INTERESTING TOWNS IN THE VICINITY OF TOMIŇO/ VILACHÁN
BAIONA
Situated at 30 km from the house, this popular beach resort offers fine sand beaches (such as the nationally famous playa America) and interesting monuments, such as the medieval castle walls and Parador on the peninsula Monte Real. The city centre dates back to medieval times and the narrow streets behind the shore esplanade still preserve this architecture intact. The Cathedral of Baiona dates back to this era and is well preserved. The city was the site of the landing of the carabela ‘la Pinta’ which announced Christopher Columbus’ discovery of America to Europe, in 1493.
Baiona has all necessary amenities such as a medical centre, a wide variety of shops and supermarkets. It has an atmospherically old town centre with snug restaurants, cafes and bars. In the last couple of years, the marina of Baiona was extended and nowadays it is the second important marina of Spain, after Palma de Mallorca. It is host to the King’s Cup sailing regatta where both the King of Spain and Crown Prince compete. Baiona holds a number of festivals, the most famous of which is the Medieval Fare which is generally held in the first week of March and coincides with the festival announcing the discovery of the New World to the Old World.
More information: www.baiona.org
SANTA MARIA DE OIA
This small village is situated at 20 km from the house. It harbours a magnificent medieval convent very near the Atlantic coastline. There are a number of small tapas bars and restaurants within its narrow streets and it is an ideal location to start a walk along the Galician rugged shoreline.
LA GUARDIA
This most Southern coastal town of Galicia is situated at about 30 minutes from the house. This fishing-village is known for its fantastic extensive sand beaches. The Celtic settlement, dating back 5000 years, halfway the Monte Santa Telca is certainly worth a visit.On the top of the mountain, you will enjoy breath taking views over the Atlantic Ocean, the river Miňo, La Guardia and the Portuguese mountainous landscape.
There is a small museum displaying Celtic artefacts. This mountain is the site of one of the starting points for the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. There are number of monuments, such as a small church and monastery , dedicated to the pilgrimage and pilgrims. The summit also has the benefit of two restaurants where you can watch the Atlantic Ocean crash against the rocky shore below whilst enjoying tapas and a cool glass of the famous Albariňo wine.
La Guardia is the home of the Festival de la Langosta in July each year, and the week long Festival de Santa Tecla held in the second week of August. The town also celebrates Corpus Christi when the narrow roads in the old town centre are decked with designs and carpets made from flowers.
La Guardia is the frontier between Spain and Portugal. From here, you can take the ferry-boat over the Miňo River to a very pituresque Portuguese town Caminha, which has a local market every Wednesday morning. During the summer months, it is also possible, to make a boat tour on the Rio Miňo from the estuary and around a small fort located in the middle of the river Miňo, as far upstream as Tui.
More information: www.concellodaguarda.com
TUI
This town is situated on the river Miňo, at about 20 minutes drive from the house. This place has an atmospherically old town centre with a glorious Gothic cathedral. From here you can cross the river into Portugal, either via the old small iron bridge, design by the architect Eiffel, or over the newer bridge on the motorway. In Portugal you can visit Valenca do Minho, a pleasant old fortified city, famous for its linen and towels.
Tui’s narrow streets are home to a number of small taps bars where you can enjoy such delicacies as jamon seranno, tortilla, local cheeses and other snacks.
More information: www.concellotui.org
