Small but mighty, separated from O Grove by a long bridge, the island of La Toja is an elegant haven of peace that seems to belong to a golden age that, for many, almost no longer exists. Did you come here looking for things to see and do in La Toja ?
Let's take a virtual tour of this little corner of the Rías Baixas , chosen by the "Galician high society" as their particular vacation spot, and which also marked the summers of an entire generation.
What to see and do in La Toja
Yes, it may not be what it once was… but what remains is great. Especially if you are looking for relaxation, tranquility and beauty. Here we tell you everything there is to see and do on the island of La Toja and more practical information to organize your visit.
1. La Toja Spa
Legend has it that the discovery of the hot springs of La Toja was due to a donkey . As it is…
Apparently there was a priest from O Grove who decided to abandon his donkey, which suffered from a strange skin disease, on the arid and uninhabited island of La Toja. After a while, with the idea of giving his faithful animal a decent burial, he returned to the island and surprise! The donkey was alive and kicking, rolling around in a puddle of mud. All thanks to the therapeutic thermal waters of the island.
It was in 1899 when the Balneario de La Toja was built and a few years later, in 1908, the first hotel on the island was built: the Gran Hotel La Toja (today, it belongs to the Eurostars chain).
Relaxing in the hot water or seawater pools of the spas and undergoing some of the treatments will not only leave your body relaxed and rested, but the waters have benefits for all those who suffer from respiratory, dermatological or rheumatic problems.
There are up to three facilities with spas: the Gran Hotel La Toja , the Hotel Isla de La Toja (both from the Eurostars chain), and the Hotel Louxo A Toxa with thalassotherapy treatments (with sea water).
And as the great philosopher said, “If you take your car to the garage, why don’t you take yourself to the spa?” Well, I may have just made that up, but you get the idea…
→ More information about the La Toja spa here
2. “La Toja Manantiales” Museum-Shop
There is no better souvenir than stocking up on La Toja soaps , the kind that just by smelling them takes you back to your tender childhood (at least that's what happens to me). Because the spa doesn't only live off of springs... colognes, mineral salts and of course the famous soaps.
It was in 1904 when the first La Toja soap was created , with vegetable oils and mineral salts from the thermal waters. And it was a success: all customers could take a little piece of La Toja home with them. Over time, this first soap was joined by cosmetic and shaving products, colognes and new soaps, such as the famous Magno , the first shower gel from the spa.
So now you know: one of the best things to do in La Toja will be to visit the La Toja Manantiales Store-Museum.
What about the famous “colareiras” ?
We have not mentioned the famous handmade necklaces so typical of La Toja, made with shells from the beaches of the island and from O Grove. The reason is that we do not think they are the most responsible souvenir… if we all agree NOT to take home sand and shells, why do almost all the articles that talk about La Toja recommend getting this souvenir made of shells?
They are beautiful and surely a great souvenir-gift, but is it ethical? Here is a post from Con Mochila that explains why you should leave shells on the beaches.
3. Church of Las Conchas, the most curious place to see in La Toja
If there is a place where shells can stay, beyond the beaches, it is in this emblematic church, completely covered with shiny scallops , making it one of the most curious, suggestive and well-known corners of La Toja.
It is a small chapel dedicated to Saint Caralampio and Saint Sebastian that apparently was covered with these shells for a more practical than aesthetic reason: to prevent humidity from passing through the walls and damaging the building.
In the past, lovers used to leave their names as a symbol of love… But that's not the best idea either, take a selfie instead, which lasts forever (if you don't delete it, of course) and doesn't ruin the facade.
4. Be amazed by the mansions of La Toja
It is no secret that La Toja is one of the most elegant and posh enclaves in all of Spain. So it is not surprising that some of the most prominent Galician businessmen and wealthy people have decided to build their own small mansion where they can spend their getaways. This is the case, for example, of Amancio Ortega, the Calvo family or part of Adolfo Domínguez's family. And they do not have bad taste, that is clear.
So another thing we recommend you do in La Toja is to go on a nosy tour, looking for those mansions along Rúa da Condesa ... it will be a bit like taking the Hollywood Star Route in Los Angeles (a little more soulless and without as much glamour, of course).
5. La Toja Casino
And from Los Angeles we go to Las Vegas , without leaving La Toja 😉 An original plan for one night is to gamble a few euros (don't spend too much, you'll probably end up losing them) at the Casino de La Toja . It's small and somewhat old-fashioned, but it has the charm of places that lived through a golden age.
And take advantage of the opportunity to eat at their restaurant , it is not expensive and the food is good. If you are not lucky at gambling, you can always fill your stomach with delicious food at a good price. There is a daily menu that for 15€ includes first course, second course, dessert and a drink.
6. Grobits Village, the best plan to do with children in La Toja
And it's also cool without kids, eh? Word from two people who had a great time in Hobbiton . And yes, this playground is the Galician version of the New Zealand Hobbiton. On our visit to La Toja we didn't have time to stop by here, but we have it noted down for the next trip, at least it seems like a curious place!
If you see Frodo, say hi to him from us 😉
7. Take a dip in the beach and stroll through its gardens
Let's be honest: La Toja is not one of the best beaches in Galicia , but if you feel like taking a dip, we won't be the ones to stop you. Take note of these two names:
- Praia de Covadelo , right next to the bridge that connects La Toja with O Grove. The water is usually calm and crystal clear. There is a kiosk in case you get thirsty.
- Praia Da Mourisca also looks nice, but unfortunately it is located within the golf course grounds, so there is no public access. Grr grr.
There are also green spaces and gardens on the island of La Toja, such as the La Toja Forest Park , which occupies the centre of the island, with several trails through the forest (where the village of Grobits is located), the gardens around the Church of Las Conchas or the pleasant promenade that connects to the marina.
8. Take a boat ride along the estuary
Who wouldn't sign up for a catamaran ride to discover the Ría de Arousa ? If you need an extra push, some of these tours include Albariño and mussel tasting in the price - yum!
The route lasts approximately 1.5 hours and you will discover some of the most beautiful places in the estuary from the water, such as the island of Arosa or Cambados . If you are interested, you can book the trip along the estuary with mussel tasting .
9. Come to O Grove
It would be unforgivable to be in La Toja without visiting its neighbour O Grove. It is a pleasant fishing village , with a spectacular seafront promenade and an amazing gastronomic offer. In fact, this is the capital of seafood… the capital of seafood in Galicia! Do we need any further introduction?
→ This is all there is to see and do in O Grove
→ We recommend a few restaurants where you can eat in O Grove (including seafood, of course).
Fun fact : Did you know that the La Toja Bridge was the longest in Europe? Obviously, with its 400 meters, this record didn't last long, but yes, at the time it was 😉
10. And explore the Rías Baixas
You're in the Rías Baixas! Don't miss the chance to get in the car and explore some of its most beautiful places, such as Pontevedra , Cambados , Combarro , the Illa de Arousa or the Medieval Bridge of the Seiria River.
→ Here are 20 great plans to fully enjoy the Rías Baixas
Tips for visiting La Toja
We leave you with some questions (with answers, obviously hehe) that may be on your mind now that you are planning a visit to the island of La Toja:
› How long does it take to visit La Toja?
If you just want to take a stroll without staying overnight, we would say that an hour is enough , to which you will have to add the duration of the special activities, such as the boat ride, the therapy session at the Spa or the duration of your euros at the Casino.
If you are planning to base yourself somewhere close, such as O Grove or La Lanzada, we recommend that you also look in advance to La Toja and if you find an interesting offer, stay a couple of days. It may be for the hot springs or the tranquility of the little island, but you will come out feeling like a new person.
› Where to eat in La Toja?
Although we recommend you take advantage of the proximity to O Grove to have lunch/dinner there, in La Toja there are also some recommended places, such as these:
- A Casa do Marqués Restaurant , try the fish stew and the Betanzos-style omelette.
- Cafeteria Supernova 3.1 is a beach bar with a relaxed atmosphere and a terrace next to the sea. Here you have to try the churrasco. 10/10.
› Where to park in La Toja?
We found it right next to the Spa, but there is a fairly large public parking lot in front of Praia Dos Fornos, a few minutes walk from the Spa ( location ).
› Where to stay in La Toja?
Of course, if you decide to stay here, it is best to do so in one of the 3 spa hotels:
- Eurostars Gran Hotel La Toja , 5 stars, the first on the island and the most luxurious.
- Eurostar La Toja Island , 4 stars.
- Hotel Talaso Louxo La Toja , 4 stars, is the most economical of the 3.
They all have a spa, heated pool, spa…
If you are travelling in the summer, it is either full or too expensive, the alternative we recommend is to look for accommodation in nearby O Grove.
And that's all, friends. Of course, we may have forgotten something to see and do in La Toja, but if you have any recommendations, we're all ears. We hope this post will help you get to know this small but curious Galician island.
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