La Coruna
6 - Things to do in Viana do Castelo
7 - Things to do in Braga
8 - Things to do in Porto
9 - Things to do in Guimarães
10 - Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
11 - Douro Valley Itinerary
12 - Trás-os-Montes Itinerary
13 - Things to do in Esposende
14 - Things to do in Barcelos
15 - Things to do in Arcos de Valdevez
16 - Things to do in Caminha
17 - Things to do in Valença
18 - Things to do in Monção
19 - Things to do in Ponte de Lima
20 - Things to do in Matosinhos
21 - Things to do in Vila do Conde
22 - Things to do in Póvoa de Varzim
23 - Things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia
24 - Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary

Location of Pontevedra in the north of Spain

How to get to Pontevedra, in Spain?

If you’re planning a trip to Pontevedra but haven’t booked your travel yet, I recommend using Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare prices and flight conditions before making a purchase. Flying there is an option because Galicia has 3 different airports, one of them being in Vigo, the other one in Santiago de Compostela, and the third one in A Coruña.

If you’re already in the region and looking for public transport options, there are trains and buses available. Check out Rome2rio website to explore possible routes to your destination. For example, you will find many trains from other locations of Spain with Renfe. Regarding buses check with ALSA or with Avanza or with MonBus.

That being said, car is not needed if you only plan to visit the main locations in Pontevedra, such as its historic center, Vigo or Sanxenxo / O Grove. However, I highly recommend you do visit more than just that, renting a car for a longer roadtrip in Galicia. Discover Cars is a great resource to compare prices and options from multiple car rental companies before choosing the best fit for your needs.

Take out Travel Insurance to visit Spain

To be protected against several types of travel hazards, I also recommend that you take out travel insurance for your stay in Spain, and I recommend to do it with World Nomads.

When to visit Pontevedra?

You can visit the historic center of Pontevedra at any time of the year, without exception. However, if you want to then head to the coast of the province, it’s best to visit during the warmer months to enjoy the beaches.

You can also choose to visit Pontevedra during its main annual festivities:

Maios Festival, related to the first flowers of spring. It is a Celtic-origin festival that is also held in Ourense, another city in Galicia. For example, I did not visit Pontevedra during this event, but I had the opportunity to visit Ourense during that time of year, and I loved the street decorations. 😉
The Pilgrim Virgin Celebrations in honor of the patron saint of the city, in August.
The Feira Franca, a medieval-style fair, in September.
El Entroido associated with the Ravachol Parrot. I will talk more about it later.
The Holy Week of Pontevedra.

Gastronomy in Pontevedra, what to eat?

You should go for fish or seafood, especially octopus or mussels.
Don’t miss out on trying the Galician Pie.
Dedicate yourself to discovering various types of tapas, so typical of Spain.

Restaurants in Pontevedra, where to eat?

Regarding good restaurants, I suggest the following:

Casa Fidel O’Pulpeiro
Restaurant Santa Clara
Restaurant Loaira

Accommodation tips to visit Pontevedra

Things to do in Pontevedra – City Center

I started my visit to the historic center of Pontevedra at Galicia Square. It was somewhere around there that I parked my car, and then I headed north towards Peregrina Square, passing on the way by the Nenos Fountain.

Nenos or Niños Fountain ("little children"), in Pontevedra — Nenos or Niños Fountain (“little children”), in Pontevedra

1. Sanctuary of the Pilgrim Virgin in Pontevedra

It is in Peregrina Square that the Sanctuary of the Pilgrim Virgin is located. The chapel dates back to the 18th century and is one of the most emblematic buildings in the city, perhaps due to its peculiar shape, narrow and quite tall compared to those around it. It is a chapel that stands out during a walk through the historic center of Pontevedra.

2. Loro Ravachol – Symbol of the Carnival of Pontevedra

“Loro” means parrot in English, and that’s exactly what it is: a statue of a parrot in Peregrina Square, right in front of the Sanctuary of the Pilgrim Virgin.

The famous Loro Ravachol lived in Pontevedra during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, being a pet of a pharmacist in the city. Due to his irreverence, the parrot became a symbol for the inhabitants, and every year the anniversary of his death is celebrated during the city’s carnival.

Why don’t you visit Pontevedra during the Carnival festivities and attend the “Burial of the Ravachol Parrot”?

3. Convent of San Francisco and Ferraria Square in Pontevedra

Just a few steps away from the parrot and the sanctuary are several other key attractions of the historic center of Pontevedra:

Ferraria Square.
The gardens of Casto São Pedro.
The Convent of San Francisco in Pontevedra.
And Estrela Square.

On Ferraria Square, every year on May 1st, the Maios festival is celebrated, giving thanks for the arrival of good weather and the first flowers of spring. This square is filled with flowers, and the same happens in other cities of Galicia.

The Convent of San Francisco in Pontevedra dates back to the 14th century and was founded by Saint Francis of Assisi when he walked the Portuguese pilgrimage route of Santiago de Compostela.

Convent of San Francisco in the background

4. Leña Square and Museum of Pontevedra

I continued down Figueroa road, where I found many people relaxing at the café terraces. It seemed like a very central and popular spot among the locals of Pontevedra, and the same goes for the beautiful Plaza de la Leña, where that street leads to: full of people!

The Museum of Pontevedra is also located in the vicinity.

5. Church of São Bartolomeu and Convent of Santa Clara in Pontevedra

The Church of São Bartolomeu was my next stop, followed by the Convent of Santa Clara and then the Pedreira Square and the Mugartegui Palace. The Church of São Bartolomeu is in Baroque style and is located on Sarmento road, which is quite central. The Convent of Santa Clara in Pontevedra is of the Order of the Poor Clares, founded in the 13th century, being located next to the old gate of the same name, which was the entrance to the old walled city.

6. Provincial Museum and Municipal Market of Pontevedra

The Provincial Museum of Pontevedra is also nearby and can be visited, although I did not do so, and instead headed to the Municipal Market of Pontevedra, also known as Abastos Market: a good place to shop for a longer trip through Galicia.

7. Statue of Valle Inclán

I returned to Sarmento road and came across a statue of Valle Inclán, which was something I also found in the Alameda Park in Santiago de Compostela, quite a coincidence.

In fact, Ramón María del Valle-Inclán was an important Galician writer, poet, and playwright who lived between 1866 and 1936. During my visit to Galicia, I found monuments and statues related to various illustrious figures associated with literature. It is curious how Spain so notably remembers these figures and does not allow us to forget them!

8. Bridges in Pontevedra: Burgo Bridge and Chains Bridge

I took the opportunity to explore more of the streets in the historic center towards Burgo Bridge, and then Chains Bridge. Both cross the Lérez river. Chains Bridge is more modern and recent, from the 21st century, and despite the historical bridge being the other one, this one is worth a visit for its peculiar appearance: it is very interesting to take a pedestrian walk along the sides of the bridge.

9. Basilica of Santa Maria Maior in Pontevedra

Only then did I decide to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Maior in Pontevedra, of which I highlight its main facade. The basilica has as its neighbor Alonzo da Fonseca Square where children were playing with scooters and skates around the fountain at the end of the square. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maior was influenced by the Portuguese Manueline style.

10. Treuco Square

I had already visited most places, just a few still remaining. Before going to the grand Alameda de Pontevedra, I visited Treuco Square and Curros Enriquez Square, and passed by the facade of the city theater. Treuco Square is named after the founder of the city, the Greek archer Treuco.

11. Alameda de Pontevedra and Ruins of São Domingos Church

At the top of the Alameda is the City Hall, and on one side next to the City Hall are the interesting ruins of the Church of São Domingos. I walked through the gardens of the Alameda to the big cross at the end, and then I visited the Vicente gardens before returning to the Galicia Square, where I started this itinerary in the historic center of Pontevedra.

Alameda de Pontevedra, with the gardens in the left

Map | Things to do in Pontevedra city center

Tours to visit Pontevedra city center

You can also take organized tours to visit Pontevedra, both the historic center and other places in the province. 😉 There are also tours to other places in Galicia from Pontevedra. I use Get Your Guide, Viator or Civitatis to book many of my travel tours, and these are two possibility I can recommend you to do: Pontevedra Private Tour (with Civitatis) or Morning Walking Tour (with Viator). Same travelers already did it, as you can see on their website. 😉

Things to do in Pontevedra surroundings

Near Pontevedra, you have countless incredible places to discover. Focus Santiago de Compostela and on Pontevedra and Vigo estuaries, and if you have the time, then decide to go to la Coruña, Lugo or even Ourense. 😉 I’m sure you will marvel at some places, such as the Cies Islands, Baiona, Facho de Donón, and even Combarro or Cambados.

Tours to visit Pontevedra Surroundings:
1 - Costa da Morte & Finisterre Tour
2 - Rias Baixas Tour
3 - Cies Islands Boat Tour
4 - Ria de Arousa Cruise + Mussel Tasting
5 - San Simón Island Excursion
6 - Ons Islands Return Trip
7 - Excursion to Rias Baixas (Boat with mussels and wine)
8 - Guided tour of Bodegas Granbazán
9 - Rías Baixas: Boat Trip, Mussels, Wine, and Winery Visit Tour

1. Visit Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela almost needs no introduction. It has a stunning cathedral, picturesque squares, and charming streets for an exceptional walk in a city rich in culture. It has something for everyone, and can be used as a base for many excursions to other areas of Galicia. Do not miss it, and be sure to check my article about things to do in Santiago de Compostela, to know more about the city!

THINGS TO DO IN SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Praterías Square in Santiago de Compostela

2. Visit more of Rias Baixas

Rias Baixas are a true treasure of Galicia, with a rugged coastline full of beaches, picturesque villages, and a rich gastronomy based on seafood and fish. Pontevedra is located in this region of Rias Baixas, as well as Vigo, Baiona, Sanxenxo and O Grove.

Take a tour of Vigo, Pontevedra and Arousa estuaries (with mussel tastings), discover the best viewpoints, and enjoy the most desirable beaches, such as Samil Beach or Lanzada Beach. Take a boat to the Cies Islands, which are as mandatory as visiting the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

I also fell in love with places such as the Mount of Facho de Donón, so be sure to hike to the top for incredible panoramas! Don’t forget to visit Vigo Castle, the fortress of Baiona, the viewpoint from Cotorredondo Tower, the granaries in Combarro, and of course Cambados, the historical capital of Albariño wine in Galicia. I also enjoyed walking on Paseo das Pedras Negras in O Grove.

THINGS TO DO IN VIGO

VISIT THE ONS AND CIES ISLANDS

Facho de Donón mountain, with view to the Cies Islands

3. Visit the Death Coast, Coruña and Finisterre

You can’t miss visiting the Death Coast (“Costa da Morte”), which has about 200 km of extension and is full of impressive cliffs, wild beaches, centuries-old lighthouses, and many other treasures worth discovering.

Many visitors travel to Galicia just to take a road trip along the Death Coast. I recommend that you do it too, considering the lighthouse route for a possible itinerary. The main attractions include the Finisterre Lighthouse, Carnota Beach, the Corrubedo Dunes Natural Park, and obviously the Tower of Hercules, upon arriving in the city of A Coruña.

4. Visit Lugo and Cathedrals Beach

Regarding the city of Lugo, its Roman walls with over 2 km in length stands out. In the northern part of the province you will find the most impressive and unparalleled rock formations in Galicia, located in the Cathedrals Beach, visitable during low tide.

5. Visit Ribeira Sacra Canyons and Ourense Thermal Baths

Ribeira Sacra will be another nature destination in Galicia, along the winding Sil and Minho rivers, where you can take boat trips through impressive canyons and deep valleys. There are plenty of incredible viewpoints to discover, several old monasteries and churches, and also hiking trails to walk.

Finally, I also highlight the thermal baths of Ourense. Some of them are paid, but you will also find totally free ones near the city center. 😉 A unique experience not to be missed in Galicia, after all, they are hot water pools, excellent for a dip even in the winter.

6. Visit the North of Portugal and the City of Porto

Portugal is my country! Whether you’re looking to explore the region’s historic cities, wander through picturesque towns, or hike through rugged mountains and valleys, there’s something for everyone in the North of Portugal, just 50km away from Pontevedra city center.

Here are just a few of the top things to do there:

Explore Porto’s Historic City Center: Porto’s city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with stunning architecture and colorful buildings. Visit the iconic Ribeira district, stroll along Douro River, and sample the city’s famous port wine.
Visit Douro Valley, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world. Take a river cruise, visit local vineyards and wineries, and enjoy the stunning landscapes.
Discover Braga’s History: Braga is one of the oldest cities in Portugal and is known for its rich history and stunning architecture. Visit Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, Braga Cathedral, and the medieval Castle and Historic Center of Guimarães.
Experience Peneda-Gerês National Park: This stunning national park is a paradise for nature lovers. Hike through the rugged mountains, swim in crystal-clear lagoons, and spot rare wildlife.
Enjoy the Local Cuisine: North Portugal is famous for its delicious cuisine, from fresh seafood to hearty stews and flavorful wines. Sample the local specialties, such as bacalhau (cod), cozido (meat and vegetable stew), and vinho verde (young, slightly effervescent wine).

Things to do in Pontevedra | Spain – What to see and visit