Español
English
Français
Deutsch
Italiano
Nederlands
Português
日本語
中文
Redondela is recognisable from afar by its two 19th-century railway viaducts, which cross above the rooftops of the old town. The town sits at the innermost corner of the Vigo estuary, facing the San Simón inlet, a sheltered stretch of water with shellfish beds, marshes and two islands steeped in history.
It’s also a crossroads: here the Coastal route of the Portuguese Way meets the Central route, so from spring to autumn the streets fill with backpacks. Most places to stay are holiday homes; here are six that we hand-pick.
How to choose an area
The municipality is larger than it looks and is divided into parishes that are very different from one another:
- Centre and old town: beneath the viaducts, with Casa da Torre, taverns serving cuttlefish and the train station. Convenient without a car; parking is difficult.
- Cesantes: to the north, with the municipality’s best-known beaches and San Simón Island just offshore. A relaxed summer-holiday atmosphere.
- Rande, Trasmañó and Chapela: towards Vigo, beneath the Rande Bridge, with small coves and open views across the strait.
- Inland parishes: homes with gardens among fields and low hills. Peace and quiet are guaranteed, but a car is essential.
If you’re walking the Way or travelling by train, stay in the centre. For a family beach holiday, Cesantes and Rande are good choices. You’ll find all the places we’ve selected in the municipality on the Redondela page.
Where to stay in Redondela
These are the six homes we recommend, for groups of four to nine people, all with a kitchen.
Casa Costeira
Four bedrooms for up to nine people, a terrace overlooking the garden and a barbecue for leisurely dinners. The WiFi is fast, which is handy if anyone needs to work remotely. Free parking is nearby, not on the property, and parties are not allowed.
Casa da Marisma
A detached house with sea views from the balcony and terrace, four bedrooms and a high chair for little ones. It has private parking and is close to the beaches, the station and Vigo Airport. One thing to note: there are only two bathrooms, and check-in must be between 8:00 and 22:00; let the property know your arrival time in advance.
A Caseta das Redes
Quite literally right by the beach: Praia do Regato is about twenty metres away, and Praia do Rolo is a short walk. There are two bedrooms for four people, a sea-facing terrace, a garden and a barbecue. Check-in ends at 18:00, so this isn’t a good fit if you arrive late.
A Casa do Choco
Designed with families with children in mind: a garden with a play area, a terrace with mountain views and space for four. There’s free parking at the house, and Castiñal Beach is a 15-minute walk away. Check-out is at 10:00, and quiet hours apply at night.
Casa Lameiro Redondela
Two-bedroom homes for four or five people, with a garden, patio and terrace overlooking the town. Free parking at the accommodation and a kitchen with everything you need, including a coffee maker. The downside is clear: there’s no internet connection, which some guests may welcome as a chance to switch off.
Lar Azul
Three bedrooms and two bathrooms for six people, with a balcony overlooking the town’s rooftops and train stations close at hand. A good base for walking, fishing or paddling a canoe on the estuary. There’s no parking, and the upper floors are only accessible by stairs.
What to see in Redondela
Start in the old town: Casa da Torre, now a pilgrims’ hostel, the Church of Santiago and the two viaducts, Madrid and Pontevedra, which give the town its distinctive skyline. On the shore, the Meirande interpretation centre tells the story of the Battle of Rande in 1702, when an Anglo-Dutch squadron attacked the silver fleet returning from the Americas in the strait.
Facing Cesantes is San Simón Island, connected by a small bridge to Santo Antón Island. It was a lazaretto in the 19th century and, from 1936 to 1943, a penal colony where more than 5,600 prisoners were held. In August 2026, the Spanish government declared both islands a Site of Democratic Memory. Boat trips run in season, and you can also explore the inlet by kayak.
Vigo is a 15-minute drive away; also take a look at places to stay in Vigo and Pontevedra.
When to visit Redondela
Summer is the season for the beaches around the inlet, where the water is calm and more sheltered than out at sea. The Festa do Choco takes place in May, with a tasting marquee at Campo da Feira and boat trips to San Simón. Around Corpus Christi, in late May or June, the Festa da Coca features flower carpets, sword dancing, the penlas and the dragon that, according to legend, emerged from the sea.
Bear the Way in mind: according to the Xunta, by late June 2026 the Coastal route had already welcomed more than 43,000 pilgrims that year, 23% more than in 2025. From May to October, beds in the centre get snapped up, so book ahead.
Getting there and getting around
Redondela is just off the AP-9, the motorway linking Vigo with Pontevedra, Santiago and A Coruña. There’s a train station in the centre, and Vigo Airport is a short drive away. If you’re walking, the Coastal route stage from Vigo is around 15 km and ends at Casa da Torre.
The old town is easy to explore on foot; a car is useful for getting to the beaches and inland parishes.
Redondela is part of our guide to where to stay in Galicia. If you’re continuing along the Rías Baixas, also take a look at where to stay in Vigo, where to stay in Cangas de Morrazo and where to stay in Sanxenxo.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we’re most often asked by people planning a few days in Redondela.
What’s the best area to stay in Redondela?
It depends on how you’re travelling. The centre, beneath the viaducts, is the most convenient if you arrive on foot along the Portuguese Way or by train: the station, bars and Casa da Torre are just a few steps away. Cesantes is the beach option, with San Simón opposite. Rande and Chapela are closer to Vigo and look out over the strait, while the inland parishes offer homes with gardens for anyone travelling by car.
Is it worth staying in Redondela instead of Vigo?
Yes, if you’re looking for space and peace without getting far from the city. Redondela is around 15 km from Vigo and is linked by motorway and train. Its accommodation is mainly holiday homes with kitchens, gardens or terraces, which are hard to find in central Vigo. It’s a good base for families and groups who want to combine peaceful beaches with trips to Vigo or Pontevedra.
Are there places to stay for pilgrims on the Portuguese Way?
Yes. Redondela is where the Central and Coastal routes of the Portuguese Way meet, and the public pilgrims’ hostel is based at Casa da Torre, right in the old town. There are also hostels and guesthouses. Demand is very high from May to October, and on many days there are no beds left for anyone arriving without a booking, so it’s best to book ahead.
What can I see in Redondela in one or two days?
Start in the old town, with the Madrid and Pontevedra viaducts, Casa da Torre and the taverns serving choco, the town’s signature dish. Then head down to the shore to learn about the Battle of Rande at the Meirande centre. Spend the second day around the inlet: visit the beaches at Cesantes, take a boat to San Simón in season or go kayaking.
When is the best time to visit Redondela?
From May to September, when the beaches around the inlet are at their best and the town is liveliest. The Festa do Choco, dedicated to the municipality’s signature dish, takes place in May, while the Festa da Coca comes around Corpus Christi, with flower carpets and sword dancing. These are also the busiest months for pilgrims, so book early.
