Cambados A Charming Town & Capital of the Albariño Wine Region
Cambados Spain is a picture-perfect village and the capital of the spectacular Albariño wine region. The seaside hamlet sits on the Ría de Arousa, nestled between the Island of Arousa and the O Grove peninsula.
There are many things to do in Cambados Spain. The historical city has a port, impressive palaces, and numerous churches. One of the main attractions in Cambados is sampling Albariño wine. Scattered around the town, find a handful of wineries and wine shops, or head to the countryside bodegas.
Cambados makes for an excellent place to base and explore the Rías Baixas, or the lower estuaries in Galicia. Discover the nearby islands, hike one of the beautiful hiking routes in Galicia, or spend time in the university city of Pontevedra.
Being surrounded by so many natural treasures makes Cambados Spain worth visiting and spending time here.
This quick guide to Cambados Spain includes the best ways to visit, how much time to spend here, what to do in Cambados, where to eat and sleep, plus noteworthy places to see nearby.
Here are all the reasons to visit Cambados, a hidden gem in Galicia Spain.
Table of Contents
- Where is Cambados & The Best Ways to Visit
- How Much Time Should You Spend in Cambados?
- Best Things to Do in Cambados
- Where to Eat in Cambados
- Places to Stay in Cambados Spain
- Noteworthy Places to See Near Cambados
- Is Cambados Worth Visiting?
- Conclusion | The Best Things to Do in Cambados & What to See Nearby
Where is Cambados & The Best Ways to Visit
Cambados is a beautiful seaside village located on the Ría de Arousa, which is part of the Rías Baixas. It is included in the Pontevedra Province of Spain’s Galicia region. Cambados is also included in the subdivision of O Salnés, a comarca in the Rías Baixas.
Cambados is protected in the Ría de Arousa by the northern Island of Arousa and to the south, by the Peninsula of O Grove.
The closest larger city to Cambados is Pontevedra. It’s well-connected to Santiago de Compostela and Vigo, too.
The easiest way to visit Cambados is by car or utilizing public transportation. Find walking paths that cut through the heart of Cambados and tours of the Rías Baixas that include a stop in Cambados.
Driving to Cambados
Cambados is an excellent place to stop on a Galician road trip. I started at the border of Spain and Portugal along the Minho River and worked my way north to Santiago de Compostela. My short road trip includes stops like the hilltop Castro de Santa Trega, the huge cluster of stone mills on Muinos do Folon e do Picon hiking trail, the seaside village of Baiona, and more gems along the way.
There is lots of parking in Cambados from street parking to large open lots. I parked in the first main public lot found here. There are two main gravel lots and I had no issues leaving my rental car here. There are also free parking lots closer to the port.
Bus to Cambados
Cambados has a main bus station that is centrally located. Monbus connects visitors between Cambados and Santiago de Compostela. There are also local bus routes like XG814 that connect Pontevedra to Cambados.
This is a great resource for those using the bus system in Galicia.
Cambados & The Ruta de Padre Sarmiento (Route of Father Sarmiento)
Another fantastic way to experience Cambados is to walk there! While the village is not on the actual Camino de Santiago route, it is part of the Route of Father Sarmiento. This was the path that Fray Martín Sarmiento walked in 1745 to Santiago de Compostela. He was inspired to walk through the entire region of Salnés along the coast.
The Ruta de Padre Sarmiento starts from Pontevedra, just like the Camino Variante Espiritual. In fact, there are some places where the two routes overlap. Both routes include the picturesque seaside village of Combarro and meet again right before Vilanova de Arousa. Once in Padrón, the routes merge into the Camino Portuguese to Santiago de Compostela.
The Ruta de Padre Sarmiento is around 190 Km (118 miles) and is typically broken up over 9 stages. This route sees few pilgrims, meaning the infrastructure isn’t as profound as the Camino Frances or other popular routes. However, it is a fantastic and beautiful alternative way to experience the Camino from Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela.
Cambados Tours
Those short on time may wish to join a tour of the Rías Baixas region. Some tour companies stop in Cambados as part of their tour offering and is a great option for those seeking to see the most with a limited schedule.
➜ This full-day tour of the Rías Baixas includes places like Arousa Island and Combarro with an option to include a boat ride by the Mussel Farms. It also includes a stop in Cambados to sample Albariño wine.
➜ This Private Tour of the Rías Baixas highlights everything from wine tasting to the regional gastronomy.
How Much Time Should You Spend in Cambados?
Cambados is a small village so it’s possible to see the major attractions in a few hours. It could be visited as a long day trip from Santiago de Compostela, but I think the village warrants at least a one-night stay to experience authentically all there is to see.
Cambados is also an excellent place to stay and a base to explore the Rías Baixas area. Those seeking a quiet seaside village will love the ambiance and the close proximity to the wineries that produce Albariño wine.
Best Things to Do in Cambados
Here are some of the best things to do in Cambados Spain.
Appreciate the Praza de Fefiñáns
The Fefiñáns Plaza is an excellent place to start a visit in Cambados. The large plaza is home to the Fefiñáns Palace, an impressive Renaissance building built during the 16th century. Observing from the outside, the palace has fun nods to Albariño wine with the towers shaped to resemble wine glasses.
The Palace is also home to the Fefiñáns Bodega and the Gil Armada Distillery. There are self-guided tours to visit the Palace and the Bodega offers tastings (with limited hours). The first Albariño grapes in the comarca of O Salnês were said to have been planted on palace grounds, so it’s an ideal place to sample the origins of the wine.
San Bieito Church sits in the Praza de Fefiñans and has two church towers in baroque style.
In the plaza, it’s also possible to see the only remaining bridge arch that acts as a walkway.
Saunter Through Cambados Old Town
The Old Town of Cambados is fantastic and boasts numerous plazas. The Old Town is home to grand promenades, restaurants, tapas bars, and so much more.
From Praza de Fefiñáns take a stroll down Rúa Real. Twist through the streets and explore the plazas, but eventually walk towards Pazo de Bazán which is now the Parador of Cambados. The footpath in front of the Plaza passes by the Tourist Information Center and a museum. This open plaza is also where the Albariño Wine Festival is held at the end of July / first week in August.
Ramon Cabanillas Plaza welcomes visitors with its bronze statue of Bacchus, the Roman God of Wine. Plaza Alfredo Brañas is a cute little plaza lined with tapas bars. The tiny Capilla de Santa Margarita is a special place to sit and reflect.
While the village is small, getting lost on the historic streets of Cambados is one of the best things to do.
Wander Through Cambados Oldest Neighborhood San Tomé
One of the oldest neighborhoods in Cambados is actually a little farther from the port. San Tomé is a small neighborhood that historically was home to fishermen. This barrio has the Pazo de Montesacro, an old public laundry wash station, and a few streets that highlight this authentic neighborhood.
From here, don’t miss the chance to visit the small island of A Figueira that connects San Tomé to the San Sadurniño Tower. I think this island offers one of the best views of San Tomé.
Take a Stroll to Torre San Sadurniño
There is little that remains of the San Sadurniño Tower on A Figueira island. The tower was built during the 12th century to help protect the village from Viking invasions.
There is an interesting legend that surrounds this island. It was said to be formed by a Moorish King who built the island from shells and dirt. Supposedly underneath the tower he buried and left behind a large treasure.
The small island offers excellent views and is a lovely walk.
To get a different view of the town, follow the sea back to Cambados along the port.
Reflect at the Ruinas de Santa Mariña
A special place to see in Cambados is the Santa Mariña church ruins. There was a small chapel originally built during the 12th century in Romanesque style, but during the 15th the granite church of Santa Mariña was erected. There are a few archways that remain.
If you enter the old chapel it’s possible to see the iconic shells of Saint James that are carved into the walls. This is one of those special places where the veil seems very “thin.”
The Santa Mariña ruins also house a cemetery. This is a beautiful cemetery and makes for a peaceful place to reflect.
Catch a Sunset at Mirador de A Pastora
One of the best places to catch a sunset is from Mirador de A Pastora. This lookout point is found on the hillside behind the Ruinas de Santa Mariña.
There is a small observation deck with a cross. The best time to come here is at sunset when the sun dips behind O Grove Island. The views of the Rías de Arousa are stunning and colorful.
Visit the Cambados Wine Museum
Steps away from the Ruinas de Santa Mariña find the Museo Etnográfico do Viño.
This local wine museum highlights the wine of the Albariño Wine Region and the cultivation process of the grapes.
This wine region is perhaps the most famous in Galicia with the Rías Baixas having 5 subzones for growing the grapes. Cambados is located in the Val do Salnés sub-region and is considered to be the birthplace of Albariño wine.
With its close proximity to the sea, the crisp white wine has a high acidity but drinks quite smooth.
Sadly, the Wine Museum in Cambados was closed when I visited. Always verify the current schedule with the entrance costing around €1.
Sample Albariño Wine at the Numerous Bodegas
Cambados is considered the official capital of Albariño wine, with nearly 35 vineyards found in the Val do Salnés region. These vineyards are part of the Ruta del Vino Rías Baixas.
Many of the vineyards are found within walking distance of Cambados village. Those looking to tour the countryside vineyards should plan on making reservations in advance. It’s also worth noting that this is a popular domestic tourism spot for Spain. That being said, not all vineyards offer tours in English.
Oftentimes it’s best to join a guided tour to explore the vineyards. There are also strict drinking and driving rules in Spain, so it’s best to hire a taxi or a tour guide. Always be responsible and have a sober driver.
Where to Eat in Cambados
There are tons of great restaurants in Cambados, many of them boasting fresh-caught seafood. The plazas are filled with cafes and tapa bars that pour glasses of local Albariño wine. Cambados is at its core a true culinary experience!
Cambados has the Michelin-Recommended A Taberna do Trasno. Another great restaurant serving delicious food is A Casa De Miguel.
For tapas bars, I loved wandering near Praza de Asorei and Plaza Alfredo Brañas and moving between the numerous establishments with outdoor patios.
For a totally fun and different cafe experience, don’t miss As Hedras. By far this bar is one of the most uniquely decorated establishments I’ve had the pleasure to visit in Galicia! It’s super eclectic and is a cool spot to have a coffee or glass of wine.
Places to Stay in Cambados Spain
There are numerous accommodation options for those visiting Cambados.
By far one of the most popular places to stay in Cambados is the Parador de Cambados which is located in the historical Bazán Palace. This Parador Hotel has all the luxuries including a pool, terrace, and modern rooms, and is something you should experience at least once when visiting Spain.
Personally, I stayed in Hotel El Duende and loved the big rooms with private bathrooms. The location was also amazing with a convenient cafe across the street and steps away from a grocery store. The owners are so kind and they offer breakfast!
Hotel O Lagar is also a popular hotel option in Cambados along with the hotel of A Mariña.
While there are no hostels or albergues in Cambados, there are tons of accommodation options for every type of budget.
➜ Browse all the best places to stay in Cambados Galicia Spain
Noteworthy Places to See Near Cambados
As stated earlier, Cambados makes an excellent place to base to explore nearby treasures of the Rías Baixas.
Illa de Arousa
One of the biggest surprises for me of the Arousa Estuary was the Illa da Arousa. This small island is a spectacular place to spend the day and is connected to the mainland by a large bridge.
On the island find long stretches of white sand beaches. There’s also the fabulous walking path through the Carreirón Natural Park, a protected area that is home to birds, sand dunes, and beaches. The official trail is only 3.6 Km but the path offers so much to see. On a sunny day, it would be easy to lounge around for a few hours on the quiet beaches.
The main city of Arousa has a port and plenty of fresh seafood restaurants. There are two fabulous lookout points at Con do Forno and near the Parque Infantil do Monte.
The entire island can be walked and is part of the Route of Father Sarmiento.
Hike the Ruta Da Pedra e a Auga
The Ruta da Pedra e da Auga, or the Route of Stone and Water is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Galicia. It is found on the Spiritual Variante of the Camino Portuguese. The trailhead of this out-and-back trailhead is super close to Cambados.
The Ruta da Pedra e da Auga follows a dirt path next to the Armenteira River. Along the scenic trail find 33 stone mills famous in the Galicia region. The trail is blessed with small waterfalls created from the water mills, mossy-covered stones, and epic footpaths through the forest.
The trail is officially marked as the PR-G 170 and is 6.5 KM (4 miles) one way. The closest place to access the trailhead from Cambados would be Barrantes (Ribadumia next to the Hospedaje Rústico – Restaurante Os Castaños. From this direction, the trail ends at Armenteira with the special Mosteiro de Santa María da Armenteira.
This is one of the most beautiful hikes near Cambados.
Explore O Grove
To the south of Cambados is the Peninsula of O Grove. This land formation is surrounded by a few smaller islands like Isla de La Toja. O Grove has lots of beaches and thermal spas. It is also a renowned culinary destination.
O Grove is another popular place to visit in the Rías Baixas, but unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to visit! (It’s on the list for next trip)
Spend a Day in Pontevedra
Pontevedra is an underrated city in the Rías Baixas. The historical city is part of the Camino Português and has a lot to see and do.
By far one of the more unique churches on the Camino de Santiago is the Santuario da Virxe Peregrina in Pontevedra. The church is dedicated to the Pilgrim Virgin, the Patron Saint of Pontevedra, and was built during the 18th century and is shaped like a shell.
Pontevedra has a very youthful energy as it is home to a lively University. One of the best things to do in Pontevedra is wander the historical district and stop at the numerous plazas filled with tapas bars.
The Ponte do Burgo crosses over the Leréz River. There is also a fabulous walking path along the river and is a nice place to wander.
A few more interesting places to see are the Ruínas de San Domingos, the Convento de San Francisco, and the Museo de Pontevedra.
There is a lot to do in Pontevedra, but the main attractions and highlights can be explored in a full day of aggressive sightseeing.
Is Cambados Worth Visiting?
Yes! Cambados is worth visiting. In fact, it was a highlight of my last trip to Galicia. The small village is a delight to wander and is located in the heart of the Albariño wine region. The seaside town of Cambados has beautiful viewpoints, lovely promenades, lively squares, and is close to some of Galicia’s best hidden gems.
Cambados is a fantastic place to base to explore the Rías Baixas.
Conclusion | The Best Things to Do in Cambados & What to See Nearby
In short, this is a quick guide to the historical city of Cambados, the gateway to Galicia’s Albariño wine region. This seaside town offers plenty of things to do from interesting museums to incredible viewpoints. This picturesque town has old fishing villages, impressive palaces, and inviting streets perfect for strolling.
Cambados is an ideal place to explore the Rías Baixas. The town is charming and is located near vineyards and places of interest like Illa de Arousa and O Grove.
You won’t regret spending time in this port city in Galicia. Cambados Spain is worth visiting and is best savoring like a refreshing glass of Albarińo wine.
Have you visited Cambados in Galicia Spain? Did you love it as much as I did? Was there a place in or near Cambados you loved that I’m missing? Let me know in the comments below!
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