Isla de Arosa, the Galician paradise of gorgeous beaches
In the province of Pontevedra, in the heart of Ría de Arosa, facing the municipality of Vilanova de Arousa, and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, you will find one of the most beautiful islands in Galicia: Isla de Arosa, or A Illa de Arousa in Galician language. Both visitors and the 5,000 inhabitants of this place can enjoy paradisiacal beaches reminiscent of the Caribbean but with colder waters. A walk through the passages of a fishing village, routes on lush paths, and the breathtaking sights from its cliffs are appealing too.
There are two ways to access these experiences. Of course, you can get there by boat. But you can also walk through the symbolic 2-kilometre-long bridge that links the island to the peninsula. Inaugurated in the 1980s, it became the longest bridge in Galicia. In fact, it is still one of the longest in Spain and Europe. It is also the gateway to this island that was declared a natural reserve by the European Union thanks to its 36-kilometre-long coast and its enchanting landscapes and beaches.
Beaches that you must visit in A Illa de Arousa
Isla de Arosa is a mandatory visit in the province of Pontevedra and Galicia itself. It is filled with marvellous natural landscapes, most of which are beaches. You will find them as soon as you cross the emblematic bridge, and these are actually the most crowded, thanks to how easy it is to get to them. Some of them, like Playa de O Vao, are equipped with facilities: toilets, showers, and near chiringuitos. It has a lifeguard too.
However, the best beaches in this Galician paradise are far away from the entrance. The further you get from it, the more beautiful the beaches and coves get.
Playa de Sualaxe is highly recommended. It sits a few minutes away from Punta Cabalo lighthouse, in a beautiful bay surrounded by plenty of trees whose water is a deep turquoise. Besides, it must be noted that you can park near the beach, so it only takes you a few minutes to enjoy the most refreshing bath.
That is not the case for some other beaches that you should visit on this Galician island. You will need to walk for a while to get to Playa Lontreira, Playa As Margaritas, Playa de A Lameira, and Playa de Xestestelas. They are all located in the Carreirón Natural Park and are the most renowned beaches on the island. Their extreme beauty is the reason why they have gained so much popularity.
What else you should see in Isla de Arosa
These coves and beaches are perfect for those travellers who wonder what to visit in Pontevedra or what to see in Galicia. But if you want even more, it's your lucky day. There is so much to see on the island. Puerto de Cabodeiro is a mandatory stop. You will be charmed by its seafaring atmosphere, its numerous vibrant boats, and the tiny houses facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Faro de Punta Cabalo should be on your bucket list too. This building has become one of the most popular postcards of this place. It dates back to 1852, rising in the middle of a rocky landscape from where you can enjoy the most fascinating views of the estuary.
Faro de Punta Cabalo is the starting point of a picturesque path that shares its name and meanders between cliffs. Once again, you can enjoy the greatest views of the estuary. If you follow this path, you will get to Xufre, the town on the island, whose houses you should admire and whose gastronomy is delightful.
Furthermore, this is where the next stop is. Its name is Puerto do Xufre, and it is the most important harbour on the island. There are nearby shops that sell fresh products from the estuary. It is crossed by the Cabalo route mentioned above.
You should not miss the viewpoints of Isla de Arosa. On the top of a hill in Playa de Sualaxe, a large rock offers amazing views of the white sand and the lighthouse arising at the back of the picture. But the views get even better in Mirador o Con do Forno, which rises 68 metres above sea level. From this point, you can watch the harbour, the 2-kilometre-long bridge that links the island to the Iberian Peninsula, and the Carreirón Natural Park.
In fact, the Carreirón Natural Park is the last place on this list of things to see in A Illa de Arousa. This park expands over 1.3 km² and is home to a great variety of avian species. The area of Punta de Carreirón was declared a Special Protection Area under the Birds Directive. For this reason, two cabins have been built here, allowing visitors to watch flocks of ducks taking flight or herons fishing.
You can also read this article in Spanish here.