The port town of Rianxo

Rianxo is a typical, but perhaps particularly attractive, example of one of Galicia's many coastal port towns. It is located in Pontevedra in the lower rias and has a strong fishing heritage.

Some general information about Rianxo

Rianxo is definately off the main Galician tourist trail and is not mentioned as often as towns like Noia, Ribeira and Muros. That said this is a pretty town with a beautiful large harbour, a long local beach and an extremely pleasant sea front area. Rianxo town is not large in itself, but it is definately worth a visit if you plan to drive down this attractive stretch of coast.

There are plenty of bars, tapas bars and cafes on the seafront facing area of Rianxo and also in the small town on the slopes that lies behind. Rianxo has a very relaxed feel to it although it does tend to liven up on market days (these can get quite busy).

What to see and do in Rianxo

Tip 1. This is more of a town to walk round and enjoy generally than to visit with the expectation of seeing a striking building or an old monument. Rianxo has a very pleasant town centre plus a large weekly market and there are plenty of quaint cafes. There is also a lot of free parking adjacent to the sea front.

Tip 2. The sea front and harbour side areas are pleasant and they have recently been refurbished. The port is large and commercial fishing still takes place here which means that you always have the chance of seeing a catch being landed. The rest of the town is built on a series of three tiers above this lower sea facing promenade area.

Tip 3. Rianxo has a famous citizen, one Daniel Alfonso Rodriguez Castelao, and he is credited with the promotion of being a citizen of Galicia. A plaque marks his home and birth place and there is also a statue to him.

Tip 4. Rianxo's town hall is a small but civic looking building and appears in the main square. It is situated in an area above and behind the sea facing promenade. There is also a tourism office (really a cabin) close to this building and there are many cafes and bars in this area too.

Tip 5. Rianxo has a couple of churches with some religious and historic importance, but whilst pleasing to the eye they are neither grand or detailled in construction or appearance. One of these has a long stair leading to its entrance that descends into a small courtyard.

Where is Rianxo and how do you reach it

Rianxo is some way down the coast from the large airport serviced cities of la Coruna and Santiago de Compostela and a reasonable journey is required to reach it. Travel by car is the main option as a rail link is unavailable and buses would be impractical. However, the coast road that runs the length of Galicia (sometimes deviating inland) is a good drive and takes any visitor through plenty of quaint towns whilst showing off the area's coastal and rural beauty.

Visiting Rianxo would best be included in a day's trip exploring this area of coastline which has numerous old fishing towns including A Pobra do Caraminal which sits slightly further down this section of coast.