The old town of Cambados

Unlike much of Galicia, the ruins and poorly maintained properties that literally sit next to architectural treasures are absent in Cambados. This town seems almost devoid of a truly ugly building.

We followed the Calle Real leading away from the main square and into the rest of the town and noted some interconnected tourist cars that must form part of a guided tour of some kind – no doubt connected to the bodega and wine production. This street was clearly the center of tourist activity, at least in terms of eating and drinking and all of its buildings were beautiful. Looking down the various sub-streets leading from the Calle Real we saw a traditional outdoor water bath used to wash clothing and known as a lavaderos. Its real function appeared long past, but it was restored and obviously formed a part of the towns visible heritage. Numerous little bars and wine merchants also lined the winding streets leading down to the bay below.

At the far end of Cambados another church stands in an elevated position with firstly steps and then a sloping street taking you down to the bay. Old and medieval looking buildings continue to line the narrow streets which are periodically punctuated by tiny plazas until the bay front is reached.

Left, a quaint little church at the top of some stone steps.

There is no beach in the town itself, but rather a coastal wall with a marina to one end and a long corridor shrouded with palm trees running some hundred or so metres in length at the other. A former prazo, now a state run parador can also be found in this part of the town and visitors are free to walk around it.

Taking a different path from the sea front to the main square you meander up one or more winding alleys with the occasional bar and wine store and there is also a museum of the wine route plotting the history of the Albarino wine that the area is so famous for. If you are unfamiliar with this wine, hold your breath, many top wine experts are claiming that it will be the next big thing.

Right, the town is full of outlets selling the wines for which the area is famous.

In total we spent about two hours in Cambados and would happily have stayed there for much longer, but we were travelling to Pontevedra to meet with Galician expert and fellow webmaster Colin Davies, where we were treated to one of the provinces best and fruitiest vinos.