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Located in the largest of the Galician Estuaries, in the Valley of Salnés Region, is the town of Cambados. This town, which is carved in to the granite, is considered one of the most beautiful, admired and important tourist destinations in Galicia.

Spread over the three towns in Fefiñáns, Cambados and San Tomé do Mar, this area is well worth a leisurely visit to admire all the region has to offer including the ancestral homes, beautiful town squares, historic cobbled streets, the network of museums, not forgetting the attractive wine route and hiking trails. With a fantastic variety of activities including nautical tourism, marine tourism, festivals and cultural activities this beautiful town has many tourist attractions.

A bit of history

Cambados origins date back to prehistoric times, where the invasion of people from central Europe brought the culture of the Castros. The archaeological remains belonging to the megalithic culture and “castreja” found on the banks of the river Umia and the forts of A Pastora, Castrelo, SetePías and Monte Rey all indicate this.

In IX century, Cambados suffered attacks from both the Vikings and the Normans because of its ideal location in the center of the region of Salnés. With a low coast, and the sand and calm waters, navigation of this area was easy for invaders. During this struggle, in the year 1170, Fernando II, King of Leon, was given the title of “Loyal town” which started a period of splendor.This is reflected in the many Pazos in the municipality built duringthe XVII and XVIII centuries. The size, along with the display of heraldic shields, in addition to the towers, “Solainas”, chapels and gardens of Pazos make wonderful buildings. As the saying goes: “if you have Palomar, Cypress and Chapel, this is a “Pazo”.

During this time in Cambados, there were threeseperate beautiful towns: Fefiñáns, Cambados and San Tomé do Mar. This separation was maintained until the XIX century, when they joined, andCambados City Council was born. The territory of the Cambodas City Council also now includes the parishes of Corvillón in the north, Vilariño and Oubiña in the east and Castrelo in the south, covering adistance of 23.5 km and its current population of about 14,000 habitants.

There are several hypotheses regarding the name of Cambados, and some historians attribute Celtic roots in Camba-Cune (Cambracum), while others are in favor of the derivation of words Cam (lake) and Bados (home) and others think that the Spanish word “Combado”, meaning “bent” is the origin because the town is in a curved position.

Cambados, was declared as Cultural Interest Asset in November 2001. This is the highest category in regard to the protection and recognition of historic heritage in our region. The town receives a lot of visitors, throughout the year thanks to the varied tourism and culture on offer. In summer, howeverthe town offers more opportunities for leisure, along with the celebration of the festivities as the pilgrimage of San Benito, the sailor festivity of El Carmen or the gastronomic feasts of Albariño Wine and Scallop Tasting.

Distinguished Cambadeses

Originating from Cambados, were such famous Galician such as Ramón Cabanillas, who is well known as “The poet of the Race” for his poetry fighting against social injustice, dedicating poems to the fishing and grape harvest.The sculptors Francisco Asorey, Narciso Pérez, Francisco Leiro and Manolo Paz were also originally born in Cambados. The important writers Emilia PardoBazán, Ramón María del Valle Inclán had their homes here and Alfredo Brañas, wrote some of his works in the town.

Cambados and Camino de Santiago (The way of St. James)

Cambados and Wine

The wine sector is one of the main contributorsto the Salnés’ economy. Nearly five thousand families make a living off theAlbariño cultivation, and this is one of the most exported agricultural products of our land.

Cambados, is also known as the “Albariño Wine Capital” and everything in the town reminds us that, to use the words of the writerÁlvaro Cunqueiro, that “the golden prince Albariño” is the starting point of the Wine Route, that includes the twenty two wine cellars belonging to the Origin Designation of RiasBaixas. The first Ethnographic and Wine’s museum in Galicia and one of the first in Spain, is here as well as the bronze statue of the Roman God of Wine, Bacchus, made by the sculptor Francisco Leiro.

One of the oldest food and wine festivals in Spain, The Albariño Wine Festival is celebrated in Cambados every first weekend of August. This festival, first founded in 1953, is declared of National Tourist Interest.

Over a week of festivities, including concerts from both national and international groups, along with various leisure, sporting and cultural events also take place.

Cambados and Gastronomy

Cambadoscuisine is recognized as one of the best in Galicia, and is why it is an ideal place to go for lunch, dinner, or tapas.Why not combine the famous Albariño wine with fresh seafood, and the local vegetableproduce? The hospitality industry in Cambados has a true commitment to excellence.

Not only can Cambados boast fantastic cuisine, leisure, sporting and cultural activities, the hospitality of the Cambados people, means that Cambados is an ideal place to enjoy your holidays whatever the season.

Historical district

Albariño

Leisure

Museums

Guided tours

Presentation

A bit of history

Distinguished Cambadeses

Cambados and Camino de Santiago (The way of St. James)

Cambados and Wine

Cambados and Gastronomy

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