Guide to enjoy the Atlantic summer in O Grove
With its crystal clear waters and white sand, the Rias Baixas they continue to charm any skeptic who comes across their path. We travel specifically to the fishing village of O Grove to enjoy good food, good people and good beaches. Does anyone give more?
Those who have already visited the Rias Baixas , with the Muros and Noya estuary to the north and the Pontevedra estuary to the south; with the provinces of A Coruña and Pontevedra delimiting its lithography above and below, you know what we are talking about. White sand beaches, crystal clear waters, beach bars and cocktails on the beach, the crackling of the embers cooking fresh fish and the sound of the waves rocking the Atlantic waters.
There is no doubt, we are clear: the Rías Baixas are the Galician Caribbean . And specifically, at the entrance to the Arousa estuary, we find a small municipality of almost 11,000 inhabitants that seduces any seafaring soul: Or Grove.
In O Grove the old fishing traditions are still preserved
A few years ago we already predicted that this Galician town had become ** the new gastronomic hit ** of the north. With Culler de Pau and his michelin star as a spearhead, this small peninsula located in the northwest of Spain has been able to combine its fishing tradition and his art of good eating with the innovation and modernity of the times that run.
To savor the sea in the first bite, we have it clear. Despite the fact that it looks like a simple beach bar, in the Kiosk Areaso , of the beach Pipas Area, the time stops. It's one of those places that tastes like summer and where looking at the clock is not an option. sardines, xurel (horse mackerel, in Spanish), sardas (mackerel), pork or veal churrasco, padron peppers (as they should be, well toasted and salty), Creoles and burgers of all kinds —ox, octopus, cuttlefish…—, even quinoa for vegans . Because there will be some in Galician lands!
Near its main beach we can find the ** Arrocería A Lanzada ** and the cafeteria ** Sunset A Lanzada ,** with different environments -restaurant, terrace, chill out...-, loungers facing the sea, Galician craft beer , rice dishes, cocktails... and with the best views. From there you can see a movie sunset.
And if we go to the port of O Grove, we find a tavern who wanted to take Galician roots to the next level. A fusion food, of great Asian influence, but with local ingredients and top quality market, but of course, with sea views.
Meloxeira _(rúa Porto Meloxo, 100) _ is one of the new trendy places of the city with dishes as striking as the chicken pad-thai with shrimp and udon noodles, scallop ceviche, lobster with oysters and fire, grilled leeks, kimchi octopus and peanut brittle or one of its star suggestions, foi what cigala!
Although among other common places between the mecos (also known as groveiros or grovenses) highlights the taperia on purpose _(rúa Barqueiras, 15) _ with classic recipes that can never be missed, such as feira octopus, grilled razor clams and prawns, scallops, churrasco or zorza with potatoes, among many others. All marinated with a wide selection of local wines, and with a cozy terrace full of plants as a greenhouse.
But if what you're looking for is the best sweets of the area, you cannot leave O Grove without going through Pastry Campaign _(rúa Castelao, 13) _ with its acclaimed cheesecake and its chocolate ties. And if you want to go with a bread under the arm, or better… an empanada!
Note: Castro's Bakery _(rúa Concepción Arenal, 34) _ with the mussels and chorizo pie as one of its main specialties, although you can also find other creations such as xoubas, octopus and scallops.
And, although when talking about Galicia, food always inevitably comes to mind, there is many other reasons why visit this Lérense peninsula. The mount Siradella, with 166 meters, It is the highest point of the town, and there we find the siradella viewpoint, where you can fully contemplate the council.
Or in the endless beach of A Lanzada, the Atlantic Ocean or the isthmus of sand. And from the neighboring viewpoint, With da Hedra, you can see the imposing Atlantic islands: **Cíes, Ons and Sálvora**, which follow us from afar on any walk.
But if you've made it this far, I imagine you'll also want know its beaches. His pretty girl, A Lanzada, with more than two kilometers from sand to the open sea, keep one of the dune ecosystems most representative and complete of the Galician coast. Area das Pipas, A Barrosa or Burato da Londra are other beaches and coves, obviously smaller, sheltered from the wind , with fine sand and turquoise and crystal clear waters. And all of them are perfect for practice surfing, paddle surfing or kayaking. D
Due to its strong surfing tradition, there are many schools in the area such as ** Waipia Surf School ** or Tartaruga Surf & Dive Center to learn or improve have fun in a unique place
It's time to jump into the sea
And to finish, a mandatory visit is To Toxa (La Toja, for those of us who do not speak Galician), which is reached by crossing the spectacular white bridge that joins the island with O Grove -when it was built, in 1911, it was the longest in Europe . In addition to the more than well-known Grand Hotel and its spa with treatments of thalassotherapy. We must not forget the unique chapel, dedicated to Saint Caralampio and to the Virgen del Carmen, and completely covered by scallop shells.
A very special chapel...