Rianxo has all the ingredients of a traditional Galician port town, including cobbled streets, bubbling fountains and a sunny, sea-facing plaza. Relax at open-air cafes, set sail on a scenic cruise and enjoy a bounty of ocean-fresh seafood. The local beach is beautiful and features soft sand, calm water and shady picnic areas.
Things to do in Rianxo
Cobbled streets and sun-drenched plazas lend plenty of charm to the Rianxo town centre. Cafes spill onto the streets and will tempt you with strong espresso and fresh-baked pastries. Admire a collection of historic churches, including Santa Colma built in the 15th century.
Walk down to the harbour to admire colourful fishing boats. Board a historic wooden sailboat and enjoy a scenic cruise around the bay, as tours are a great way to discover the coastline and learn more about the traditional Galician port town.
Sugar-white sand and crystalline water make Praia de Tanxil one of the best urban beaches in Galicia. Bask in the sunshine, stroll along the wooden boardwalk and cool off with drinks at the local beach bar. On windy days, you can watch kite surfers soaring around the bay.
Stock up on fresh produce at the Sunday market. Stalls pop up in the main plaza and sell everything from organic fruit and vegetables to small-batch cheese. The market is a great place to buy orujo, a local liqueur made from leftover grape skin, pulp and seeds.
Galicia serves some of the best seafood in Europe and Rianxo restaurants don’t disappoint. Sit down for “pulpo” octopus drizzled with olive oil, “necora” velvet crab and steamed mussels served with lemon wedges. Complement your meal with wine from local viticultural regions like Ribeiro, Monterrei and Valdeorras.
Getting around Rianxo
Rianxo is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is a 30-minute drive from Santiago de Compostela. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Rianxo and explore Galicia at your own pace or you can ride the bus. Vigo Airport is a one-hour drive away.