Carreiron natural park is beautiful nature area on Illa de Arousa in Spain. The island is easily accessible from Villanova de Arousa on foot, by bike or by car or a bus. The relatively small park is packed by various fauna and flora. Enjoy pristine sand beaches or beautiful tranquil forrest. There are two designated loops, short one of 1,7km and longer one of 3,6km but if you explore further corners, you can make your loop longer. It is great for families with children but pets are NOT allowed.
GETTING THERE
Barcelona – 1150km (11h)
Madrid – 650km (6h 15min)
Santiago de Compostela – 60km (50min)
By car: Free parking lot at the entrance to the park, limited space. Can also park on the large parking lot on the left side as soon as you reach the island. From there you can walk 2km along the coastline on nice path.
By public transport: There is no bus going to the park, but you can get bus from Villanova to the island and walk from there, it would be 2,5km walk one direction just to get to the park.
By bike: You can easily get to the park by bike. Take bike path from Villanova de Arousa over the bridge and then along the coastline all the way to the park. Around 7km one way.
Camper/ Van overnight stay: I have stayed at Jalquint campsite. In low season 16 EUR including electricity, showers 1EUR/5min. The campsite is around the corner from the bike path towards the island. Website only for the rental services HERE
Alternatively stay for free at parking Illa de Arousa, right on the left side after reaching the island. Find area designated for campers. From there you can walk 2km along the coastline on nice path.
TRAIL NAVIGATION
Choose from two trails, longer (green) and shorter (purple) one, the trail is well marked by poles with colour in both direction. Each pole has also unique number. The colour coding sometimes does not coordinate with the trail colour, but it is still very easy to follow. No additional navigation is needed. Take picture of the map at the start and take note of the number of the poles.
TRAIL DETAILS
The trail in Carreiron natural park is mostly on easy and very diverse terrain. Expect anything from sand to rocks and forrest trail. You might pay close attention for tree roots. It is relatively flat. The Carreiron trail covers majority of the coastline but there are occassionaly additional access points to the beaches or viewing points. Just make sure you stay on proper trails in order not to damage the sensitive ecosystem. It is true bird paradise and I have spotted various different breeds. It is bit short but really enjoyable walk. For longer walk, park at the large parking lot right after the bridge and walk to and from the park, this will add in total 4km.
More about this trail and Carreiron natural park HERE and HERE
OTHER DETAILS
Tree coverage: Good tree coverage, but bring sun protection on hot days.
Geocaching: There is one geocache and two earth caches, no Adventure lab.
Dogs: It is NOT possible to do the trail with dog. Dogs are forbidden in the nature area.
Shoes recommendation: Can be completed in any sports shoes.
Trail running: Perfect for beginner trail runners due to its varied terrain. Relatively flat but you need to tackle tree roots, pine cones, rocks and sand.
FACILITIES
There are no facilities at the trail head, on the trail or in near distance, plan well ahead
Restrooms: Public restroom at the large parking lot after the bridge
Restaurants: Various restaurants at the northern part of the island
Shops: Various shops in the northern part of the island or Eroski supermarket just before the bridge
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I completed this hike in November 2024 on Wednesday. It was cloudy, cold winds, about 15 degrees. I met limited only limited number of people. Expect crowds during weekends, especially during summer when the campsites in the area are open.
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