Discover San Vicente De O Grove: Coast, Nature and Culture

San Vicente do Mar is surrounded by a continuous succession of beaches. The beaches facing north lie on the Ría de Arousa, while those facing west and south lie on the Atlantic Ocean. From the beaches in San Vicente, parts of the Parque Nacional de las Islas Atlánticas are visible, including the archipelagos of the Ons Islands and Sálvora.

The coastal landscape therefore combines different maritime environments: the north-facing beach sections lie on the Ría de Arousa, while on the other side of the peninsula, the beaches open onto the Atlantic Ocean. The view from the coast also extends beyond the immediate beach to the island archipelagos. Thus, the Ons Islands and Sálvora are just as much part of the visible landscape as San Vicente’s different coastal sections.

Coast and Sea

Playa Carreiro is located on the northern coast of the O Grove peninsula. From Playa Carreiro, nearby mussel farms in the Ría de Arousa are visible. The Paseo de Pedras Negras in San Vicente do Mar begins at the marina and runs mostly along wooden walkways by the sea.

Trails and Sailing

Pedras Negras Marina is managed by Club Náutico San Vicente. One of the club’s main activities is a sailing school. The PO-317 crosses San Vicente do Mar on the way to San Vicente do Grove. The PR-G115 Adro Vello route runs mostly through the protected Natura 2000 network.

Several distinct aspects of the area come together at the marina: its management by Club Náutico San Vicente, the sailing school located there, and the starting point of the Paseo de Pedras Negras. The PO-317 forms the road connection through San Vicente do Mar on the way to San Vicente do Grove. The PR-G115 Adro Vello runs mostly through the protected Natura 2000 network.

History and Culture

The Adro Vello archaeological site lies next to Playa de O Carreiro in San Vicente do Grove. Adro Vello is recognised as a Bien de Interés Cultural de Galicia. The site contains numerous Roman and early medieval remains.

A coin was found in Adro Vello. One side bears a depiction of the transfer of the body of Saint James. This transfer is known as the Traslatio. The Iglesia de San Vicente dates from 1771 and faces east.

Adro Vello therefore brings together archaeological and religious traces from different periods: the remains range from the Roman to the early medieval era, while the coin found there bears a depiction of the Traslatio. This historical picture is complemented by the Iglesia de San Vicente, whose construction date of 1771 and east-facing orientation have been recorded.

Other Places

Another place to explore is Reboredo.

For the overarching travel overview: O Grove.