2-6th June, Pontevedra, Galicia
Technical field trips
All Field Trips will be held on Friday, 6 June. Departure and arrival from/to Pontevedra, from 9:00 to 18:00. A basic lunch bag will be provided.
Please note that the organization reserves the right to cancel Field Trips that do not meet the minimum registration quota required.
» TFT-1. Cabo Home and Costa da Vela – Hiking through Red Natura Coastal Cliffs and Sandbanks
After arriving by bus to Donón ( GMAPS 74CQ+MJ Donón, Cangas ), we will follow a scenic and ecologically rich hiking route along the Costa da Vela trail, an area recognized for its environmental significance and included in the Natura 2000 Network for its protected habitats and biodiversity.
The 8 km route to Cabo Home is a gentle walk along dramatic cliffs, offering panoramic views of the Cíes Islands, part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, a marine-terrestrial ecosystem home to endangered seabirds, pristine beaches, and dune systems.
As we continue toward the Punta Robaleira Lighthouse and Cape Subrido, we will pass through coastal scrublands, pine groves, and remnants of native Atlantic forest, while observing geological formations shaped by wind and sea. We will be able to observe the environmental challenges facing the area, such as erosion, invasive species, and the effects of tourism, and discuss current conservation efforts.
We will then take time to relax at Melide Beach, a secluded and unspoiled area known for its clear waters, white sand, and ecological sensitivity. Participants are encouraged to respect the natural surroundings—no waste, no trampling on vegetation, and no disturbance to wildlife.
In the afternoon, we’ll make a short visit to Cape Udra, another environmentally protected zone featuring coastal meadows, wetlands, and cliff-nesting bird habitats. We will end the day in the fishing village of Bueu, where those interested may visit the Massó Museum, which preserves the maritime, fishing, and canning heritage of the Galician coast.
Sustainable travel notice : This activity promotes responsible tourism, low environmental impact, and education on the value of coastal ecosystems. Please bring reusable water bottles, avoid single-use plastics, and follow marked trails at all times.
» TFT-2. Carreirón Natural Park and Illa de Arousa – Coastal Ecosystems and Birdlife in a Protected Marine Landscape
We will spend the day exploring the Carreirón Natural Park, located on the southern tip of Illa de Arousa, an island in the heart of the Ría de Arousa estuary, known for its rich biodiversity, marine culture, and scenic coastal landscapes.
Our main activity will be hiking the Carreirón Trail—a flat and easy 7 km loop that traces the coastline of this protected area, offering close contact with salt marshes, coastal forests, small coves, and granite headlands. Along the way, we will explore sandy beaches, observe native plant species adapted to saline environments, and learn about the park’s ecological role as a bird sanctuary.
This visit takes place during the breeding season of several seabird species, including large colonies of yellow-legged gulls and a few pairs of Eurasian oystercatchers, a protected nesting species in Spain. Participants will be encouraged to walk quietly, stay on marked trails, and avoid disturbing nesting areas, helping to preserve this delicate coastal ecosystem.
In the afternoon, you’ll have several eco-friendly leisure options:
Environmental focus
: The excursion promotes respect for wildlife, awareness of human impact on marine and coastal environments, and a deeper understanding of protected natural areas. Please use reusable containers, leave no trace, and follow the guidance of local environmental recommendations.
» TFT-3. Cambados Village and Rías Baixas Wineries – Heritage, Sustainability, and the Landscape of Albariño
This immersive experience takes you into the cultural and agricultural heart of Galicia’s Rías Baixas, where landscape, tradition, and sustainable wine production come together in harmony.
We begin in the coastal town of Cambados, often called the “Capital of Albariño”, where we’ll visit the Wine and Ethnographic Museum to learn about the region’s deep-rooted connection to viticulture, local customs, and rural life. The museum emphasizes traditional agroecological practices, community-based winemaking, and the role of wine in shaping the Galician identity.
Next, we will explore the Tide Mill Museum “A Seca”, an exceptional example of renewable energy use in pre-industrial times. Powered by the movement of tides, this historic mill showcases sustainable food-processing technologies that existed long before the term "sustainability" was coined. It also offers a chance to observe coastal wetland ecosystems that surround the mill—critical habitats for birdlife and marine species.
After a guided walk through the historic center of Cambados, where stone architecture and old fishing traditions reflect a deep connection with the sea and land, we’ll head to a certified Rías Baixas winery in nearby Vilanova de Arousa ( GMAPS: G6Q7+W9 A Igrexa, Vilanova de Arousa ), where you’ll discover how modern viticulture blends with sustainable agricultural techniques.
The visit includes a tour of the vineyards—often planted on granite-rich soils with pergola training systems that promote biodiversity and air circulation—and a tasting of local Albariño wines, known for their freshness, salinity, and unique expression of the coastal terroir.
Sustainable wine tourism : This activity promotes local production, protection of cultural landscapes, and appreciation of low-impact farming practices. Participants are encouraged to support eco-certified producers and learn how traditional methods are being adapted for climate resilience.
» TFT-4. Illa de Sálvora – Exploring a Wild Jewel of the Galician Atlantic Islands National Park
This special field trip offers a unique opportunity to explore Sálvora Island, one of the least visited and most pristine parts of the Galician Atlantic Islands National Park—a protected area of exceptional ecological and cultural value.
We will depart from Aguiño ( GMAPS: GX9J+RG Ribeira ), on the northern shore of the Ría de Arousa, and travel by boat to Illa de Sálvora. The journey itself provides stunning views of the estuary’s diverse marine landscape, including mussel rafts, coastal inlets, and migratory seabirds.
Once on the island, we will be immersed in a coastal ecosystem of high ecological sensitivity, known for its gull colonies, rocky shores, Atlantic scrub, and granite formations shaped by centuries of wind and salt. Our visit coincides with the seabird breeding season, when thousands of yellow-legged gulls nest across the island. Participants will be guided by scientists working in the park, along with an official guide authorized to lead visits to the island, who will explain the island’s fragile habitats, the efforts to remove invasive species from the island, the importance of seabird conservation, and the strict visitor regulations designed to minimize human impact.
We’ll also explore elements of Sálvora’s cultural heritage, including its abandoned village, the old lighthouse, and stories of past inhabitants, fishermen, and shipwrecks, all of which are part of the island’s unique identity and connection to the Galician coast.
Responsible visitation : As part of a National Park, access to Sálvora is highly regulated, and visitor numbers are limited to ensure ecosystem preservation. Our group will be capped at 50 participants, in accordance with park conservation policies. Please respect all environmental guidelines, stay on paths, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
This is a rare chance to experience a nearly untouched natural space, while learning about island ecology, marine biodiversity, and the challenges of managing and protecting fragile Atlantic environments.
» TFT-5. Hiking in Serra do Cando–Suído – Atlantic Mountains, Highland Biodiversity, and Sacred Landscapes
This 12 km circular hike takes us deep into the Serra do Cando–Suído, one of Galicia’s most rugged and lesser-known mountain ranges. Known for its granite plateaus, broom-covered hills, and breathtaking panoramic views, this area forms a natural frontier between the inland highlands and the Atlantic coast.
We will follow a moderately challenging route that passes by two remarkable viewpoints:
Ecologically, the Serra do Cando–Suído hosts high-altitude Atlantic habitats, including heaths, wet meadows, and remnants of oak and chestnut woodlands. The region supports a variety of raptors, wild horses, and endemic flora. Along the way, we’ll discuss the importance of preserving these mountain ecosystems in the face of climate change, land abandonment, and wildfires.
Sustainable hiking : Participants are encouraged to minimize their environmental footprint—stick to trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and bring zero-waste snacks and reusable containers. This is an opportunity to appreciate not just the beauty of the landscape, but the ecological balance that sustains it.
