Cambados
Cambados is a beautiful seaside town in Galicia, in the province of Pontevedra. It is most famous for being the capital of the Albarino wine region and in 2017 was declared the white wine capital of Europe.
It has a population of about 13,000 but in the summer months, this can double as people seek the cooler coastal climate.
Every year Cambados celebrates the Albarino festival with wine tasting, food, parades and other events. The festival is held in the first week of August and in 2018 the festival attracted around 150,000 visitors.
Cambados was originally a fishing village and fishing remains an important part of the local economy. As well as the fishing fleet, every day you can see groups of mariscadoras collecting shellfish and other seafood delicacies. These are a stable part of the amazing Galician gourmet offerings.
Fans of Spanish TV might also know Cambados as the setting for the Netflix series Fariña. This was based on actual events in the area during the 1980´s.
Things to do in Cambados
If you are in Cambados you have to sample the local Albarino wine. There are plenty of places to buy by the bottle or case and you can even visit a winery to learn more about wine production. If you visit during the Albarino Festival then you are sure to have a good time.
Cambados is a beautiful little town to just stroll around. There are many beautiful old buildings and plazas scattered around the town. Starting from the town centre and the council building, you will find a statue of Galician writer Ramón Cabanillas.
From here, you can walk along the waterfront in either direction. If you stroll through the park and past the Parador you will walk slowly up towards the old quarter with many restaurants and wine shops along the way.
You can walk to see the Torre San Sadurniño , a watchtower that dates back to the times of Viking raids in the region. To get there, just follow the waterfront going south and it is a very nice 10 minute walk from the town centre.
The Casa Historica de Cambados, located near Plaza Fefiñáns, has an eclectic collection from one local family. Look for the old red sports car out the front.
In Plaza Fefiñáns there is a tourist train that will take you around the town which is great for children.
There are markets every Thursday and Saturday morning near the waterfront where a wide range of clothes and other items are for sale.
Where to eat
In spite of its small size, Cambados boasts one Michelin star restaurant, Yayo Daporta, but fantastic dining can be found in many of the restaurants in town.
O Casal is well known for traditional Galician tapas and seafood. It has a Google rating of around 4.4. Reviewers often mention the fresh berberechos, pulpo, and friendly service. The atmosphere is relaxed and local. Get directions
Taberna Xentes is popular for classic dishes like octopus, paella, and croquetas. It has a strong rating of about 4.5. Visitors often highlight generous portions, good prices, and a lively tapas bar feel. Get directions
A Casa da Leña is known for tapas and grilled seafood plates. It holds a rating near 4.3. Reviews regularly mention tortilla, pulpo, and its cosy terrace. It is a good stop for casual dining. Get directions
Restaurante O Solar serves traditional Galician seafood dishes. It has a rating of about 4.4. Diners often praise its seafood platters, friendly staff, and good value. Get directions
Parador de Cambados – Barlovento offers classic Spanish cuisine in a scenic setting. It has a rating close to 4.0. Reviewers mention its views, fish dishes, and calm dining room. Get directions
For a great coffee and cake, walk along the waterfront to Plus De Sucre, our go-to coffee place. Get directions
Where to stay in Cambados
Parador de Cambados is the most famous stay in town. It is set in a historic manor with gardens and a pool. It has a Google rating of about 4.0–4.4. Guests often mention the elegant building, friendly staff, and great breakfast. Get directions
Hotel O Lagar is a modern and central hotel. It has a rating of around 4.3–4.5. Reviewers often highlight clean rooms, quiet nights, and easy access to restaurants and shops. Get directions
Pazo de Bazán is a boutique-style stay in a historic building. It has a rating near 4.4. Guests often mention traditional decor, calm surroundings, and a good breakfast experience. Get directions
Hotel Os Pazos is a simple and affordable option in the centre. It has a rating of about 4.1. Visitors often talk about friendly service, basic but clean rooms, and a great location for walking around town. Get directions
Hotel Europa Cambados offers good value stays near the marina. It has a rating around 4.0–4.2. Reviews often mention helpful staff, parking access, and comfortable beds for short stays. Get directions
Casa Rosita is a traditional Galician guesthouse. It has a rating of about 4.2–4.4. Guests regularly highlight its peaceful setting, local charm, and home-style atmosphere. Get directions
How to get to Cambados
Cambados is easy to get to by road. It is around a 50 minute drive from Santiago De Compostela. 30 minutes from Pontevedra and 45 minutes from Vigo. Hire a Car
Vilagarcia is the nearest railway station travelling north from Pontevedra and Vigo or South from Santiago De Compostela. You can catch a connecting bus 3 times a day but be warned, the bus timetables can be a bit sketchy. A taxi is a 15 minute ride costing approximately 20 euros. Buy Tickets
There is a bus from Santiago de Compostela 2 times a day. Buy Tickets