One of the world’s most visited destinations, Spain is perhaps best known for its Mediterranean flair, lively coast cities –HolaBarcelona and sun-drenched islands such as Mallorca, where tourists come all year round, to Loca’s great dismayls.
But venture a little outside the beaten paths and you will find a number of hidden places that are still untouched by mass tourism.
Here at Travel Off Path we have already seen a number of northern Spanish cities that are often circumvented by tourists, from Bilbao, now connected to Newark by direct flights, with a Coruña, a port of the Roman era of the Atlantic Ocean-Mar It doesn’t end there.
Given our love for lesser -known destinations, it is high time we introduced you to Pontevedra, a medieval gem that has recently gained traction before it is at Popular:
One of the last real hidden places in Spain
Galicia is already a pretty unusual destination for first visitors to Spain. The northwestern end of the Iberian Peninsula occupied and lush landscapes and an epic coastline also attracts it in nature and dedicated pilgrims.
Ever heard of the road of St. James?
However, in addition to the picturesque hiking trails and the religious importance of Santiago de Compostela, there is A large number of culturally charged destinations Most tourists slept.
Small but powerful, this compact settlement on the river has recently seen a significant increase of 18% in tourism compared to the Prior to the year. It is estimated that 33% of visitors come from abroad, which means that a majority of visitors come from the domestic market.
It is no wonder that Pontevedra is one of the most authentic Spanish cities there are:
An intact medieval center
A well -preserved medieval city, it is home to the second most historically important historic center in Galicia after Santiago:
Locally known as Casco AntiguoIt is a maze of paved lanes covered with ancient stone houses, distinguished by their wooden covered balconies. These lead to picturesque squareflanked by Heritage buildings and cozy cafésand leaf -large courtyards.
Better even, practically zero crowds, and no angry locals waving ‘go home!’ Picket plates!
The ensemble of medieval squares is the most important attraction of Pontevedra, especially Plaza de la Verduraof rectangular shape, with tapas bars and boutique shops under arcades, and Plaza de la Leñathe best known for its stone cross in the middle, and the Traditional Galician Houses (The famous Pazos) who calls it.
Under the countless medieval sights of Pontevedra you will also find the graceful Basílica de Santa María La Burgemeesterwith a richly sculpted portal, Ruínas de Santo DomingoThe remains of a once designing Gothic monastery, and Casa Das CampásA medieval house built in the 15th century.
A foodie -paradise
How beautiful the architecture around the old city can be, it is not a Spanish outing until you have tasted the local food.
Galician seafood is One of the absolute best in Spaindue to the long-documented maritime heritage and fish culture of the region, so if you would like to try part of the room Pulpo a la Gallega (Octopus in Galician style), you want to be sure Casa Fidel O’Pulpeiro is on your list.
A relaxed eatery in the heart of the historic center, near the Municipal market (a short walk of Plaza de la Verdura), it has tapas of as cheap as $ 5.50, and Main courses from $ 11.
Desire croquetas and Spanish tortillas instead of? El Pitillo is a local, affordable restaurant that serves bite -sized delicacies for less than $ 10 higher Rúa Altaonly a few steps of the medieval Plaza da leña.
For self -cooked dishes – We talk broth, Galician stew and grilled dish –Restaurante Novo Sotonear Calle da virxe do camiñohas Menus del día From around $ 13, and you can usually choose between a starter and a head, or a head and a dessert, plus a soft drink.
Beautiful beaches a 15 -minute drive away a 15 -minute drive away
Pontevedra is not exactly on the coast and along the winding Lérez River about 2 miles inland from the Atlantic coastline, but it is a short driving distance of countless beaches.
Now, before you pack your beachwear, you must know that this is not the Mediterranean Sea: although Pontevedra gets relatively hot in the summer months, It has a mild climate in the North AtlanticAnd the incidental rainfall is expected, especially during the autumn period.
Moreover, the seas here are much colder than the Mediterranean Sea, so keep it in mind before you jump in immediately. That said, Playa de Portocelo A 15 -minute drive from the city Offers calm, shallow water, golden sand and many snack bars for when you get the Munchies.
A more remote place, Playa de Lapamán Is a slightly 20 minutes away, and A picturesque bay bathed by turquoise seaswhile Playa de -areasNear the sleepy coastal town of Sanxenxo (half an hour’s drive from Pontevedra) has a wide, blue flag beach and a wide range of facilities.
Where to stay in Portevedra
Looking for a cheap accommodation in the center of Pontevedra, within walking distance of all main places? Hotel Virgen del Camino Pontevedra is a 3-star list that you put back $ 98 as a traveling couple, or $ 49 per adult.
Most hotels in the city center are within that reach.
A little further from the center, yet easily rated by public transport, San Pedro is a private mannered guesthouse that costs cheaper to book, with overnight rates from $ 69 for 2 adults (or $ 34.50 each).
Last but not least, if you are a pilgrim travels on the Portuguese route of the road of St. James, which usually starts in the Portuguese city of Porto, you can even stay $ 11.17 Virgen Peregrina Hostelmanaged by the city council.
A pilgrim-exclusive hostel, it has up to 86 beds in the high season, and to check in you need a pilgrim reference (easily obtained at the starting point of the route in Porto).
On the other hand, you cannot book a bed in advance. It is first, first grinds.
If you go to Spain this fall as an American passport holder, make sure you prepare well in advance by Check the input requirements That applies to you here (free!)
Subscribe to our latest messages
Enter your e -mail address to subscribe to the latest Breeknieuws from Path, directly to your inbox.
