In Soutomaior, architectural history, gardens and river scenery come together with experiences along the Ría de Vigo. Castelo de Soutomaior, the viewpoints at A Peneda and trails to waterfalls offer a range of cultural and scenic highlights. There are also opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, beaches along the Ría and an oyster festival in Arcade. This lets you shape your trip around your own interests instead of trying to fit everything into a set itinerary.

Castelo de Soutomaior: History and Gardens

The original Castelo de Soutomaior dates back to the 12th century. The castle stands about 119 metres above sea level and overlooks the Río Verdugo valley as far as the Enseada de San Simón. Its 35-hectare grounds include native woodland, vineyards, orchards and a botanical park.

The castle’s botanical garden is part of Galicia’s Camellia Route and has held International Camellia Garden of Excellence status since 2012. The camellia garden O xardín de camelias con nome de muller was created in honour of notable women in history, science, the arts and society. Its first planting was Camellia japonica ‘Maria Vinyals’, named after the writer and Spanish feminist pioneer María Vinyals, who was born at the castle.

The “O bosque” circular trail also takes you through the gardens, passing the San Caetano chapel and a small stream, with views along the way. Visitors can observe a variety of wildlife in the woodlands, cultivated areas and gardens. Staged tours of the historic gardens portray María Vinyals, Emilia Pardo Bazán and Coco Chanel. The programme may change; check which tours are available before your visit.

You can explore the castle independently, without a guided tour. Tickets are available online or at the on-site ticket office. As ticket conditions may change, check the current options before your visit.

A Peneda and Its Views

Parts of the defensive walls of the Castrizán fortress, dating from 1477, remain at A Peneda. The sanctuary of Virxe de Nosa Señora de A Peneda dates from the mid-17th century. A Peneda offers expansive views of the Ría and the neighbouring municipalities. The site brings together several layers of history: the 15th-century fortress walls, the 17th-century sanctuary and views of the landscape around the Ría.

Rivers, the Camino de Santiago and Waterfalls

The Río Verdugo and Río Oitavén meet near A Ponte Colgante. The section of the Río Verdugo near Soutomaior is fully navigable; its calm waters are suitable for canoeing and kayaking without any particular difficulty. A ponte de Pontesampaio has ten arches and eleven piers and is 144 metres long. The main Camino de Santiago route from Portugal passes through Soutomaior from the south, crosses this bridge and continues towards Pontevedra.

At the Fervenzas de Aranza, a narrow path leads down to a mill, where the first waterfall is located. Below it are several cascades, each five metres high, and several pools. A description from 2021 notes slippery, unmarked sections; check trail conditions locally.

Ría de Vigo and Festa da Ostra

Soutomaior has two fully equipped and accessible beaches on the Ría de Vigo. At low tide, the tidal flats of the Enseada de San Simón are exposed; they are rich in shellfish, including oysters from Arcade, as well as waterbirds. This landscape offers a different focus from the castle and gardens: here, the Ría and its wildlife take centre stage.

The annual Festa da Ostra is a gastronomic festival in Arcade recognised as being of tourist interest, and takes place on the first weekend of April. You can sample oysters farmed along the shores of the Ría de Vigo. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates.

Start planning by choosing the experiences you want to shape your stay in Soutomaior.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Arcade, Arbo, Cotobade, Portela, Nigrán, Baiona, Ramil, Pontecesures.

Return to the main travel guide: Pontevedra.