At an altitude of 550 metres, the Miradoiro de Cotorredondo offers views of several rías: Vigo, Pontevedra and Arousa. The Ensenada and the island of San Simón are also part of the panorama. Visitors wishing to explore Vilaboa on foot will also find routes with different themes, from the Way of St James to waterfalls, mills and petroglyphs.
Routes amid views, water and history
The section of the Way of St James in Vilaboa is 3.5 kilometres long. The route passes through the parishes of Figueirido and Bértola and by the Capela de Santa Marta, built in 1617. The Portuguese Coastal Way of St James is also mentioned in connection with Lago de Castiñeiras.
Another option is the circular PR-G 103 Sendeiro dos Petroglifos de Cobres. It starts in Areeiros and passes through a forest where petroglyphs can be seen on both sides of the path. A branch leads to the Mirador de Acuña. To reach the starting point, take the N-550, then the N-554 and the turn-off for Areeiros in Cobres.
Waterfalls and mills are the focus of several walking routes along the Río Maior. The route there includes the Fervenza de Tras do Río, as well as smaller waterfalls near its start and end. The PR-G Sendeiro dos Muíños de Riomaior passes 35 mills between the Casa da Cultura de Río Maior and Miguel Lois's mill in Bartáns. The mills retain stone walls, mill wheels, mill floors and water supply systems.
Salt pans and a tidal landscape
The Salinas do Ulló in Paredes consist of two adjoining rectangular basins built using a natural bay at the innermost end of the ría. The walls provide easy access to the Ensenada de San Simón. Salt production ceased in the early 1720s.
The Ensenada also shows the influence of the tides: they expose areas rich in mussels and other bivalve shellfish, as well as waterbirds. This stretch of coast brings together historic land use and a landscape shaped by the tides.
Archaeological traces and historic sites
Mámoa do Rei, also known as Chan de Castiñeiras, is designated as an archaeological zone. The passage tomb is badly damaged and lies within a three-metre-high burial mound. Cotorredondo Park contains archaeological sites dating from the Megalithic period and the Bronze Age, including burial mounds and petroglyphs.
The Cotorredondo recreation area has landscaped paths, numerous springs, children's play areas, tables and barbecue facilities. There is an important limitation to bear in mind when visiting Lago de Castiñeiras: although the area is considered easy to access, it is generally not accessible to wheelchair users because it is entirely natural. As conditions may change, check the current situation before your visit.
The history of individual buildings can also be dated. The Forno Caleiro de San Adrián opened in 1936 and remained in operation until the 1960s. The former Granxa das Salinas retains the remains of a chapel and a monumental granite hearth with a hood.
The Entroido de Cobres
The Entroido de Cobres is considered the only traditional carnival in Galicia whose main characters do not wear masks. Documentary evidence dates the festival to the 18th century; it was interrupted during the Spanish Civil War and in 2021. On Shrove Tuesday, the traditional Corrida do Galo takes place after the Madamas and Galáns parade into the festival grounds to traditional music and dances. If you plan your trip around this festival, check the date for the relevant year in advance.
Discover more destinations: Barbudo, Mondariz, Ramil, Peinador, O Morrazo, Pontevedra, Viladesuso, Soutomaior.
Return to the main travel overview: Pontevedra.
