Occupied since prehistoric times, Vilagarcia de Arousa is a bustling port on the Pontevedra coast of Galicia. It is believed to have been continuously inhabited throughout the centuries, with petroglyphs dating back to 2,000 BC discovered nearby, alongside Roman and Visigothic coins.
Things to do in Vilagarcía de Arousa
On the southern edge of Villagarcia de Arousa’s city centre is Parque Botanico Enrique Valdes, which is located on land once owned by the Dukes of Terranova. It is planted with exotic species and magnificent trees that are best enjoyed along the leafy walking trails. Nearby is the Convento de Vista Alegre, a 16th-century convent that stands alongside a traditional Galician manor house.
On the other side of Vilagarcia de Arousa is Parque Miguel Hernandez, which was created as a tribute to the Levantine poet. Stroll beneath the chestnut trees and admire the sculpture by Emilio Mosquera before enjoying a siesta on the Praderia. The park also features a spouting stone fountain and seasonal flower beds that are particularly impressive when the camellias are in bloom.
For a day at the beach, head to Praia de la Concha, a sweeping crescent of sand that lies adjacent to Vilagarcia de Arousa's bustling port. Just offshore is Parque Nacional das Illas Atlanticas de Galicia, a protected Ramsar site that provides important habitat for European storm petrels, Balearic shearwaters and Eurasian curlews. In the surrounding waters, you might spot bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles.
Getting around Vilagarcía de Arousa
Vilagarcia de Arousa is around 40 minutes’ drive from Santiago de Compostela and 45 minutes from Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Trains connect from cities throughout Pontevedra to the Vilagarcia de Arousa railway station and buses travel through the city. The centre of Vilagarcia de Arousa can easily be explored on foot.