Galicia is home to corners seemingly made for long walks and unhurried discoveries. Cambados, located in Pontevedra, is one such place. In autumn, the town transforms: quiet streets, a hint of dampness, and mist create scenes reminiscent of illustrations from classic novels.
The town is renowned for its cultural heritage. Here, you’ll find ancient megaliths, remnants of Celtic settlements, and medieval structures sitting alongside grand palaces and cozy plazas. The centerpiece is the Pazo de Fefiñáns with its arched bridge and tower—a site many consider among the region’s most beautiful. Equally striking are the ruins of the Gothic church Santa Mariña de Dozo: even in a semi-ruined state, the building leaves a strong impression, as if transporting you to another era.
It’s worth climbing Monte da Pastora hill for sweeping views of the Ría de Arousa. The panorama is especially stunning at sunset, when the sky turns shades of violet and orange, with A Toxa island and the port of O Grove visible in the distance. It’s no wonder Cambados was included among the most picturesque towns in Spain, according to National Geographic.
But the true pride of Cambados is its cuisine and the famous Albariño wine. In the old quarters, wineries operate where visitors can sample local varieties right among the vineyards. The table is always set with fresh seafood: oysters, mussels, clams, as well as the traditional Galician-style octopus. In summer, the city becomes a hub of wine tourism, hosting the Fiesta del Albariño, recognized as a national celebration and drawing wine lovers from across the country.
For those who enjoy leisurely strolls, beaches like A Mouta are ideal—here you can walk for hours without encountering crowds. The town is also home to an ethnographic and wine museum that tells the story of how the vine and the sea have shaped local culture. If you’re looking for new experiences, the nearby Illa de Arousa island and the thermal waters of O Grove are close at hand.
Getting to Cambados is easy: from Pontevedra, it’s just over half an hour by car on the AP-9 and AG-41, and from A Coruña, about an hour. This makes the town an excellent option for short trips, where you can combine history, nature, and local cuisine.
Cambados is a place where autumn takes on a special charm. Here, everyone can find something for themselves: some in the ancient streets, others in a glass of Albariño, and some in the sea breeze and tranquility. It’s a town you’ll want to remember—and surely return to again.
