Baiona, Pontevedra 
Baiona - Overview:
Baiona has been declared an area of great historic and monumental interest and it is home to due to a labyrinth of paved streets, monuments, natural areas and a rugged coastline. The climate is generally moist with mild temperatures and dry summers.
Baiona - Geography:
The town of Baiona extends to almost 35 sq.km, with a population of 10,934 inhabitants, however this rises to 45,000 during the summer as Baiona is the international tourism capital in the southern coast of Galicia. Baiona encompasses the parishes of Baiona, Baredo, Bahina, Belesar and Santa Cristina, and it is located in the bay of Baiona, within the province of Pontevedra, on the south west coast of Galicia, in the left margin of the estuary of Vigo.
The surrounding rugged landscape has mountains - including the mountain of San Roque - and the 'place of the Virxe da Roca' which affords a beautiful viewpoint over the town, the estuary and the Cies islands.
Following the coastline south, you can explore 'the Way of St. James' from Portugal. Baiona is an obligatory stop for pilgrims and the quintessential holiday area of the southern Rias Baixas. It is enjoys a rugged landscape comprising the Bay of Baiona along with the Minor and Grova Rivers. This nature lover's paradise has seen the declaration of many nature preserves, including the Minor River wetlands, Mount Grova, and the Estelas Islands.
Baiona - Beaches:
There are two main stretches of coastline. The first leads from the cape Silleiro to the Punta de Boi - a high coastline, rocky and open to the Atlantic, surrounded by a series of islands and small beaches. The second stretch cuts by the peninsula of Santa Marta, and it leads from Monterreal to the mouth of the river Minor.
Baiona - History:
The town was founded by Diomedes de Etolia in 140 BC. The geographer Plinio gave it the name of Abrobiga, although it had many transformations until it received its present name. Baiona is steeped in a rich history including barbarian invasions in the 5th century BC; Norman pirate incursions in the 9th and 10th centuries; power struggles between the Portuguese and the Castilians; a great fire during the Irmandinas revolts in the 15th century and the invaison by Sir Francis Drake in the 16th century.
Baiona's real development came in the Middle Ages after the Carta Puebla given by Alfonso IX on May 17th 1202, that gave the town's inhabitants their freedom. Along with A Coruna in the 15th century, Juan II developed the harbours which lead to an important period of economical boom. In 1493 Baiona was the first harbour in the old continent to receive the news of Christopher Columbus� arrival to the Indies and the discovery of the New World. During the following centuries Baiona thrived and enjoyed great wealth and prosperity.
Baiona - Historic Sightseeing:
Today monuments of considerable importance from Baiona�s illustrious past remain. The fortress on Mount Real now houses the Parador hotel. The Romanesque former collegiate church Santa Mar�a, near Sancti Spiritus Hospital, has been converted into the Casa de la Cultura. On the outskirts of town you can visit the monumental image of the Virgen de la Roca, designed by Antonio Palacios. Here you can climb the curious spiral staircase inside that takes you up to the boat the statue holds in its hand and then enjoy the views from one of the best miradors in the area. In the port there is an interesting reproduction of the famous caravel La Pinta and a Maritime Museum.
Baiona - Activities:
Away from Baiona's wealth of history and art, visitors can also enjoy a vast range of sports and outdoor activities. The town has a large recreational port and a Nautical Club that periodically organises sailing, surfing, catamaraning and SCUBA diving classes. Other local activities include hiking and walking, or maybe you just prefer to relax on the beach or simply sample delicious Galician cuisine.
Baiona - Nightlife:
Baiona is a popular night time destination for many locals and during the summer it seems as if much of the population of neighbouring Vigo makes its way over to Baiona to enjoy nights out at the many bars, pubs and discos in the town.
Baiona - Our holiday accommodation and service:
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So, if you're looking for an activity holiday walking, cycling and trekking or climbing in Northern Green Spain's mountains and countryside; exploring Pontevedra's fascinating Galician villages, rural towns and historic cities; following the historic pilgrims routes; enjoy bird watching, nature, fancy a spot of surfing, swimming, sunbathing or relaxing on great Galician beaches; sampling fabulous Galician seafood; exploring the Ria Arousa, Rias Baixas (Rias Bajas) or you just want to simply escape the tourism masses with a privately owned apartment, cottage or villa with a pool, call our holiday team today. We can also assist you with flights to Pontevedra and Galicia, ferry travel and holiday car hire.
