What to see and do in A Illa de Arousa

The sheltered waters of the ría make A Illa de Arousa a comfortable spot for kayaking and paddle surf, also for beginners. Guided routes and rentals leave from the island past beaches, mussel rafts and the nearby islets.

• Outings in calm water, suitable to get started.
• Hourly rental or guided routes with equipment and life jacket.
• Check wind and tide before heading out.

A Illa de Arousa is the usual starting point for trips to Areoso Islet, one of the ría's main highlights. You can go by kayak or boat; if the activity includes landing, we handle your Xunta authorization for you, with no paperwork.

• Kayak or boat depending on your level and time.
• Landing on Areoso only with authorization (we process it).
• There are also routes to the Pedregoso islet.

At the southern tip of the island, the Carreirón Natural Park protects salt marshes, a lagoon and pine woods, with signposted trails and viewpoints. It is one of the best places in the Ría de Arousa to walk and watch birds, especially in winter and during migrations.

• Flat, well-signposted trails for everyone.
• Birdwatching: herons, waders and water birds.
• Respect the wildlife, plants and marked areas.

The island has many fine-sand beaches with calm water, several sheltered from the wind. They are ideal for families, for a swim between activities or for paddle surf when the sea is calm.

• Quiet beaches, several with Blue Flag in season.
• Great for families and for learning paddle surf.
• Bring water and shade, and respect the dunes.

The Punta Cabalo lighthouse, right by the sea and now a restaurant, is one of the most photographed spots on the island. Together with the walks among mussel rafts and the sunsets over the ría, it rounds out a visit that goes beyond watersports.

• Views of the ría, the mussel rafts and the sunsets.
• Great to combine with a bike ride around the island.
• Book ahead if you want to eat at the lighthouse.

You reach the island by road, crossing the bridge from Vilanova de Arousa, with no need for a boat. Spring and summer are the best time for water activities; in high season it is worth booking ahead as demand rises.

• Access by car or bike over the bridge; no ferry.
• Best season for water sports: spring to early autumn.
• Book ahead in July and August.

Kayaking, paddle surf, boat trips to Areoso and Pedregoso islets, walks and birdwatching in the Carreirón Natural Park, calm beaches and cycling around a flat, compact island.

By road, crossing the bridge that links the island with Vilanova de Arousa (nearly 2 km). No boat is needed: you can arrive by car, bike or bus.

Yes. A Illa de Arousa is the usual launch point for Areoso, by kayak or boat. If the activity includes landing, we process your Xunta authorization for you when you book, with no paperwork.

A protected natural area in the south of the island, with salt marshes, a lagoon, pine woods and signposted trails. It is one of the best birdwatching spots in the Ría de Arousa.

Yes, the island has many fine-sand beaches with calm water, several sheltered from the wind, ideal for families and for paddle surf when the sea is calm.

For watersports, from spring to early autumn. Summer has the liveliest atmosphere; in July and August it is worth booking ahead.

Yes. A Illa de Arousa is flat and compact, perfect for cycling. There are rentals on the island and it is a comfortable way to move between the beaches, Carreirón and the Punta Cabalo lighthouse.

You can compare and book kayak, paddle surf, boat trips and bikes on this A Illa de Arousa page on LEBBO, directly with verified local operators.