Vila De Cruces: Rivers, Culture and Hiking Routes

Rivers and Nature

Vila de Cruces is surrounded by the three rivers Ulla, Arnego and Deza; the municipality’s landscape is shaped by their courses. Along the Deza between Fontao and Merza, the banks feature rich riverside vegetation thanks to local microclimates. This riverside vegetation includes cork oaks, ash trees and strawberry trees.

The cork oak stands along the Arnego have been included in the Natura 2000 network for protection. At the Portodemouros reservoir, migrating mallards and herons can be observed in winter; cormorants can also occasionally be seen there. A Carixa includes a river beach.

Culture and History

The exhibition buildings of the Museo Fontao consist of a former chapel and former school buildings. In 2012, these buildings were completely renovated and restored. The Museo Fontao was established within the Fontao mining settlement.

The Fontao mining settlement is an example of rationalist architecture from the late 1950s. A request is required for guided tours of the Museo Fontao, and it must be submitted at least four working days in advance.

Hiking and Viewpoints

A nearby route is called “DE CARBOEIRO A FONTAO”. It is 7.3 kilometres long and classified as easy. Near this route, a short one-kilometre walk leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Río Toxa waterfall. For this route, the stated distance and easy classification identify both its extent and its explicitly stated difficulty level.

A hiking route approximately 4.6 kilometres long runs through the natural woodland of the municipality of Vila de Cruces. It passes the Ponte dos Cabalos, the San Paio Chapel and the bridge over the Río Deza. Thus, three named structures and river-related features are included along the route. The hike through the natural woodland connects the Ponte dos Cabalos, the San Paio Chapel and the bridge over the Río Deza over approximately 4.6 kilometres. The route length remains an approximate figure.

Festivals and Cuisine

In 1992, the municipality of Vila de Cruces launched the Festa Gastronómica do Galo de Curral. The festival continued over several editions and was recognised as a festival of Galician tourist interest. Galo de Curral can be sampled year-round in restaurants in the municipality of Vila de Cruces.

The Feira do Chourizo takes place in February in the municipality of Vila de Cruces; the event offers tastings. In November, the Feira da Castaña takes place in the municipality of Vila de Cruces and also includes tastings. The two events mentioned combine their respective seasonal dates with tastings in the municipality.

Water Sports at Portodemouros

Portodemouros is associated with the water sports of rowing, sailing, canoeing and water skiing.

Other Destinations

Find more destinations at Viladesuso, Cuntis, Campo Lameiro, Tabagón, Figueiras, A Illa De Arousa, Pontevedra and Cerdedo.

To the main travel overview: Pontevedra.