Located where the Ria de Pontavedra meets the Atlantic Ocean, Portonovo is a sleepy fishing village that becomes a bustling beach resort in the summer months. In addition to its white sandy beaches, it’s famed for its nightlife and the maritime-themed sculptures that dot the coastline.
Spend your days relaxing on the crescent-shaped sands of Playa de Baltar, which is framed by the leafy green space of Punta Vicaño Park. On the other side of Portonovo is the family-friendly beach of Caneliñas and picturesque Canelas where you can watch the local surfers in action.
Portonovo and neighbouring Sanxenxo are renowned for their coastal sculptures, which include a female figure seen rising from the sea that was created by Alfonso Vilar. You can climb on the reclining giant that dominates Sanxenxo's esplanade or admire the sculpture of a woman carrying a basket of fish atop her ahead along Portonovo’s promenade.
Getting there
Portonovo is a 30-minute drive from Pontevedra and about an hour from Santiago de Compostela. Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport is an hour away and has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect to Portonovo and the village is small enough to explore on foot.