Camping in O Grove

When camping by the sea in O Grove, surfers take advantage of the Atlantic breeze in the early hours of the morning. Afterwards, a hearty breakfast is served before a rowing boat trip along the coast. In the afternoon, an excursion to the historical archaeological site could be on the programme. Those travelling to O Grove for camping with children should not miss the Aldea de los Grobits children's park.

Special features of camping in O Grove

The campsites in O Grove are located close to the Atlantic Ocean with its rocky coasts and beautiful bathing bays. The region on Spain's north-west coast is known for its hot springs, which can be visited from the accommodation. Bathers and water sports enthusiasts as well as wellness fans enjoy spending their holidays in O Grove.

The holiday resort is also popular for its delicious fish dishes. Excellent quality scallops and oysters are served in the restaurants and tapas bars. Campers can find out about traditional fishing in the nearby museum or take a fishing boat out to sea. Self-catering campers can buy various delicacies at the market in O Grove harbour.

Journey

Campers travelling by car, motorhome or caravan to the north-west coast of Spain cover a distance of around 2,460 km from Hamburg, around 2,550 km from Leipzig and around 2,300 km from Munich. Due to the long distances, overnight stops should be planned on both the outward and return journeys.

Depending on the departure point in Germany, different routes are available. Holidaymakers from the north usually take the route via Liège, Paris and Poitiers to Bordeaux. Alternatively, holidaymakers travelling from central Germany can travel to Bordeaux via Metz and Orleans. The shortest route from Munich is via Lindau and Geneva to Bordeaux. From the French port city, almost all travellers choose the motorway via Bilbao along the coast.

In France, Switzerland and Spain, tolls are usually charged on the motorways. These may vary for caravans and motorhomes. However, due to the long distances involved, toll roads are generally used to get to your destination more quickly. However, traffic jams are to be expected, especially during the holiday season. Delays should be taken into account when planning your journey.

Top 5 sights

• Museum da Salga: The traditional fishing methods of the region are explained in the exhibition centre.
• Necropolis Adro Vello: Next to O Carreiro beach is a fascinating archaeological site with a Roman villa, necropolis and Visigothic church.
• Sculptures: Anyone strolling through O Grove will come across countless sculptures. Around 50 works are on permanent display and more are added every year.
• Aldea de los Grobits: The children's park is designed in the style of a hobbit village and delights with small earth mound houses and numerous play opportunities.
• Shrine of St Sebastian: The façade of the former church is completely decorated with shells. The unique building is located on the island of A Toxa.

Activities and excursions

Galicia and the town of O Grove are a paradise for active holidaymakers and those seeking relaxation alike. Campers can let off steam in the Atlantic with various water sports and then head to the thalassotherapy centres in the area for a wellness programme.

Water sports

The Atlantic is an Eldorado for sporty holidaymakers. A wide variety of activities are on offer at La Lanzada beach in O Grove. Guests can enjoy windsurfing and kitesurfing on the deep blue waters. There are also jet skis and rowing boats for hire, which visitors can use to explore the coastline with its bays and rocky sections. The underwater world is also worth seeing. The certified diving schools in the region offer both courses and dives to the most fascinating sites.

Wellness

Holidaymakers who like to do something good for themselves should definitely visit the thermal baths and spas in the region. A great place to relax is the nearby island of A Toxa, which belongs to pop singer Julio Iglesias. In addition to the casino, there are also some exclusive wellness resorts that utilise the healing power of water. Thalassotherapy treatments are available for both individuals and couples. They are used for detoxification, beauty, relaxation and rehabilitation.

Events

There is almost always a reason to celebrate in O Grove. Musical, cultural, gastronomic and religious festivals take place in the community throughout the year.

February

• Carnival: The inhabitants of O Grove are big carnival fans. Many dress up in colourful costumes and celebrate from Thursday to Shrove Tuesday. The parade on Tuesday is particularly worth seeing, when the so-called comparsas present the most important events of the past year in a funny and exaggerated way.

July

• Festival of the Carmen: This multi-day event in mid-July reaches its climax on the 16th of the month. Firstly, various religious and folkloric performances are staged in the Plaza do Corgo. In the afternoon, the sea procession takes place in memory of Saint Carmen and deceased sailors.

October

• Seafood festival: Fishing was the main source of income for the inhabitants of O Grove for many centuries. The Festa do Marisco has been celebrated regularly since 1963. Music concerts, show cooking and a sculpture competition are all part of the event.

November

• Festival of the patron saint: In honour of Saint Martin, a traditional festival is held on 11 November with church services, music and Magosto's typical speciality, chestnuts roasted over a fire.

Gastronomy

O Grove is known for its fishing and the cultivation of mussels, scallops and oysters. The town's restaurants offer delicacies made from the fresh catch of the day, such as hake merluza. Unlike in southern Spain, there are hardly any rice or pasta side dishes in Galicia. In northern Spain, potato dishes, such as the spicy tuber patatas bravas, are served.

A cheese steeped in history and famous throughout the Galician region is called queso tetilla. It is moulded in the shape of a bosom as a protest against a former bishop who thought the breasts of St Esther in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela were too large. Wine from the growing regions of Monterrei, Rias Baixas, Ribeira Sacra, Ribeiro and Valdeorras is a favourite accompaniment to the meal.

Best time to visit

Compared to the south of the country, the climate in the Spanish region of Galicia is cool and rainy all year round. If you want to escape the blistering summer heat, you can travel to O Grove between June and September, where the average temperature is between 20 and 23 degrees Celsius. However, on days with a south-easterly wind, warm air masses reach the far north-west of the Iberian Peninsula and ensure that the thermometer sometimes reads more than 30 degrees.

Even then, the mild sea breeze provides pleasant warmth. To cool off on hot days, take a dip in the Atlantic, which usually does not exceed 20 degrees. If you come to O Grove in spring, autumn or winter, you can relax in the warm springs of the thermal baths.