Sanxenxo: Seaside Escape with Unique Views

Hotel O Son Do Mar Playa: wake up to the sea in the heart of Sanxenxo

Open the window and there it is: Panadeira beach, with the Pontevedra estuary in the distance. At Hotel O Son Do Mar Playa every room faces the sea, and the sand starts right at the door.

Next comes the breakfast buffet, much praised by guests along with the cleanliness and friendly staff, setting you up for a morning on the beach or a stroll past the harbour to Silgar beach, about 350 metres away.

And as evening falls, the hotel's seafood restaurant, Fidel, and its terrace are waiting for dinner on the seafront, with the shops and bars of the town centre just steps away.

Few hotels in Sanxenxo put the sea in front of your bed and the centre around the corner. Book your Rías Baixas getaway and start enjoying it from the very first sunrise.

Important information about Half Board

Please note that drinks are not included in the Half Board package at O Son do Mar Playa.

• Any water, soft drinks, wine or other drinks consumed during dinner must be paid for directly at the hotel.

We recommend checking this information before your arrival to avoid any confusion and enjoy a comfortable stay with no surprises.

Rías Baixas: stately manor houses, vineyard trails and the finest seafood

The great green and blue jewel of Galicia’s Atlantic coast! The Rías Baixas (Ría de Corcubión, Muros y Noia, Arousa, Pontevedra and Vigo) form a labyrinth of sea inlets reaching inland, creating mild microclimates, dreamlike coves, charming fishing villages and a food culture celebrated around the world.

What not to miss:

• Parque Nacional de las Islas Atlánticas (Islas Cíes and Ons): true natural treasures. The Islas Cíes are home to the famous Playa de Rodas, often considered one of the best beaches in the world, with fine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

• Combarro and its hórreos by the sea: an idyllic fishing village. Its historic centre is known for its stone houses and, above all, its iconic hórreos, traditional raised granaries lined up along the shore where the tides rise and fall.

• The birthplace of Albariño wine (Ruta del Ulla and O Salnés): Cambados is the undisputed capital of Albariño wine (D.O. Rías Baixas). Exploring its medieval manor houses, such as Pazo de Fefiñáns, and visiting wineries surrounded by vines is a must.

• Local cuisine from port to port: from the mussel rafts in Ría de Arousa to the shellfish of O Grove and the octopus in Bueu, eating here is a first-class sensory experience.

• Península de O Trega and the coast of Baiona: at the southern end, Monte Santa Trega (A Guarda) offers spectacular views of the mouth of the Miño river as it meets the Atlantic, alongside an impressive Celtic hillfort. To the north, the fortified town of Baiona awaits with its seafront promenade and history connected to Columbus.

Our recommendation: if you want to visit the Islas Cíes or Isla de Ons between June and September, or during Easter, book your Xunta de Galicia permit and boat ticket weeks in advance. Daily visitor numbers are strictly limited to protect the ecosystem.

The Rías Baixas, on Galicia’s southwestern coast, are made for slow days by the sea, seafood lunches and wandering through villages where fishing traditions are still part of everyday life. White-sand beaches, green vineyards and calm estuaries give the region a softer, more relaxed feel than its dramatic Atlantic coastline might suggest.

Come as a couple for long coastal walks and a glass of Albariño at sunset, or bring the family for beach days, boat holidays and relaxed meals. Wherever you stay, leave room in your plans for simply enjoying the view.

Make sure you visit:

Begin in Combarro, where stone granaries known as hórreos stand close to the water and narrow lanes wind between traditional houses. It is especially lovely in the morning, before the streets grow busy, and makes an easy introduction to the region’s maritime heritage.

From there, head to O Grove, a lively fishing town known for its seafood, then continue to Cambados, the heartland of Albariño wine. Around Sanxenxo, you’ll find a livelier seaside atmosphere and broad beaches, while a boat holiday to the Islas Cíes brings a change of pace: clear water, pale sand and striking Atlantic scenery.

Beaches we think you'll like:

A Lanzada is one of the area’s best-known beaches, a long, open stretch of sand with a wilder feel than the sheltered coves. Its generous space suits families and anyone who enjoys a bracing walk by the sea, particularly outside the busiest summer hours.

For a more sheltered beach day, explore the coastline around Sanxenxo, where broad sandy shores meet a lively holiday atmosphere. The Islas Cíes offer a more remote-feeling escape, with bright water and white sand; reaching them means taking a boat, so check the available services when planning your visit.

Family-friendly activities:

A family day here can start with a few unhurried hours on A Lanzada, followed by lunch at a local restaurant and a gentle stroll through a fishing village. Children can watch the boats and shellfish rafts, known as bateas, while adults take in the changing light over the estuary.

For a different perspective, join a coastal boat holiday to see the bateas and shoreline from the water. A visit to a local Albariño winery can also be enjoyable for older children and adults, especially when paired with a walk through the surrounding vineyards.

Local delicacies you have to try:

Seafood is at the heart of eating in the Rías Baixas. Look out for pulpo a feira, tender octopus seasoned with paprika, as well as scallops, mussels and the day’s fresh fish. A seafood platter makes a memorable long lunch, while Galician empanada is an easy choice for a casual bite between beach visits.

Order a glass of Albariño with your meal: its fresh, bright character is a natural match for seafood. For a traditional meal in Meaño, O Forno do Curro is recommended for its Galician cooking and good value; for a more special occasion, Casa Solla offers a creative take on local flavours.

Make the most of your visit:

The Rías Baixas are a rewarding base for exploring both the coast and the towns of Galicia. If you’re staying around Sanxenxo, these outings make an easy addition to your holiday:

• Illa de Arousa (about 30 minutes by car): enjoy peaceful beaches and a quieter stretch of coastal nature.
• Pontevedra (about 20 minutes by car): wander a lively historic centre full of Galician character.
• Islas Cíes (boat holiday required): spend the day among clear waters, white sand and remarkable island scenery.