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A Toxa Island
ℹ️Practical info — A Toxa Island
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The island is connected to the mainland at O Grove by a 19th-century bridge. Taking a walk across this historic bridge features nice views.
- The most famous landmark is the chapel of San Caralampio, which is completely covered in scallop shells. It's a unique sight and a must-see for photos.
- The island is famous for its thermal springs. While most spas are private, there are public fountains where you can taste the mineral-rich water.
- The island is quite small and flat, making it great for a leisurely walk or bicycle ride. Explore the paths that run through the central pine forest.
🍽 Food
While A Toxa has exclusive restaurants, the heart of the seafood cuisine is in neighbouring O Grove, known as Galicia's 'seafood capital'. Cross the bridge for a more authentic and affordable meal.
Similar to scallops but smaller and more flavorful. Grilled with garlic and parsley, they are a delicacy. Look for them in the island's more upscale restaurants.
Although it's a Galicia-wide dessert, you'll find excellent versions in the island's cafés. This rich almond cake is the great end to a meal.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
The island's most iconic product. Buy the famous soaps and lotions made with mineral salts from the local thermal springs. They are a classic souvenir.
Inspired by the famous chapel, many small stalls and shops sell handmade jewellery and trinkets made from shells.
The central area of the island is a quiet pine forest with landscaped paths. It's the first-rate place to escape the bustle and enjoy a shady walk.
An appealing and quirky public park that recreates a hobbit village. It's quiet, especially on weekdays, and a peaceful spot to relax.
Stroll through the elegant, manicured gardens surrounding the historic luxury hotel. They offer an atmosphere of tranquility and old-world charm.
Water temperature…
A Toxa Island (La Toja) is a symbol of luxury and well-being in Galicia. Originally used as grazing land, the healing properties of its mineral-rich thermal waters and mud were discovered in the 19th century. Today, the island is home to some of Spain's most prestigious spa hotels. Its most famous landmark is the Chapel of San Caralampio, uniquely covered entirely in scallop shells, creating a striking visual found nowhere else in the world. Beyond wellness, A Toxa features premier leisure facilities, including a 9-hole seaside golf course, tennis courts, and a casino. The island is connected to the mainland town of O Grove by a historic bridge built in the early 20th century. A walk through the island's pine groves provides a peaceful escape with sweeping views over the Ría de Arousa estuary. Visitors should make sure to try or buy the famous La Toja soap, which has been produced here for decades using mineral salts from the island's springs. Small artisan markets near the chapel sell local crafts and shell jewelry. The island is first-rate for a relaxing day trip or a longer wellness retreat. The best time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is good for outdoor activities.
- Location: Galicia, Spain
- Top sights: Praia do Couto · Praia do Pereiro · Praia da Fontiña
- Nearby: A Illa de Arousa (7 km)
- Population: ~10.700
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 16 | 11 | 9 |
| Rain mm | 165 | 111 | 136 | 106 | 78 | 50 | 31 | 40 | 49 | 170 | 166 | 164 |
Geography
Facts
- Chapel covered in scallop shells
- Healing thermal springs
- Famous soap production
- Seaside 9-hole golf course
- Historic bridge to mainland
- Exclusive casino
- Luxury spa hotels
- Located in the Ría de Arousa
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town A Toxa Island (3)
Frequently asked questions
What is A Toxa famous for?
Are there sights to see on the island?
Is the island connected to the mainland?
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When is the best time to visit?
A Toxa Island: where is it located?
A Toxa Island: what is there to see?
A Toxa Island: when is the best time to visit?
A Toxa Island: why is it worth visiting?
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