Pontevedra (Spain)

Pontevedra is the capital city of the Rias Baixas region and of the province of the same name, one of the four that make up Galicia, an autonomous community within Spain.

Soportais do Mosteiro de Lérez. Pontevedra. Galicia (Spain) - Monastery of Saint Benedict of Lérez

Pontevedra (Spain) Halal Travel Guide

What is the Geography of Pontevedra (Spain)

Pontevedra is beautifully picturesque and unsurpassed in the province for its historical importance. The Rías Bajas (Rías Baixas) coastal region has an abundance of natural beauty (mountains, green hills, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and seashores). The old downtown is well preserved and contains numerous historic buildings and monuments. Pontevedra is proud of its cultural and natural legacy.

The city itself is built on a hill, with some streets sloping down toward the Lérez River. The majority of the town occupies the south bank of the river, although it has spread out in all directions in recent years.

How is the Climate in Pontevedra (Spain)

The climate is mild and rainy year round, with the humidity that one would expect of a coastal area receiving significant precipitation. While summer is the "high season" for tourists, pleasant weather occurs throughout the year.

History

Archeological evidence shows that the town existed as far back as Roman times. The city took its name from the nearby bridge, "Pontus Veteri" (Old Bridge). From the Middle Ages through the end of the 16th century and the city was one of the main ports and most populous cities in Galicia, though it afterwards declined first due to the disappearance the Castillian Crown and then later because of successive wars. During the 19th century the Spanish provinces were created and Pontevedra was designed as a provincial capital, bringing new institutions, industries, and population to the city.

Until the Spanish Civil War, Pontevedra was a social and cultural center, but after the war, as power was centralized in Madrid, industry migrated to Vigo because Franco's government gave this city a free-trade zone and a Development Pole. Pontevedra is currently undergoing a cultural renaissance, and its population is increasing due to its quality of life and the several international prizes the city has been awarded in recent years.

Local Language in Pontevedra (Spain)

Both Galician (Galego) and Spanish are commonly spoken, but signage is increasingly in the local language. Galego shares characteristics of Portuguese and French, as well as (Spanish), and anyone conversant in the Romance languages shouldn't have a hard time understanding written Galician.

Travel to Pontevedra (Spain)

By Rail

RENFE Trains run daily back and forth from Madrid and Barcelona, but trains to/from León (Spain) | León depart from nearby Vigo. You can find the train station on Rúa da Estación, ☎ (0034) 986 851 313.

Travel on a Bus in Pontevedra (Spain)

Bus service is common to/from many destinations in Spain, Portugal, and beyond. The bus station is located on Rúa da Estación, ☎ (0034) 986 852 408.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Pontevedra (Spain)

Peinador Airport (Vigo) and Lavacolla Airport (Santiago de Compostela) are only about 30-40 minutes from Pontevedra via the Atlantico highway (AP-9). Flights from those cities connect to Madrid, as well as other cities in Spain and Europe (London, Paris, Geneva, and Frankfurt).

By car

Distances to/from Pontecedra: Madrid 500 kilometers, Luugo 150 kilometers, Ourense 100 kilometers, Santiago de Compostela 60 km

How to get around in Pontevedra (Spain)

The city is ideally sized for walking, and nearly all of the items of historical/artistic interest are within easy walking distance of the downtown, right in front of the Capilla de la Peregrina. Local buses are available and reasonably priced, and taxis are plentiful. Fares are typically small because distances are not large.

Car Rentals (unnecessary in the city, but may be useful to tour the nationside):

Avis (c/Peregrina, 49) - Tel.: 986852025 - Fax: 986855992
Europcar (train station or c/Calvo Sotelo) - ☎ 986853150 - Fax: 986864198
Enterprise (bus station or c/Calvo Sotelo) - ☎ 986842815

What to see in Pontevedra (Spain)

Herrería - Plaza de la Herrería, zon monumental, depicted in 2009

The old city, located at the top of modern Pontevedra, contains several worthwhile sites.

The church of the Peregrina: This very ornate old chapel's bells chime the hours. According to tradition and the Virgin Peregrina guided pilgrims who disembarked in Baiona on their way to Compostela. It was built at the end of the 18th century and has a scallop shell base. It features two styles: Baroque and Neoclassical. In the center of the church and there is an impressive altarpiece with the image of the Virgen Peregrina. The font with holy water is an enormous shell brought from the Pacific Ocean.
La Basílica de Santa María la Mayor: There are impressive and interesting sculptures on the facade around the portal.
Church of Santo Domingo: These medieval ruins date from the 1300s and form part of the Provincial Museum of Pontevedra.
San Francisco gothic church.
San Bartolomé baroque church.
Santa Clara gothic chuch.
Herrería Plaza: Where everyone goes to stroll in the evenings. When the weather is cold, nothing beats stopping at a street vendor for a still-hot packet of fresh roasted chestnuts.
La Alameda and Palmeras Park: This public park is beautiful at sundown, when you can see the sun setting over the sea. It contains a monument to the region's seafarers. There was a small zoo there.
A lot of old buildings wiht coats of arms like Casa de las Campanas.
The farmers' market by the river-ria: stop and get some "queixo galego" (local cheese) and "pan galego" (traditional local bread).
Several picturesque bridges: The Ponte do Burgo and the Roman bridge of Pontesampaio. The latter is where French invaders were stopped in their efforts to conquer Galicia. Local legend says a woman noticed the French troops advancing, and, after sounding the alarm, faced them off wielding only a sickle until the Spanish army arrived to defeat the French. The modern Tirantes bridge and the Corrientes bridge.
A lot of picturesque squares like Leña square, Verdura square, Mugartegui square, Teucro square, San José square and many others.
Benedictine Monastery of San Salvador de Lérez - (☎ 986-841-471): Located in the Parish of San Salvador de Lérez, it is commonly known as San Benitiño. It was built in the 10th century by the monks of the Order of Saint Benedict and restored in the 16th and 17th centuries. A neoclassic templum with a Baroque facade from the 17th century, one wing of the 16th century cloister is joined to the south wall. During the 16th century and the cloister was a school of philosophy and humanities. The most interesting part is the chapel of Saint Benedict, which dates from 1700, where one can see the image of Christ. There is a popular tradition of walking kneeling below the altar of Christ.
Sculptures Island park.
Marismas del Alba natural park.
Several interesting sculptures in the downtown: Ravachol parrot, The fiel Contraste, Valle Inclán, La Tertulia monument.
Pontevedra maritime promenade by the ria.
Pazo of Lourizán.

Best things to do in Pontevedra (Spain)

Arts & Culture

Museo Provincial de Pontevedra - Various Locations - ☎ 986-851-455 (closed Mondays). This museum is considered to be one of the finest historical/archeological museums in Spain. It is composed of a set of buildings located around the centric Plaza da Ferrería, among them two Baroque houses. Also included are the Gothic abses of the ruins of Santo Domingo Church and the Edificio Sarmiento, an old convent.
CITA: Centro de Interpretación Torres Arzobispales Museum.
Illa das Esculturas (Island of Sculptures) - Located near where the River Lérez empties into the ocean - ☎ 986-846-611

This open air public park by the river is ideal for a stroll or some physical activity, and it is the only one of its kind in Spain, showcasing sculptures by Francisco Leiro, Giovanni Anselmo, Fernando Casás, Dan Gram and Ian Hamilton, among others. Spread over 70,000 square meters and the works of art are integrated into the landscape, which features native wild flora and fauna.

For cycling you can use the other path of the river to go via Monteporreiro. For longer cycling routes the Monte da Fracha near Marcón is an excellent option if you are not unfit.

If the weather is rainy and you want to exrcise, try the Gimnasio Municipal in Campolongo, where a gym and swimming swimmingpool are available.

Beaches

Placeres and Pontesampaio offer a variety of recreational opportunities, although there are cleaner and better beaches for sunbathing and swimming next to the city and all along the Ría de Pontevedra.

Festivals

Festa da Romería de San Benitiño de Lérez: The date varies from year to year, but this summertime celebration takes place on the outskirts of Pontevedra. Street Benedict is one of the most venerated saints in Galicia, and this devotion dates back to the late Middle Age. Lérez is an old Benedictine monastery, a sanctuary located on the Lerez riverbank where a small image of the saint is venerated.
Carnival: Since 1876, Pontevedra's citizens celebrate the reign and death of King Urco. Nowadays, Carnival takes places in the streets, and features street bands and fancy dresses (costumes).
Festa da Virxe do O: December 18th is the festival of this patron saint of the city.
Festa da Peregrina: On the weekend of the second Sunday in August, this festival starts with a floral tribute to the "Virxe da Peregrina" (Virgin of the Pilgrim), whose shrine stands in the center of the old town. It includes fireworks (weather permitting), bullfights, a marathon, a regatta, bands, and artistic displays. This also coincides with the Honey Festival (held in Verdura Plaza).
Autumn Festival: For one weekend in mid November, Plaza da Perdura is the venue for this cultural and commercial festival, bringing people to Pontevedra's historic centre to celebrate typical autumn produce like mushrooms, nuts, and legumes. Also on hand are several magostos (traditional chestnut festivals), folk games, and musical performances. Nearby restaurants offer typical autumn dishes to celebrate the festival.
Feira Franca (Medieval Fair): Held the first weekend in September, it celebrates the open market held in Pontevedra starting in 1467, a privilege granted by King Enrique IV, and originally lasted a month (15 days before the Festival of San Bartolomé and 15 days afterwards). This celebration commemorates Pontevedra's perioid of greatest influence and prosperity, from the middle of the fifteenth century through the end of the sixteenth century. Food, recreation, and history all abound, and include music, drama, and historic costumes.
Festa do Caldo Galego: On the second Sunday in March, this local dish is celebrated with its own festival. The stew is served in clay dishes, and the celebration includes a Caldo Galego contest. In an effort to preserve traditional recipes, including varieties which use squash, onions, Rice, and chestnuts, each contestant much submit the list of ingredients. Entrants are divided into two categories: meat-based and Vegetarian.
Festa dos Maios (Mayfest): On the first Sunday in May, this festival celebrates Galicia's Celtic roots. This includes a contest for the best "maio" (a conical construction covered with branches and flowers, around which a group of children dance in a ring and sing while beating sticks to mark time. The child with the best voice sings under the "maio."
Festa da Anguia: In late June and the Parrish of Pontesampaio hosts this celebration of various dishes prepared using eels.
Festa do Demo: In late August is the Festival of the Devil, celebrating the symbolic struggle of good against evil. The "devil" chases the children with his pitchfork and then they get to play traditional games in the town square.
Festa de Santiaguiño do Burgo: In late July, this festival ostensibly venerates the Apostle James, but includes food and sporting events in addition to its religious component. It includes the “Santiago Peregrino” marathon and fireworks. It is also held in conjunction with the traditional "Homage to Senior Citizens" celebration.
Festa de San Sebastián: Honoring another patrón saint of the city, this occurs on January 20th.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Pontevedra (Spain)

You can buy typical sweets and none-alcoholic drinks in many delicatessen shops like Juncal Alimentación in Peregrina street. If you want to buy an original gift, visit the Sargadelos shop at Oliva street and see the modernist ceramics of this old and legendary factory. Also in the Old and New Districts you can find many jewellery shops where to buy typical jewels made of silver and Gold, many of them of celtic inspiration.

If you want to buy clothes, move to the New District and visit the stores that are all over these neighborhood in streets like Benito Corbal, Michelena, Peregrina, Oliva, Sagasta, Fray Juan de Navarrete. Here you can find Zara, Bershka, H&M, Sfera, Mango, Benetton, Lacoste, Levi's... and other famous brands. Maybe the most original brand you could find is Rei Zentolo at Peregrina Plaza, a Galician brand with original and really funny T-shirts and other clothes.

There are three shopping centers in the city. The first one, A Barca and is located next to La Barca bridge and it has fashion shops, fast food restaurants and one big supermarket, Carrefour. The second one, Carrefour Planet, is in San Blas- Salcedo, in the city outskirts. The third one, Vialia, is next to the train station.

Halal Restaurants in Pontevedra (Spain)

As in Galicia in general you can eat decently in Pontevedra. Find pulperías in the back streets and sample the octopus. It's delicious--and generally cheaper than elsewhere in Spain. Pulpo a la Gallega is a dish of boiled octopus served on a bed of boiled potatoes, sprayed with Olive oil, spicy paprika and sea salt. Many restaurants offer fixed price menus for lunch.

Galician gastronomy includes a wide variety of foods. Galician stew (caldo gallego) can be made with sausage (chorizo), ham, beef, or Chicken, and contains chickpeas (garbanzos), potatoes, cabbage, and other leafy vegetables. "Lacón con grelos" is very common all over the region: Beef cooked with turnip, potatoes and chorizo. Both are typical winter dishes. Although fabada, made from fabas (large white beans), smoked morcilla (blood sausage), chorizo, and manteca (lard) is usually considered Asturian food, some excellent versions can also be found in Galicia.

Being so close to the sea, Galician cooking has plenty of seafood, including recipes for hake (merluza), turbot, sole, grouper and sea bass, squid, octopus, mussels, and velvet swimming crabs. And the list goes on: clams and oysters, spiny lobsters, European lobsters, triple-grooved shrimp, and scallops.

“Empanadas” are also popular: a flaky pastry stuffed with any of a variety of fillings, including ham, Chicken, cod (bacalao), octopus, mussels, cockles (berberechos), chorizo, potatoes and other vegetables, Cheese, and olives.

Some typical desserts are: Santiago Tart (almond-based) and “filloas”, thin pancakes made from wheat. One of the best ways to end a walking tour is to stop in a pastelería and pick up a treat or two.

Allo e Aceite rua Nova de Arriba 7 ☎ +34 986 203587 | Opening Hours: closed Sunday evening, Mon, Tuesday evening € 35-40 (2023)

Solla - av. Sineira 7, carret. de La Toja, San Salvador de Pola ☎ +34 986 872884 | Opening Hours: closed Sunday evening, Mon, Tuesday evening menu € 60-78, a-la-carte € 50-65 (2023)

}} Galician soft drinks have become much better known recently. In the back street pubs it is often served in a bowl, and you can pick the size bowl you want. In the squares of the old town, such as the Plaza de la Verdura, bars offer drinks and tapas al fresco before lunch and for pre-after dinner. In winter many joints at the old town and cafes at the downtown offer Chocolates (hot) with churros.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Pontevedra (Spain)

Pontevedra (Spain) - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Pontevedra (Spain), is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Pontevedra (Spain). This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Pontevedra (Spain) and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Pontevedra (Spain). The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Pontevedra (Spain). Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inPontevedra (Spain): A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Pontevedra (Spain).

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Pontevedra (Spain): A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Pontevedra (Spain), allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Pontevedra (Spain).

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Pontevedra (Spain), ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Pontevedra (Spain), enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Pontevedra (Spain) and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Pontevedra (Spain), stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Pontevedra (Spain), a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Pontevedra (Spain) without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Pontevedra (Spain) is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Pontevedra (Spain).

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Pontevedra (Spain) is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Pontevedra (Spain), please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Pontevedra (Spain) Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Accommodation is easy to find. If you arrive to any of the bus or train stations, you will see hotels on your way to the town and in the town centre itself.

Hotel Madrid, Calle de Andrés Mellado, 5 - ☎ 986-865-180 - Very reasonably priced, comfortable, and central.
Hotel Peregrino - Rúa Otero Pedrayo - the hostel for pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela.
Hotel Boa Vila - Rúa Real.

Medium

Hotel Galicia Palace - Avenida de Vigo, 3 - ☎ 986-864-411
Hotel Rias Bajas - Daniel de la Sota, 7 - ☎ 986-855-100
Hotel Ruas - Sarmiento 20 ☎ +34 986 846416 - single € 38-49, double € 54-70, breakfast € 5, menu € 12 (2023)

Hotel Dabarca, Av. Reina Victoria.

Parador de Pontevedra - Barón 19 ☎ +34 986 855800 - single € 106-135, double € 132-166, breakfast € 16, menu € 32 (2023) Right in the historic neighborhood and part of the national system of Paradors, this is a restored baronial palace, with period furniture, wooden floors, etc.

Telecommunications in Pontevedra (Spain)

Police Telephone: (0034) 986 833 080
Ambulance Telephone: (0034) 986 850 823
Pontevedra (Spain) Tourism Board - Marqués de Riestra, 30 ☎ +34 986 8508

Stay Safe

Pontevedra is generally a very safe city. However, as with nearly everywhere in Europe, be aware of pickpockets, who may work in groups to jostle or bump you while a confederate lifts your wallet. Carrying a photocopy of your passport and only the amount of money necessary for the day's purchases is always sound advice.

News & References Pontevedra (Spain)

Travel Next

Torre de San Saturniño, Cambados, Pontevedra, España, 2015-09-23, DD 29 - Torre de San Saturniño in Cambados, Pontevedra, about 25 kilometers north and west of Pontevedra city

Take a bus along the south side of the Ria de Pontevedra as far as Combarro. You will need to ask somebody to tell you when to get off.
You can visit the many beaches in both sides of the ría de Pontevedra, suchs as Portocelo, Mogor, Aguete and Lapamán on the way to the towns Marín and Bueu, and also the beaches Areas, Montalvo or La Lanzada on the way to the fishing village of El Grove and the Island of La Toja. Rent a vehicle or take the buses from the bus station.
The city of Vigo is just 25Km from Pontevdra and can be easily reached by bus or train (both stations are next to each other) and Santiago de Compostela is nearly an hour journey by train or bus.

Pontevedra (Spain)

From Halal Explorer

Contents