This is the fashionable summer resort, where Rajoy, Amancio Ortega or King Juan Carlos go

Known as the Galician Marbella, the tourist pearl of the Rías Bajas is preparing for yet another year to welcome the thousands of vacationers who take refuge in this beautiful corner of the Ría de Pontevedra.

The town of about 17,000 inhabitants is transformed into a vibrant holiday destination that multiplies its population by up to seven times in the summer.

The charms of

, nestled in a privileged environment, have been attracting millionaires, politicians, big businessmen and other personalities from Spanish and international high society for decades to discreetly spend their holidays there.

Among the regulars are the former president of the Government Mariano Rajoy, the owner of Inditex Amancio Ortega, the Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim or the Venezuelan banker Juan Carlos Escotet, in addition to King Juan Carlos.

The gastronomy, the mild climate of the area that characterizes the Rías Bajas, its beaches of fine white sand, its proximity to other incredible natural points of great tourist attraction, such as the Cíes Islands, O Grove or the island of La Toja, and the extensive calendar of regattas are some of the reasons that have led the town to be a fashionable and recurring place to enjoy the typical northern summer vacation.

Miradoiro da Peixeira.

Beaches and sailboats

The municipality has around thirty beaches of fine white sand bathed by the waters of the Pontevedra estuary at its mouth into the Atlantic, almost all of which have a blue flag.

One of the busiest is the

, 800 meters long.

It is bordered by a lively promenade, between Punta de Vicaño and the Real Club Náutico de Sanxenxo, with shops at street level and numerous restaurants.

The beaches of Panadeira or Baltar, in Portonovo, are other of the most famous.

One of the town's biggest attractions for sailing lovers is the calendar of regattas organized by the Real Club Náutico de Sanxenxo, located next to the Puerto Deportivo Juan Carlos I. Every summer, the different competitions attract sailors and fans of everyone, including the king emeritus.

The port is also a busy meeting place.

In addition to being the starting point for

, part of the National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia, it has a pedestrian area that houses a large commercial space with shops of all kinds, restaurants, nightclubs and other entertainment and dining venues.

A few meters away is the old quarter of the town, in which the

, a 15th-century sanctuary, around which the wine area par excellence of the town is also located.

The environment

About 12 km from Sanxenxo is

one of the best Atlantic beaches in the world and which always tops the lists of the most beautiful in Spain.

With more than two kilometers and surrounded by a protected dune space, it is one of the favorites for surfers.

In it there is also an

with a necropolis and a castro, and a small

of late Romanesque style from the 12th century, surrounded by an old fortress in ruins.

La Lanzada beach.

Lovers of hiking also have several tours through postcard landscapes.

Among them, the

, of about 5 km that leaves from the village of Dorrón and arrives at Sanxenxo with incredible views of the Ría de Pontevedra;

the

about 6 km that leaves from said town, or that of the lagoons of Rouxique, about 3 km.

About 15 km away, in different directions from Sanxenxo, are

and the island of La Toja,

and

, three nearby towns that are worth an excursion for their beauty, history and even gastronomy, such as this is the case of O Grove.

Where to sleep

Hotel Carlos I Silgar

(Rúa de Vigo, Sanxenxo; phone: 986 727 036).

Modern hotel two minutes walk from Silgar beach with rooms with balcony.

It has a restaurant, rooftop bar, indoor and outdoor pools, gym and tennis courts.

: from 216 euros (minimum three nights).

Reservations here.

Hotel Playa Sanxenxo

(P.º Praia de Silgar, 14, Sanxenxo; phone: 986 720 452).

Modern hotel in the center of the town in front of the Silgar beach and a few steps from the Marina.

: from 180 euros.

Reservations here.

Where to eat

Fish and shellfish are the undisputed protagonists of Sanxenxo's gastronomy: razor clams, clams, scallops, hake, turbot... But don't forget the good grilled Galician meats or dishes such as pork shoulder with turnip greens, octopus a feira, the scallop pie or the Galician fricandó (beef fillets coated in flour and seasoned with mushrooms and dried fruit).

(Rúa do Vento, 9; tel.:986 69 17 71) specializes in grilled meat and fish.

(Rúa da Praia dos Barcos, 4; Telf.: 691 05 12 07) is a modern place in front of the marina with innovative dishes of traditional cuisine.

And, to pay homage,

(Rúa Ourense, 3; tel.: 986 72 34 00), with Galician dishes with modern touches.

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