Discover Vila De Cruces

The landscape of the municipality of Vila de Cruces is shaped by the Ulla, Arnego and Deza rivers. Topics to consider when planning your trip include riverbanks and protected cork oak groves, as well as Fontao’s mining history and regional dishes. The Museo Fontao offers a specific cultural point of interest; paths and landscapes provide further perspectives on the municipality. You can therefore consider whether you would prefer to combine your stay with museums and architecture, hiking and nature, or culinary interests.

Rivers and Landscapes

Along the Deza between Fontao and Merza, the riverbank has rich vegetation thanks to local microclimates. This includes cork oaks, ash trees and strawberry trees. The cork oak groves along the Arnego also have a special protection status: they have been included in the Natura 2000 network for protection. A Carixa includes a river beach and adds a waterside spot to the landscape highlights. Together, these details offer different points of reference for planning your trip, such as the riverside vegetation along a particular stretch of river or the protection of the cork oaks along the Arnego.

Museo Fontao and the Mining Settlement

The Museo Fontao was established within the Fontao mining settlement. Its exhibition buildings are a former chapel and former school buildings; they were completely renovated and refurbished in 2012. The mining settlement is an example of rationalist architecture from the late 1950s. A visit to the museum therefore offers a look at the history of mining and the settlement’s architecture. If you are planning a guided visit to the Museo Fontao, you must request it at least four working days in advance. Check this requirement again before your trip.

Routes and Viewpoints

The nearby “DE CARBOEIRO A FONTAO” route is 7.3 kilometres long and rated easy. A short one-kilometre walk in the area leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Río Toxa waterfall. Another hiking route runs through the natural forest of the municipality of Vila de Cruces. It is about 4.6 kilometres long and passes the Ponte dos Cabalos, the San Paio chapel and a bridge over the Río Deza. The two descriptions focus on different things: one gives the route’s length and rating, while the other highlights the forest and the structures along the way.

Portodemouros in Winter and on the Water

In winter, migrating mallards and herons can be observed at the Portodemouros reservoir, and occasionally cormorants too. Portodemouros is also associated with rowing, sailing, canoeing and water skiing. If you are planning to take part in one of these activities, check in advance whether it is available at the time of your visit. The seasonal differences in wildlife observations can help you decide what interests you: the birdwatching mentioned here is specific to winter, while the water sports offer another possible focus.

Regional Dishes and Festivals

There are several options for those interested in food. The Feira do Chourizo takes place in February in the municipality of Vila de Cruces and offers tastings. The Feira da Castaña takes place there in November, also with tastings. Another event is the Festa Gastronómica do Galo de Curral: the municipality of Vila de Cruces created it in 1992, it continued over several editions and was recognised as a festival of Galician tourist interest. You can sample Galo de Curral all year round in restaurants in the municipality of Vila de Cruces. The dates and options mentioned differ: the two Feiras are held in specific months, while Galo de Curral can be sampled in restaurants year-round.

Discover more destinations: Duxame, As Quintáns, Viascón, O Grove, Ardia, Arbo, Cotobade, Pontecesures.

For the broader travel overview: Pontevedra.