A Toxa Island

Small pine-covered island connected to O Grove by a bridge — thermal spa hotel, golf course, and the famous Shell Church

Address A Toxa, O Grove
Admission Free; bridge access from O Grove

A small pine-covered island connected to O Grove by a road bridge — you can walk across in ten minutes. The whole island is privately developed but freely accessible: the grand 1907 spa hotel Gran Hotel La Toja anchors the southern end, a 9-hole golf course occupies the middle, and the Shell Church (Ermida de San Caralampio) sits in pine woods on the western side.

The island is at its best for a slow afternoon walk: pine-shaded paths, sea views in every direction, occasional benches with views back to the O Grove waterfront. Several small art galleries and souvenir shops cluster near the bridge end; the spa hotel's terrace café is open to visitors for a coffee or a glass of cava.

things to do sight
A story
A Toxa's thermal spring was discovered in the 19th century, according to local legend, by a peasant farmer who tied a sick donkey to a tree on the island intending to leave it to die. The donkey returned home a few days later, completely cured. The springs became Galicia's first spa resort in 1907, and the Gran Hotel La Toja — built in 1907 — was for decades the playground of Spanish high society. The Royal Family had a private suite.

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