Valdovino is village with long sandy beach, which is frequented by surfers. You can enjoy nice walks following coastline in either direction. You can walk on road along cliffs to Patin or even further. Or head towards the lighthouse either by walking on the beach or on walking paths. This article describes navigation and highlights of walk to Patin beach and back.
GETTING THERE
Barcelona – 1100km (11h)
Madrid – 600km (6h)
Santiago de Compostela – 100km (1h 15min)
By car: Free parking lot at Praia da Frouxeria in Valdovino
By public transport: There is bus stop called Praia Da Frouxeria right to the beach
Camper/ Van overnight stay: I have stayed at Camping a Lagoa. Off-season 19EUR with ASCI discount. Including electricity and showers. More information HERE
For free overnight stay, it seems to be possible to stay for free at the parking lot by Valdovino beach, likely tolerated in off-season.
TRAIL NAVIGATION
This walk is part of Senda das Ondas aka “Waves trail”. On the official Wikiloc page it says the trail is very well signposted but I have not seen any signs for it (in either direction). If you have Wikiloc account, there is gspx available HERE
Regardless, the navigation between Valdovino and the Patin beach is easy. From village follow dirt path trail, keeping to the left where possible until reaching viewing point de Parano. After the viewing point follow road Estrada da Costa until you reach the beach.
TRAIL DETAILS
Start your hike at the right end of Praia Da Frouxeria, walk up to the steep but short dirt trail and then continue no on the trail along cliffs. At this point, you can follow white and blue markings on the ground. You will get to very steep uphill climb until observation deck Miradoiro de Parano which offers great views on Valdovino and its lagoon.
After the the deck continue on the road Estrada da Costa which will bring you all the way to the O Rodo village and to the Pantin beach. It is not a busy road, but be mindful that you are walking on a road. High visibility gear might be required in poor weather conditions. Just before the Miradoiro de Pantin viewing point, there was small road to the left, towards cliffs. This offers even better views on the cliffs around. I have also spotted dolphins, although that was probably luck. If you take this side trail, take caution as it is not easy terrain with cliffs on both sides. I didn’t go all the way to the end.
ADDITIONAL TRAILS
You can extend your hike by visiting one or more of these additional locations
Lighthouse Punta Frouxeira
I highly recommend visiting this area. You can get there by walking on the beach or around the lagoon. Great views, unique lighthouse and there are also some short and big tunnels in the area
Valdovino Lagoon
You can also complete loop around the lagoon. On the right side of the lagoon is easy pedestrian/bike path. On the left side you might walk through the village until the beach. Walk back through the beach or continue to the lighthouse.
Monte Burneira
Continue on from Pation on the Senda das Ondas which ends by making circle around Monte Burneira.
Other details
Tree coverage: No tree coverage, bring sun protection on hot days.
Geocaching: There are some geocaches and no Adventure lab.
Dogs: It is possible to do the trail with dog. Dogs must be leashed.
Shoes recommendation: Can be completed in any sports shoes if its dry, good profile if it has been raining.
Trail running: Only part is on trails, majority is on road. Mostly easy with some steeper hill sections
FACILITIES
Restrooms: Public restrooms at Praia Da Frouxeria and Pantin beach
Restaurants: Various restaurants at Valdovino (centre or the beach)
Shops: Various shops at Valdovino centre
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I completed this hike in November 2024 on Monday. It was warm and sunny, around 16 degrees. I only met one couple walking on the road. There were some cars passing by but not a lot. I do not expect high number of people walking the trail, but there might be higher traffic on weekends or in high season.
Leave a Reply