A Lanzada Beach and the Boardwalk Through the Dunes

A Lanzada is the longest stretch of sand in the province of Pontevedra and the gateway to O Grove: the road into the peninsula runs along the isthmus, between this beach open to the Atlantic and the marshes of the Ría de Arousa. In front of you are two and a half kilometres of white sand with Ons island opposite; behind, a protected dune system crossed by a wooden boardwalk.

The beach and the dunes

The O Grove side of A Lanzada faces west and south, to the open sea. It is a beach with waves, the one for the surf schools, so swim with care, especially on days with a swell. Prado Surf recalls that it was one of the first beaches to fly a Blue Flag.

The boardwalk runs parallel to the sea for about 2.5 km, over the dunes, within the Natura 2000 network. The Kentish plover, a protected bird, nests there: walk on the walkway and not on the dune sand. There are benches along the way and a viewpoint. If you still feel like it, continue south skirting the beaches of O Espiñeiro, A Lapa and Areas Gordas to the hill fort and the hermitage of Nuestra Señora de A Lanzada, already in Sanxenxo.

The other side of the isthmus

On the ría shore, the eastern edge of the isthmus, is an intertidal area with bird hides from which migratory species can be seen. It is part of the Umia-O Grove Intertidal Complex, one of the two protected areas that touch the isthmus. Bring binoculars.

Getting there and parking

By car, along the isthmus road, the only way into O Grove by land. There are several access points and parking next to the beach itself, less than a kilometre from the motorway exit. In August, go early. To see the whole beach from above, the A Siradella viewpoint is a few minutes by car.

The rules on dogs on the beach are set by the Concello; we haven't found them published, so ask at the tourist office before going with yours.