Praia de Canelas is the smaller, prettier neighbour of Montalvo — a 500-metre crescent of fine sand backed by pine forest. The water is clean and clear, the dune behind is intact, and the beach has held a Blue Flag for many years. Of the urban beaches in Sanxenxo municipality, this is the one to walk to if you want the picture-postcard feel.
The beach is reached by a narrow road that descends through pine wood from the main coastal road. Parking is limited, which is partly what keeps the crowds manageable. There is a small beach bar, a lifeguard in summer, and not much else — bring everything you need.