Facing the Atlantic Ocean near Spain’s border with Portugal, Oia is a peaceful town and a centuries-old pilgrimage destination. It’s renowned for its 12th-century monastery and Galician thoroughbred horses, with petroglyphs indicating that wild horses have roamed the area for more than 5,000 years.
Things to do in Oya
Dominating the waterfront of Oia is the Royal Monastery of Santa María, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural landmark in 1931. Take note of the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architectural elements featured in its Latin Cross design, then step inside to admire the 17th-century choir. In addition to being a sacred destination along the Camino Portugues, the monastery also played an important role in defending the coastline against Ottoman attack.
For sweeping views across the region, climb to Miradoiro do Niño do Corvo, which rises above the Río Miño Valley that divides Spain from Portugal. Continue from here to the viewpoint of O Cabezo Gordo, from where you can see the twin peaks of Monte de Santa Tecla. This mountain is significant for its archaeological and religious heritage, with remains of the Castrexo-Roman culture discovered along its slopes.
From Oia, you can walk north along the Camino Portugues Coastal Route, which takes you through terraced fields, sprawling vineyards and sleepy villages en route to Santiago de Compostela. It hugs the Atlantic Ocean until Redondela, where it turns inland to join the Camino Portuguese Central for the final stretch.
Getting around Oya
Oia is a 45-minute drive from Vigo and 1.5 hours from Santiago de Compostela and Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect to Oia from destinations across Galicia and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.