Portonovo Ons Island ferry

Portonovo Guide

Portonovo Ferry Port

Portonovo is a very small port town on the southwest coast of Spain, belonging to the municipality of Sanxenxo. The only ferry route departing the port is to Ons Island, with many daily sailings making the crossing each day, typically lasting around 45 minutes.

What is there to do in Portonovo?

Sunbathe in the daytime and socialise in the thriving nightlife come the evening, Portonovo has something that suits every kind of visitor. Young people typically come to top up their tans before dancing till the early hours, whilst solo travellers and families can peruse the copious statues and landmarks that consume the town centre. Tourists of all backgrounds mix together in the charming streets, yet everyone seems to share one common interest – a love for Portonovo’s beaches. Playa de Silgar is perhaps the most prominent beach, with ice cream parlours, restaurants and cafes scattered along the coastline. For the finest white sands and enigmatic sea-life head to Playa de Canelinas for a relaxing afternoon admiring the wonderful views of Ons Island. The beaches may hold the key to Portonovo’s appeal, yet white sands and sun cream may not satisfy everyone’s holiday needs - luckily there is plenty more to do. Various walking trails decorate the landscape, though it is worthwhile going fairly early in the morning to avoid climbing the challenging trails in peak heat.

How do you get around Portonovo?

It is not only possible, but highly recommended by locals, to leisurely stroll across the entirety of Portonovo’s bustling and beautiful promenade.

Ons Island Guide

Ons Island Ferry Port

Situated in close proximity to the Cies Island group, Ons Island is a small island belonging to Spain. There are many ferry routes departing the port, heading to Bueu, Sanxenxo, Portonovo and Vigo. The crossings are supplied by Naviera Nabia or Mar De Ons ferry company, usually lasting between half an hour and two hours.

What is there to do on Ons Island?

It’s easy to be mistaken in thinking that Ons Island was created simply as an escape from all the stress of the modern world. Whilst most tourist destinations are littered with bars, clubs and bustling streets, many visitors to Ons Island will have the long stretch of glorious coastline all to themselves. The beaches are relatively small and don’t lend themselves to hours of sunbathing, but there lies the beauty – the landscape and environment is unlike any other around the world. There are few shops or restaurants on the island, so all the entertainment is to be found in the great outdoors. Embark on the copious walking trails, or just relax and admire the breathtaking terrain that engulfs Ons Island. Most visitors only stay for a day due to the lack of amenities, but for a tranquil haven away from the hassles of reality, Ons Island is perfect.

How do visitors get around Ons Island?

Ons Island is entirely accessible by foot, so most who visit choose walking as their mode of transport.