Hiking in Pontevedra is one of the best ways to explore and enjoy the natural surroundings of this province and its wonderful landscapes. It’s also a fun way to experience unique adventures in an area known for its natural beauty, historical landmarks, myths and legends, and carefully crafted cuisine made with high-quality local products.
Best Hiking Trails in Pontevedra
Here are 5 hiking routes in Pontevedra that will let you enjoy walking while discovering charming spots. For accommodation between hikes, you can check out our tourist apartment rental in Pontevedra — a comfortable and cozy space to rest.
1 – Lérez River Trail and Island of Sculptures: A riverside nature route in Pontevedra city
The Lérez River flows through the city of Pontevedra and is very close to its historic center. Its banks feature trails perfect for walking in a natural setting surrounded by forests, riverside vegetation, and small wildlife like squirrels and a wide variety of birds.
This hiking trail in the capital of Pontevedra is 12.5 km long, starting at the Tirantes Bridge. It is designated as a “Place of Community Importance” and a “Special Protection Area for Natural Values.”
Along the way, you’ll see dams, walkways, old mills, and river beaches, as well as unique sites like the Island of Sculptures or the ruins of an old spa. The trail is well-marked and mostly easy to walk, though there are a few short, slightly more challenging sections. Clear information panels are available along the route.
2 – Cíes Island, southern trail – one of the best hikes in Pontevedra
The Cíes Islands are one of the natural highlights of the province of Pontevedra. They are easily accessible from the capital by taking a boat from Vigo. There are actually two very interesting trails: the northern and the southern. The Cíes southern route is a 7.4 km route that begins at the Sías lighthouse viewpoint and passes by spots such as Nosa Señora Beach and La Calzada.
The scenery is stunning. As long as there hasn’t been heavy rain recently, the terrain is firm and comfortable, and most of it is easily accessible. The trail has an elevation gain and loss of about 150 meters each.
3 – Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis on the Portuguese Way to Santiago
If you’re looking for hiking routes in Pontevedra but don’t have many days, you can complete one of the individual stages of the Portuguese Way to Santiago. A great trail starts at the Burgo Bridge in Pontevedra city, crossing the Lérez River and ending in Caldas de Reis. This route is 21.14 km long.
It’s well-marked with yellow arrows, easy to walk, and very scenic, featuring historical, artistic, and cultural landmarks such as the Church of Santa María de Alba, various chapels, many stone crosses (cruceiros), and some traditional granaries (hórreos). Parts of the trail go through wooded areas, small streams, washhouses, and fountains.
4 – Pontevedra to Armenteira: a hiking route with scenic and cultural appeal
Another one of the best hiking routes in Pontevedra is the one connecting the Hostal Pontevedra to Armenteira, following a section of the Portuguese Way to Santiago. It’s a 24.33 km trail filled with points of interest, including several viewpoints like Loureiro and Cal Marroco.
Along the way, you can stop to visit churches, monasteries, or chapels. You’ll also pass bridges and quaint villages. Highlights include special places like the Outeiro do Cribo petroglyphs, Padrón Beach, and the Armenteira Monastery, located just under four kilometers from the route’s end.
5 – Gafos River Trail between Pontevedra and Vilaboa
A beautiful hiking route in Pontevedra is the one that runs from the historic center of Pontevedra to Vilaboa, following the banks of the Gafos River. This 11.95 km trail is mostly flat and easy to walk, although some sections may become tricky after heavy rain. There are several bridges along the trail, so you can choose which bank to walk on for each section.
About halfway through, there’s a rest area with benches and picnic tables, usually quiet, except in summer. This is a great out-and-back trail: its flatness and moderate length make it easy to double the distance, and being able to walk along both riverbanks is a nice bonus.