The municipality of Sanxenxo, located in the Galician province of Pontevedra, reaffirmed its status as the national leader in sustainable tourism in 2025. This coastal town received a record number of ‘Sendero Azul’ (Blue Trail) awards, strengthening its position as Spain’s top destination for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
The Environmental Education and Consumer Rights Protection Association (Asociación de Educación Ambiental y del Consumidor, Adeac) recognized eight trails in Sanxenxo. This prestigious award is given to walking routes that promote environmentally responsible exploration of natural and cultural heritage. While Galicia as a whole was acknowledged for 388 kilometers of such trails, Sanxenxo stood out with the highest number of individual awards, making it a true gem for those seeking active recreation.
The eight awarded routes offer a range of experiences, including both coastal and river trails. Notably, the riverside route along río Pontillón and the ‘Sendero Mágico de A Lanzada’, known for its legends and nearby archaeological site, stand out. Coastal paths such as ‘Areas-Punta Festiñanzo’ feature views of dunes and the marina, while the ‘Canelas-Punta Cabicastro’ route impresses with its scenic cliffs.
Other popular routes include “Montalvo – Major” (Montalvo-Major), which offers views of the Islas Ons, and the “Paxariñas – Montalvo” (Paxariñas-Montalvo) trail. The urban route connecting Sanxenxo and Portonovo allows visitors to enjoy the beaches and seafront promenades. Of particular note is the “Senda de los Carballos de Aldariz” (Senda de los Carballos de Aldariz), which has been recognized for the fourth consecutive year. This variety of trails enables the city to attract tourists not only during the beach season, but all year round.
Sanxenxo’s success is not limited to its walking trails. This year, 17 of the municipality’s beaches have also been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness and quality infrastructure. This unique combination makes Sanxenxo an ideal destination, where scenic hikes can be paired with relaxation on some of Galicia’s best beaches, finishing the day with a refreshing swim in the sea.
