Autumn is the perfect season to escape, whether as a couple or with family. The warm light and colors of the landscape create a unique atmosphere, ideal for enjoying nature and relaxing away from the routine. It is the perfect time to explore places that combine tranquility, natural beauty and cultural richness.
An ideal option for this is the municipality of A Estrada, in the province of Pontevedra. This small town stands out for having the largest concentration of water mills in Spain, with more than 600 catalog by the local association Virxe Peregrina.
Although many of these mills have suffered the deterioration of time, with several now abandoned or covered in vegetation, some have been restored and are in perfect condition, which has given rise to hiking trails which allow visitors to visit them and enjoy the natural environment.
The best routes to visit A Estrada
Among the most popular routes, the Ruta dos muíños de Vesacarballa stands out, a circular path of one kilometer that allows you to see up to five mills in a charming rural setting. On the other hand, the Ruta dos muíños de Golfariz offers a 3-kilometer route that follows the course of a small stream and allows you to explore several mills in perfect condition, some open to the public.
Another recommended option is the Callobre Waterfalls Route, a trail that starts from the Callobre Fort and leads to a seven-metre-high waterfall, passing old abandoned mills. For those who prefer longer routes, the Route Between the Bridges, 6.2 kilometres long, allows you to cross the emblematic Xirimbao Suspension Bridge, declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.
If you are looking for a more in-depth experience, the 14-kilometer Curantes River Route crosses a landscape full of waterfalls, ponds and groups of mills, making it an ideal route for hiking enthusiasts. In addition, A Estrada offers ten marked trails that start from the urban center, with routes ranging from 4 to 10 kilometers, suitable for all levels.
The Pazo de Oca, a 13th century jewel
In addition to the natural beauty, A Estrada is also home to a historical treasure: Oca’s mansion. This building, which dates back to the 13th century, is a sample of Galician Baroque architecture and has spectacular gardens designed in the 18th century, inspired by the French landscape tradition.
The Pazo de la Oca, a 13th century jewel
The Oca manor is part of the Camellia Route, a route that passes through 12 manor houses and gardens in Galicia, where you can admire almost 8,000 varieties of this flower, which adds an aesthetic and cultural value to the visit.
How to get to A Estrada?
If you decide to visit A Estrada, you can get there in about 55 minutes from Pontevedra by taking the N-550 and N-640 roads. From Santiago de Compostela, the journey is shorter, about 30 minutes following the PO-841 motorway. You can also get to this city using public transport. Apps like Moovit can be a great help in finding the best route.
