Whether you are accommodated in the cottages of Top Balea or if you are visiting O Grove, we recommend that you take a look at our little travel guide to make the most of your experience in this gateway to the Ria de Arousa. Alone, with your partner, with family or friends, in the charming fishing village of San Vicente do Mar and its surroundings you can make many plans 365 days a year. Here is a list of our favorites. We hope we haven’t missed any (or you can always let us know so we can include your idea). We promise to keep updating this publication so you can discover all the treasures of our town. Here we go!
1. Chapel das Cunchas of A Toxa
The originality of the temple will leave you speechless. Built in 1909, the shells (“cunchas” in Galician) that cover the entire church were added in the 1950s to insulate the interior from humidity. Very Instagrammable.
2. Grobits Village
Also on the A Toxa Island, there is a place for the lovers of “The Lord of the Rings”. You will feel like Frodo and Sam in a very faithful recreation of the Shire. Are you ready to live the story of the Ring?
3. Mussel Boat
From the Marina you can dock at a mussel farm to learn about the cultivation of mussels, and finish tasting the best product at sea. A fun plan aboard a catamaran to experience the Rías Baixas in all its beauty.
4. Siradella Viewpoint
The most beautiful view of O Salnés. The highest point of the town, and historical place where the inhabitants of Grove in the Middle Ages put an end to the abuses of power of their feudal lord, hanging him from a fig tree. The tradition has survived until today’s carnival.
5. Pedras Negras Trail
Take a walk at sunset on this path that follows the coast. Look from a small viewpoint at the rugged nature that rises and that more than 20 years ago was hit by the Prestige disaster.
6. Puerto Cuaces Battery
Cannons to defend against pirates? We choose to believe, although all this artillery was actually built in the 1940’s. The Spanish army still uses this base as a firing range. Authentic military ruins if you ask us.
7. Adro Vello Site
The passing of time can be seen on the beach of O Carreiro, in these archaeological remains: an ancient salting industry, a village of that period and several walls, canalizations and roads that will take you back to Roman Gallaecia!
8. Punta Moreiras
An open-air museum. Play to find the 42 sculptures dedicated to the sea that are hidden in this privileged location. The recreation of a small village with maritime fauna and flora, stories of fishermen, shellfish and mermaids.
9. Salga Museum
The Ethnographic Center of Fishing and Salting is well worth an afternoon’s visit. It shows the process of salting the fish that was followed in the 19th century and the fishing history of Grove. It is a must visit.
10. Grove Aquarium
It is a great place for children and adults alike, and has more than a hundred different species of the seabed. A space open to divulgation in which to do many activities. Do you dare to swim among sharks?
With all these plans in mind, you might want to make a stop at Top Balea. We will be happy to welcome you. Book now!