O Grove is best explored through its tidal landscapes and maritime history: the Ramsar-listed Complexo Intermareal Umia-O Grove includes O Grove and covers 2,561 hectares. Along the peninsula’s outer coast, the Complexo Ons-O Grove protected area extends between Reboredo and San Vicente do Mar. It also includes the tidal plain of the Ensenada de O Vao, the island of A Toxa and the beaches of O Grove. The area is designated as a Ramsar site and a ZEPA (Special Protection Area) and is suitable for birdwatching.
Coast, dunes and viewpoints
Praia da Lanzada lies on the western side of the O Vao isthmus. Its belt of dunes forms O Grove into a peninsula; Kentish plovers nest in the beach sand. At Con da Siradella, the namesake peak reaches 165 metres. A wooden viewpoint offers a 360-degree panorama of the isthmus and A Lanzada beach.
The landscape can also be explored on two routes with different profiles. The flat Paseo de Beiramar, about one kilometre long, runs from near the O Grove bus station to the bridge to Illa de A Toxa. The approved, linear Con Negro PR-G 116 hiking route is 3.8 kilometres long and passes through rocky terrain, woodland and beaches. For a coastal trail, try the PR-G 115 Ruta do Adro Vello, which passes sandy beaches and the former Salgadeira de Barcela saltworks. Most of the route runs through the Complexo Ons-O Grove Natura 2000 protected area.
Archaeology and maritime history
The Adro Vello archaeological site lies near O Carreiro beach. It contains the remains of a Roman villa, a salt pan or saltworks, and other historic settlements. The site is fenced off and closed to the public.
The Salgadeiras de Moreiras preserve the structure of a former saltworks with a distinctive portico. The complex includes a fishing and salting museum displaying objects connected with maritime life. The Museo SalazĂłn de Moreiras is an ethnographic museum dedicated to fishing and salting, with more than 1,000 objects. Alongside the archaeological remains, it highlights more recent maritime work as part of local history.
Enjoy nature and get out and about
The Sendeiro de Pedras Negras passes numerous coves where seabirds live and breed. The route is suitable for birdwatching; bird presence is seasonal and may vary. The Aula de la Naturaleza A Siradella organises guided visits to Monte Siradella and its protected natural landscape. If you are planning a guided visit, check the latest booking details.
A Lanzada offers a range of water sports: diving, bodyboarding, windsurfing, surfing and stand-up paddleboarding. Which activities are possible also depends on the conditions. On A Toxa, the Aldea de los Grobits features small houses, some partly set into the ground, as well as swings, slides and other play equipment for children. A Toxa is also still home to donkeys, which are an additional attraction for visitors and locals alike. The number of animals and the chances of seeing them may change.
Auction and boat trip to the mussel rafts
On weekday afternoons, visitors can watch the fish and seafood auction at the O Grove fish and seafood market for free from a designated viewing area. Check the latest visitor conditions before you go. Another way to learn about mussel farming is to take the Ruta de los Mejillones catamaran trip departing from the port of O Grove. It visits mussel rafts, has underwater viewing windows, and includes mussels and a drink. As operators and services may change, check what is currently included before booking.
Another leisure option is Casino La Toja, which combines gambling with dining and cocktails and has an event space. The current events programme may change.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Reboredo, San Vicente De O Grove, Meaño, Rodeiro, Covelo, Soutomaior, Bamio, Aldán.
For the broader travel overview: Pontevedra.
