Parador Baiona

Hotel Conde de Gondomar

From its situation on top of a rocky promontory, there are magnificent views of Baiona, the Isles de Cies and the "Ria" leading into the busy port of Vigo.

The Parador of Baiona has been built in the style of a Galician manor house within the walls of a medieval fortress.

The fort was built to protect (not always successfully) the port of Baiona from enemies and pirates.

Nestling below the Parador is the marina full of yachts from all over the world. It is a favourite landfall for yachts crossing the Atlantic and also for those going from northern Europe to the south Atlantic, the Mediterranean or crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean Islands.

It was here that the first ships arrived in Europe to tell the Europeans of the discovery of America across the ocean. A replica of this ship, Pinta, which was part of the fleet of Columbus, has her permanent home in the harbour.

It is the focus point of a medieval carnival held every March to commemorate her arrival on 7 March 1493. Not many modern yachtsmen would like to cross the Atlantic on this small vessel!

During the War of the Spanish Succession, the combined English and Dutch fleets sailed through these waters to the battle of Vigo in October 1702. It is believed that there is still a treasure ship on the bottom which was sunk while trying to escape from "fire ships" trying to set them ablaze.

The focal point of this Parador Hotel is the splendid stone staircase that goes up from the entrance hall to the bedroom on the first floor.

The public rooms reflect the theme of the large old fort being of grand proportions with the walls decorated with memorabilia.

The Baiona Parador has regal and elegant common rooms in which decorative elements from other times are in abundance. Stately living rooms and spacious bedrooms, many with views of the sea, make up a grandiose interior in which a focal point is the splendid stone staircase in the entrance hall.

This Parador has one hundred and two twin bedded rooms, thirteen double bedded rooms, five suites and two easy access bedrooms. Many of the bedrooms have a view of the sea.

In the rooms you will find a private bathroom, a telephone, cable television, safe and a mini bar.

The building is air conditioned and has central heating, restaurant, bar, gift shop, free internet access in communal areas, currency exchange, lift, satellite television, parking facilities (without security and limited places), garage and there are conference facilities. Facilities for the disabled are available.

There is an outdoor terrace looking over the bay for drinks or light meals or alternatively a pleasant interior courtyard. The Parador Baiona has a seasonal swimming pool, tennis court, garden, gymnasium, Jacuzzi, sauna and children's playground.

As is usual at the Parador, the high quality restaurant specialises in local recipes. You might like to try the following: "Lubina con navajas" which is sea bass with razor shells in a parsnip top sauce;
"Mariscades" a magnificent dish of locally caught shell fish;
"Tarta de Santiago y las filloas" being a cake from the ancient pilgrimage city of Santiago do Compostela and a type of pancake.

The restaurant has a special glutin free menu but if you have this allergy it is worth checking that the various starters offered are also gluten free.

While in Baiona, walk through the old parts of the town. see the Monte Boi wall, the Collegial church, and the ”Cruceiro” (stone cross) of Santisima Trinidad.

A ferry boat runs across the Ria to the Isle de Cies where there are restaurants for lunch. The islands are a bird sanctuary with excellent sandy beaches. Though some will visit to look at the 'birds' on the discreet sandy beach behind the ferry terminal who have discarded all plumage.

Activities in the area include diving, fishing, golf, horse riding, sailing, trekking and paragliding.

A drive along the coastal road south of the Parador is spectacular. Visit the fishing harbour of A Guarda and the Celtic settlement on the top of Santa Tecla mountain. Return along the Mino valley where the Albarinho wine is produced. Cross into Portugal for tea in the 'forteleza' at Valenca before returning by the motorway.

You will find differences of spelling of place names in the area since both Spanish and the old language of Galego are spoken in the region.

Distance from the nearest airport is approximately 25 kms, train station is 22 kms away and the nearest port is 22 kms away.

Animals are not allowed.