5.0
(2)
28
riders
6
rides
Gravel biking around Sanxenxo offers varied terrain across its coastal and inland landscapes. The region features a coastline with 22 beaches, estuaries, and lush green hills, providing diverse conditions for gravel cyclists. Routes often combine paved surfaces with unpaved tracks and trails, catering to different skill levels. Cyclists can expect to encounter coastal views, river valleys, and historical sites, with elevation changes ranging from gentle to significant.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
5.0
(1)
10
riders
53.1km
03:19
240m
240m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
41.7km
03:07
650m
650m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2
riders
16.5km
01:13
190m
190m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
37.3km
02:49
800m
800m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
3
riders
29.6km
02:13
440m
440m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Good source for getting fresh water
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The famous shell church was formerly dedicated to San Sebastián, but after the reform, the Virgen del Carmen was substituted as the main image. This chapel venerates the famous San Caralampio III, a 19th-century martyr who is the patron saint of skin diseases. The patronage and veneration of this special place, the thermal waters of the thermal baths on the island of A Toxa, are used as a skin-healing therapy, so people have been going to this chapel since ancient times to ask for the protection of this saint. Why is the church covered with scallop shells? It is the only chapel in the world covered with scallop shells. Originally built in 1909, this was the result of chance. The facade, where the altar is located, faces south, and rain constantly beats down on the walls, creating dampness and damaging the structure. At the end of the 1940s, Raimundo Riestra Calderón, II Marqués de Riestra, summoned a mason to offer a solution to this problem, which had dragged on for almost four decades. The man informed him that a traditional method of preventing water infiltration was to cover scallops with scales all over their surfaces, allowing water to slide down them without wetting the interior. He thought the idea was great and accepted the proposal. When the facade was finished, the Marquis liked it so much that, as administrator of the spa, he ordered the entire church to be covered with shells. It was a slow process that took several years, beginning in the late 1940s and ending in the early 1950s. And one last detail: If you were transported back in time 120 years to the same point where you are now, you wouldn't walk on land, but would float in the water along with the church. Almost the entire garden was an old salt mine, lost in the distant past. It was filled in at the beginning of the 20th century.
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The beautiful chapel with its shell cladding is
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Perfect road for a bike ride, you have to be careful in summer because of the vehicle traffic
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There are over 8 gravel bike trails around Sanxenxo, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes combine paved surfaces with unpaved tracks and trails, catering to diverse preferences.
Gravel bike trails in Sanxenxo primarily range from moderate to difficult. While some routes are generally suitable for all skill levels with mostly paved surfaces, others offer more challenging segments with unpaved sections and significant elevation changes, requiring good to very good fitness.
While many routes in Sanxenxo are rated moderate to difficult, some sections of the coastal promenades and flatter inland paths can be suitable for families. For a moderate option that explores coastal areas and forest trails, consider the Arnosa Cove – Forest Trail by Lagoa Bodeira loop from A Toxa's Island, which is 33.0 miles (53.1 km) long.
The terrain around Sanxenxo is diverse, combining paved surfaces with unpaved tracks and trails. You'll encounter coastal paths along the Rías de Pontevedra and Arousa, lush green hills, and river valleys. Expect varied conditions, from smooth sections to more rugged, unpaved segments.
Many routes offer stunning coastal scenery and views of the estuaries. You might pass by the Ponte do Burgo, a medieval bridge, or the historic Armenteira Monastery. The area around A Lanzada also features the Castro da Lanzada archaeological site and the Ermita de la Lanzada. The Monte Siradella offers panoramic views, which you can experience on the Monte Siradella – Espiño Beach loop from A Barrosa.
Yes, many gravel bike routes in Sanxenxo are designed as loops. For example, the challenging Ponte Sampaio – Pontesampaio Bridge loop from Pontevedra is a 56.8 miles (91.4 km) route offering extensive views. Another popular loop is the Route of Stone and Water – Armenteira Monastery loop from Sanxenxo, which is 25.9 miles (41.7 km) and leads through river valleys.
Sanxenxo benefits from a privileged south-facing location along the Pontevedra estuary, contributing to mild weather conditions ideal for outdoor pursuits year-round. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making them excellent times for gravel biking.
The gravel biking routes in Sanxenxo are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, stunning coastal views, and the opportunity to combine natural beauty with historical sites like the Armenteira Monastery.
Yes, the Route of Stone and Water – Armenteira Monastery loop from Sanxenxo directly incorporates this popular trail. This 25.9 miles (41.7 km) route leads through beautiful landscapes and past historic mills, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural interest.
Yes, some coastal routes and viewpoints in Sanxenxo offer views of the nearby Cíes Islands and Ons Island, which are part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. These islands are visible from certain vantage points along the coastline, adding to the scenic beauty of your ride.
For a shorter, moderate option, consider the View of Barreiriño Beach – Playa da Lanzada loop from A Toxa's Island. This route is 26.3 miles (42.3 km) long and can typically be completed in about 2 hours, offering coastal views and a mix of terrain.


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