Day trips to the Rias Baixas and Ribeira Sacra

2
min read
A- A+
read
Canyons of River Sil in Ribeira Sacra

Rias Baixas and Ribeira Sacra

Central square in Ourense
Potevendra's estuaries aerial view
Stone houses along Combarro's main street
View of the seaside from Combarro with grain houses and cross

For those of you who enjoy spending an extra day or two in Santiago after your Camino and have already experienced much of the city's impressive sights, we are bringing you some day-trip options to explore the best that this region of Galicia has to offer. Make sure to ask us about adding one or both of these to your Camino tour!

As their name implies, day trips take you on an all-day bus tour, starting at 8-9am from Santiago and returning in the evening around 6:30-7pm, so they are perfect for those of you that don't have a lot of time to spare. An English-speaking tour guide will accompany you in your adventure pointing out the interesting sights along the way.

Day trip to Rias Baixas

Rias Baixas ("Low Estuaries") is a stunning region located in the northwest of Spain, renowned for its stunning coastline, rolling hills, and lush countryside. The region boasts numerous picturesque villages dotted along the coast, providing visitors with a true taste of traditional Spanish life.

Aerial view of the Pontevedra estuary

After traveling from Santiago by bus, and a stroll through Pontevedra's historical downtown, we will visit Combarro, one of the renowned fishing villages along the coast.

We will sail from Combarro down the Rias Baixas with their gorgeous coastline, pristine beaches and turquoise waters that are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

During the boat trip, we will indulge in wine tasting and delicious mussels until we arrive at A Lanzada beach, one of the most famous in Galicia.

view from the Combarro streets with grain silos and cross

In addition to its stunning scenery, Rias Baixas is also renowned for its delicious local cuisine. With a focus on fresh seafood, visitors can enjoy an array of dishes made with locally caught fish and shellfish. The region is also home to a number of vineyards, producing some of Spain's finest white wines. Cambados is one of such villages, where we will walk around and have some free time to explore and enjoy lunch on your own.

With its rich history and culture, combined with its stunning scenery and delicious cuisine, Rias Baixas is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the true beauty of Galicia.

Departures during:

  • April: Saturdays
  • May through July: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays
  • August: Everyday
  • September: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays
  • October: Tuesdays & Saturdays

Day trip to Ribeira Sacra ("Sacred Waterfront")

Complement your Camino de Santiago tour with a visit to the Ribeira Sacra, a breathtaking region located in the northwest of Spain, with a rich history and an abundance of natural beauty. With its rolling hills, steep vineyards, and crystal-clear rivers, Ribeira Sacra dates back to the pre-Roman era and the Celts, who considered the region sacred.

Discover the best-kept secrets of Galicia on board a catamaran, navigating the abrupt landscape of the River Sil canyons, while you enjoy the exclusive wines from the region.

Canyons of the Riber Sil along the Ribeira Sacra

One of the standout features of Ribeira Sacra is its stunning monasteries and churches, many of which are carved into the cliffs and hillsides. These historic treasures provide visitors with a unique glimpse into the region's rich spiritual heritage. You will be blown away by the breathtaking views and feel transported to the Middle Ages during your visit to the Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas.

After the visit, we will make our way to Ourense, the thermal capital of Galicia, where we will have a guided tour in town. You will have the chance to enjoy the best of the local cuisine, explore and have lunch on your own in town, before we make our way back to Santiago in the evening.

Orense's central square with City Hall

Departures during:

  • April: Fridays
  • May through September: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
  • October: Mondays & Fridays

Did either of these day trips pique your curiosity? Make sure to ask us about adding one or both of these to your Camino tour.