Sipping a cold Albariño, seeing the ruins of Santa Maria do Dozo, or simply strolling through the historic centre are just 3 of the best things to see and do in Cambados . But the list is much longer, and if you stay to read until the end of the article, you will discover these other essential places and plans to do in Cambados.
We visited Cambados for the first time on our 2-week trip through Galicia and it was immediately clear to us that this is one of the most beautiful towns in Galicia . Besides being the capital of Albariño , which, hey, a glass of wine always helps ;), the “Very Loyal Villa” of Cambados boasts an immense cultural background and a long history of towns, conquests, privileges and legends.
The main reason is its location, at a strategic defensive point. So Romans, Goths, Arabs and Normans all passed through here. Little by little it gained fame and today it looks beautiful, full of country houses, small squares and churches, which make it look like an open-air museum.
What to see and do in Cambados
Do you want to know everything there is to see and do in Cambados? Then keep reading:
1. Sign up for a free tour
The easiest and quickest way to discover the main sights of Cambados, mixed with a few brushstrokes of its history, is through a free tour. You already know that it is not free, but you will have to leave a tip at the end of the visit, but it is definitely worth it.
You can book it here
2. Fefiñáns Square
If you prefer to visit Cambados on your own, we recommend starting with Plaza de Fefiñáns, which is often described as one of the most beautiful squares in Galicia . In ancient times it was the Market Square, today it is one of the most emblematic places in Cambados, surrounded by historic and monumental buildings, which we will tell you about in the following points.
Thanks to its size, this is the place where the proclamation is read, one of the most special moments of the Festa do Albariño . From here also begins probably the most charming street in the historic centre of Cambados: the Rúa Real , paved and with beautiful buildings on both sides.
3. Fefiñáns Manor House
The most important building in this square, which gives it its name, is the imposing Pazo de Fefiñáns (16th-17th century), built in an L-shape occupying two ends of the square, in Galician Baroque style with Renaissance elements. Notable features include circular balconies at the corners, an imposing keep and a Baroque-style arch that was also used as a bridge.
Today, one area of the palace houses two wineries producing Albariño with Denomination of Origin: the Bodega Palacio de Fefiñáns , which apparently has the honour of being the oldest winery with DO Rías Baixas, and the Bodega Joaquín Gil de Armada . Incidentally, the other area of the palace continues to be inhabited.
You can visit some parts of the interior of the Pazo, such as the main square or the wine cellars, and even do a wine tasting. To book, visit their website .
4. Church of St. Benedict
In the same Fefiñáns square there is another building that does not escape the gaze of visitors: we are talking about the Church of Santiago, built over the centuries with the most varied architectural styles (although Baroque prevails, there are Romanesque elements and the interior has Gothic touches).
The highlights of the interior are the baroque altarpiece and the tomb of the first inhabitant of the Pazo de Fefiñáns: Don Gonzalo Sarmiento de Valladares, the Viscount of Fefiñanes , along with that of his wife.
Curiosity : don't leave without looking for the famous "balboas" , two stone warriors who, according to legend, protect the Church.
5. Ulloa Manor House
We already told you at the beginning: there are many country houses in Cambados and, although the one in Ferfiñáns is one of the most striking, it is far from the only one you have to visit. Make a note of this name: Pazo de Ulloa (or Pazo Quintanilla).
Although construction began in the 15th century, it is extremely well preserved and looks fantastic, as if the years had not passed by, and it is not because it has not suffered stress! Throughout its history, several families contributed their architectural tastes to the original plan. In fact, on the main façade we can see a huge shield with the coats of arms of these important families who lived there.
As far as we understand, you cannot visit the inside, but you can see it from the outside and also admire its beautiful exterior fence and garden . In the square in front of the Pazo there is a large cross that seems to bless the place.
Fun fact : if you look closely, the coat of arms is positioned a little crooked. This was common among noble families when the son was a bastard, in this case the daughter.
6. Ruins of the Church of Santa Mariña
What if we told you that our favourite place in Cambados is in a cemetery? And what if this place is also in ruins? You might think we've lost our minds a bit. Not at all, we're sure you'll be captivated too. We're talking about the ruins of the Church of Santa Mariña Dozo , located in none other than the cemetery of Cambados.
This is one of the oldest chapels in the town, built in the 12th century in Romanesque style and later enlarged by adding other Gothic and Renaissance elements. A few centuries later it was abandoned and collapsed in parts, taking on its current appearance. Its emblematic Romanesque arches and the old half-ruined bell tower are one of the most iconic images of Cambados.
And don't look at us with strange eyes: we are not its only fans! In 1943 it was named a National Monument , and it is included in the ASCE , an acronym for the Holy Association of Empanadilla Eaters, just kidding, it is the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe .
7. A Pastora Viewpoint
If after visiting the church you have time and desire, you can walk to the top of the nearby Monte da Pastora , about 60 metres high, from where you will have magnificent views of Cambados and the Arousa estuary, including of course the O Grove peninsula. Even better if you do so at sunset!
The walk is easy and it will take you just 10 minutes to reach the highest point, known as the “Calvary Stone”.
8. San Tomé do Mar neighborhood and San Sadurniño Tower
It used to be an independent town, but today this seaside neighbourhood is connected to Cambados by the promenade. It is worth taking a stroll along here until you reach the peculiar ruins of the Torre San Sadurniño , on the island of the same name, connected to the shore by a stone pedestrian bridge. It was an old watchtower that protected the town from possible attacks from the estuary.
This area is ideal for watching the sunset and also for seeing up close the hard work of the shellfish harvesters when the tide goes out.
9. More places to see in Cambados (historical center)
Of course there are a few more places to visit in Cambados, such as the Convent of San Francisco , the Plaza de As Rodas , the Casa de las Conchas , the Pazo de Moltó , the Statue of Bacchus , the Pazo de Montesacro , or the Paseo Marítimo .
10. Winery Route
Everything in Cambados tastes like wine, and if there is one thing that is not lacking in Cambados and its surroundings, it is wineries. You already know that Cambados has the title of Capital of Albariño and from here begins the well-known "Rías Baixas Wine Route", made up of more than 20 wineries in the area. Therefore, you should take advantage of your visit to plan a winery route. Sounds good, doesn't it?
We recommend that you visit at least the Bodega del Pazo de Fefiñáns , which we have already told you about, or the Bodegas Don Olegario , the Bodegas Lagar De Pintos or the Martin Codax (book the tour with tasting here , these are on the outskirts of the town.
And, of course, take a moment to visit the Museo Etnográfico do Viño , located in what was once the rectory of the Santa Mariña Dozo Church complex, and the first wine museum in all of Galicia. There you can learn all the secrets about wine production and its importance in this area.
Excursions from Cambados
Cambados' location, in the beautiful Salnés region and in the heart of the Arosa estuary, makes it a perfect starting point for excursions to the surrounding area. If you travel by car from here you can easily take some of the best excursions in the Rías Baixas . Here are some suggestions:
- Combarro , if Cambados is the town of Albariño, Combarro is the town of granaries. Very pretty but VERY touristy, better to know in advance :-p This is the best things to see and do in Combarro .
- O Grove Peninsula is our Galician downfall, perhaps the fact that it is the capital of seafood has something to do with it. Here we leave you 10 things to see and do in O Grove and its surroundings (pending).
- Armenteira Monastery , rebuilt on the initiative of the son of the writer Ramón María del Valle-Inclán (he was inspired by this monastery to write his book "Aromas de Leyenda") and now inhabited by a group of Cistercian nuns.
- The route of the mills (also known as the “Ruta da Pedra e da Auga” ) starts from the Monastery and follows the Umia River through a beautiful forest passing by old water mills. Beautiful!
- Pontevedra , if you still don't know this Galician capital, for us the most beautiful, you're taking too long. Here we tell you what to visit in Pontevedra .
- Route through Rías Baixas , in this post you have 20 plans to discover some of the most wonderful corners of the Rías Baixas , one of the most precious Galician treasures.
Where to eat in Cambados
We already know that in Cambados you drink good wine, but you also eat wonderfully. These are some of the recommended restaurants in Cambados:
- A Fonte do Viño is one of the legendary places in Cambados. If you come here, you can't go wrong. We recommend trying the scallops and the hake stew.
- A de Luis , a perfect place if you want to go for the daily menu (first course, second course, drink and dessert for €18), with quality products such as the house scallops and meat or caldeiro (or octopus).
Parking in Cambados
There are plenty of free parking spaces along the Paseo Marítimo and Rúa Ribeira de Fefiñáns . We left the car there, although we had to drive around a couple of times to find a spot (it was July, though).
There is also a very large public parking space in the marina ( location ), also suitable for parking the motorhome and spending the night.
Accommodation in Cambados
Although the visit to Cambados can be done in a couple of hours, we believe that it is a very good place to base yourself for several days and explore this area of the Rías Baixas on daily excursions. If that is your plan, here are some recommended accommodations in Cambados:
- Parador , for those who have no budget problems and want to live an experience.
- Hotel Real Cambados , a charming hotel in the heart of Cambados.
- Hotel O Lagar , as an option for tighter budgets but with quality.
We hope that you now know Cambados not only for being the Capital of Albariño but for everything it offers. Do you know more things to see and do in Cambados?
