Galician spa island linked to O Grove, known for thermal baths and a scallop-shell chapel.
La Toja (A Toxa in Galician) is a small island off the coast of Galicia, connected to the O Grove peninsula by a bridge built in the early 20th century. Together with the Island of Arousa, it is one of the great island spaces in the Rías Baixas.
The island developed around its thermal spa, and today it is a genteel resort with hotels and leisure facilities. The most distinctive sight is the Ermida de San Caralampio, whose walls are entirely covered in scallop shells — a striking and peculiar piece of Galician architecture. The Gran Hotel La Toja, built in 1907, anchors the southern end of the island, and pine-shaded walking paths circle the wooded shoreline.
Guide
Getting There
La Toja is reached via the O Grove peninsula, which sits at the end of a small promontory off the main Galician coast. From Pontevedra, the drive to O Grove takes about 45 minutes. Sanxenxo is the nearest town with regular bus connections; from there a local bus or taxi reaches O Grove.
The island itself is connected to O Grove by a short road bridge that pedestrians and cyclists can cross freely. Parking is available in O Grove at the bridge entrance; there is no parking on the island itself. The walk across the bridge and around the island to the shell chapel and back to the bridge takes between one and two hours at a relaxed pace.
