visiting the O Grove peninsula and La Toja Island by motorhome<\/em> step by step, with plans for 5 or 7 days.<\/p>\nWhy O Grove and La Toja are an essential destination for motorhome travelers<\/h2>\n
There are three strong reasons. First: the food. O Grove is the seafood capital of Galicia. The fishermen’s guilds bring out goose barnacles, clams, razor clams, and spider crabs every morning. Second: the beaches. You have sheltered beaches like A Lanzada (with waves for surfers) and hidden coves like Area das Pipas. Third: the motorhome areas. It’s not like the Costa Brava, where there are hardly any spots. Here there are up to four official or tolerated options. And the cherry on top: La Toja Island has a illuminated promenade where you can walk at sunset.<\/p>\n
The three best areas to sleep with a motorhome in O Grove and La Toja<\/h2>\n
Knowing the right parking lots is the key to success. I have tried all three options and each has its strong point.<\/p>\n
San Vicente do Mar Area (“O Faro”)<\/h3>\n
This is the most wild and beautiful area. It’s called the San Vicente do Mar Area (“O Faro”)<\/strong> because it’s near the lighthouse at the point. It’s a dirt parking lot next to a long, uncrowded beach. It has no services (water or dumping), but the location is spectacular: you sleep listening to the waves. It fits about 20 large motorhomes. It is a 5-minute drive from the center of O Grove. In summer it fills up quickly, so arrive before 4:00 PM. The best part: from here you go directly to Area das Pipas beach, one of the most beautiful on the peninsula.<\/p>\nCampolongo Motorhome Parking<\/h3>\n
If you prefer to be closer to restaurants and shops, choose the Campolongo Motorhome Parking<\/strong>. It is inside the town of O Grove, two streets from the promenade. It is an asphalt parking lot with wide spaces for motorhomes. It has no electricity or water, but it is 300 meters from a gas station with dumping and water supply. The advantage: you walk to the seafood market, tapas bars, and port. The disadvantage: in July and August it is very crowded. It is free, but without shade.<\/p>\nLa Toja Island Parking Paseo do Mar next to Redondo shopping center<\/h3>\n
For those who want to enjoy the spa, the casino, or the shops, the La Toja Island Parking Paseo do Mar next to Redondo shopping center<\/strong> is ideal. It is right next to the El Redondo shopping center, 200 meters from the bridge that connects the island to O Grove. It is a huge asphalt parking lot with designated areas for motorhomes. It has a lot of light at night and is indirectly monitored because the shopping center is open late. No services, but a 5-minute walk from the famous La Toja spa. Perfect for a night of luxury without spending on a hotel.<\/p>\nWhat to see and do on the O Grove peninsula by motorhome<\/h2>\n
Once the motorhome is parked, you can move around on foot, by bike, or with the van itself (everything is close by).<\/p>\n
A Lanzada Beach<\/h3>\n
This is the most famous beach. It has 2.5 kilometers of fine sand and waves that attract surfers. There is a huge parking lot where motorhomes can stay during the day. Sleeping is not allowed, but you can be there during the day. Next to it is the hermitage of A Lanzada, where fertility rituals are held. At low tide, an isthmus appears that connects to a small island.<\/p>\n
O Grove promenade<\/h3>\n
From the Campolongo Parking you go directly to the promenade. There are kilometers of route parallel to the sea, with bars, terraces, and ice cream parlors. At the end of the promenade, a viewpoint gives you views of the Arousa estuary and the mussel rafts.<\/p>\n
Seafood market and fish auction<\/h3>\n
The O Grove fish auction opens in the morning. You can buy seafood directly from the fishermen. There are also restaurants that cook it on the spot. Don’t leave without trying the clams from Carril and the goose barnacles. The price is lower than in Madrid or Barcelona.<\/p>\n
Hiking route along the O Grove cape<\/h3>\n
From the San Vicente do Mar Area, a marked trail runs along the entire coast to the lighthouse. It is about 6 kilometers round trip, with spectacular views of Ons Island. Bring water and comfortable shoes.<\/p>\n
Visit to the mussel rafts<\/h3>\n
From the port of O Grove, boat trips depart to the rafts (the floating platforms where they farm mussels). The trip lasts one hour and costs about 10-12 euros. They explain how they are cultivated and at the end you taste steamed mussels. Highly recommended for families.<\/p>\n
La Toja Island: eucalyptus forest and thermal waters<\/h2>\n
The island is connected by a stone bridge from the early 20th century. It is barely 1 kilometer long, but it concentrates jewels:<\/p>\n
\n- La Toja Spa: the most famous in Galicia. Its sulfur waters are good for the skin and joints. There are public baths for a fee (about 15-20 euros entry).<\/li>\n
- La Toja Casino: a historic building surrounded by gardens. It can be visited.<\/li>\n
- San Sebasti\u00e1n Chapel: a small octagonal church covered in scallop shells.<\/li>\n
- Paseo do Mar: a path along the cliff with benches to sit and watch the sunsets.<\/li>\n
- La Toja cosmetics shop: famous for its soaps and creams made from thermal salts. A good souvenir to take home.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
From the La Toja parking lot (the one next to the shopping center) you walk to all of this in less than 10 minutes.<\/p>\n
5-day motorhome route through O Grove and La Toja<\/h2>\n
Day 1: Arrival in O Grove. Settle into the San Vicente do Mar Area (“O Faro”)<\/strong>. Afternoon at Area das Pipas beach. Dinner in the motorhome watching the sea. First night listening to the waves.<\/p>\nDay 2: Morning hike along the cape to the lighthouse. Light lunch in the motorhome. Afternoon at San Vicente beach (a 2-minute walk). Second night in San Vicente do Mar.<\/p>\n
Day 3: Move to the Campolongo Motorhome Parking<\/strong> in the morning. Visit the seafood market, eat spider crabs or clams at a beach bar in the port. Afternoon walk to the O Grove viewpoint. Dinner at a restaurant on the promenade. Sleep in Campolongo.<\/p>\nDay 4: Boat trip to the mussel rafts (departing from the port). Lunch in the motorhome. Afternoon visit to A Lanzada beach (park during the day in its parking lot). Return to sleep in Campolongo or move to La Toja.<\/p>\n
Day 5: Move to the La Toja Island Parking Paseo do Mar next to Redondo shopping center<\/strong>. Tour the island, visit the shell chapel, walk along the cliff. Enter the spa in the afternoon (book in advance). Last dinner at the casino or the shopping center. Sleep in La Toja.<\/p>\n7-day motorhome route through O Grove and La Toja<\/h2>\n
With 7 days you can go slower and discover corners that many miss.<\/p>\n
Day 1: Arrival and settle into the San Vicente do Mar Area (“O Faro”)<\/strong>. Afternoon at the beach. Quiet night.<\/p>\nDay 2: Full hiking route to the lighthouse (morning). Afternoon at Area das Pipas beach. Second night in San Vicente.<\/p>\n
Day 3: Relaxing beach day. Don’t move from the area. Enjoy San Vicente beach, which is longer and less crowded. Reading and a nap in the motorhome. Third night in San Vicente.<\/p>\n
Day 4: Move to the Campolongo Motorhome Parking<\/strong>. Visit the fish auction early in the morning (around 8:00 AM to see the bidding). Breakfast at the port. Afternoon kayak trip (rental at the port for 15 euros per hour). Seafood dinner at “O Galo” restaurant. Sleep in Campolongo.<\/p>\nDay 5: Excursion to Ons Island (a boat departs from O Grove or Sanxenxo). The island is a natural park with virgin beaches. You must book in advance in summer. Return in the afternoon. Sleep again in Campolongo.<\/p>\n
Day 6: Morning at A Lanzada beach (surf if you know how or rent a board). Lunch in the motorhome. Afternoon visit to the town of Cambados (15 km away), famous for its Albari\u00f1o wine. Walk through its historic square. Return to sleep in O Grove, this time in the La Toja Island Parking<\/strong>.<\/p>\nDay 7: Last day. Tour La Toja Island without rush. Spa bath in the morning. Shopping for soaps and creams at the official store. Final walk across the bridge at sunset. Sleep in La Toja or start the return trip if you prefer.<\/p>\n
What to bring in your motorhome for this route<\/h2>\n
Swimwear, flip-flops, microfiber towel. Mosquito repellent (in summer there are mosquitoes near the marshes). Portable cooler to keep seafood fresh. Comfortable shoes for walking along the promenade and La Toja cliffs. Camera for sunset photos from the bridge. High-protection sunscreen (on A Lanzada beach the wind burns). And if you go in July or August, book weeks in advance for the boat to Ons and spa entry.<\/p>\n
Rules for motorhomes in O Grove and La Toja<\/h2>\n
In the three areas we have mentioned, overnight stays are allowed (sleeping inside without taking out chairs or awnings). Camping is not allowed: do not take out tables, barbecues, or hang laundry outside. Respect silence from 10:00 PM. Do not empty gray or black water into nature. In Campolongo there is a gas station with dumping 300 meters away. In La Toja, the nearest gas station is in O Grove. In San Vicente there is no service, so plan to dump before arriving. If you need electricity, only the O Grove campsite (paid) offers it.<\/p>\n
Where to refuel and dump in O Grove<\/h2>\n
The Repsol gas station at the entrance of O Grove (next to the La Toja bridge) has a water supply and water dumping. It costs about 3 euros. The O Grove campsite (open all year) also allows you to use its services for 5 euros. Don’t hesitate: dump every two days to avoid running out.<\/p>\n
What to do if it rains in O Grove<\/h2>\n
Galicia has rainy days even in summer. No problem. You have the La Toja spa (indoor), the casino, the El Redondo shopping center with shops and a cinema, and several museums like the Sea Museum at the entrance of O Grove. You can also drive 20 minutes to Pontevedra and visit its historic center with arcades that protect from the rain.<\/p>\n
Frequently asked questions about visiting the O Grove peninsula and La Toja Island by motorhome<\/h2>\n\n
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Is it safe to sleep at the San Vicente do Mar Area (“O Faro”) for 3 or 4 nights in a row?<\/h3>\n
Yes, it is safe. Many motorhome travelers spend several consecutive days without moving. It is a quiet area, away from the center, with other travelers almost always around. In summer there is movement until late because people return from dinner. There is no fixed police surveillance, but there are no known problems. Just be careful not to leave valuables in sight. Being next to the beach, the only “danger” is waking up to the seagulls. If you spend several nights, alternate with Campolongo to change the atmosphere.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Can I take my dog to the beaches of O Grove and La Toja during my 5 or 7 day trip?<\/h3>\n
At A Lanzada beach it is prohibited in high season (June 15 to September 15). On other beaches, like Area das Pipas or San Vicente, it is allowed but on a leash. On La Toja Island, dogs can walk along the promenade and through the eucalyptus forest, but cannot enter the spa or casino. The motorhome areas allow pets as long as they don’t disturb. Always bring bags to pick up after them.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Do I need to book the motorhome parking lots for a 7-day stay in O Grove?<\/h3>\n
You cannot book any of the three free parking lots (San Vicente do Mar Area “O Faro”, Campolongo Parking, and La Toja Parking). They are free and on a first-come, first-served basis. In July and August, arrive before 2:00 PM to secure a spot. If you arrive late, you can always spend one night at the O Grove campsite (paid, about 20 euros) and then get up early the next day to find a spot in the free area. In low season (October to May) there are always spots available.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n