THE ONS ISLANDS

The island chain of Ons (Bueu) is located in the beginning of the sea inlet of Pontevedra. It has 2641 hectares, 470 land and 2171 maritime. It consists of of two main islands, Ons and Onza and other small islands such as Laxe do Crego, O Centolo, Cairo, Gaitero or Freitosas. Ons can be visited by ship or boat from Bueu, Sanxenxo and Portonovo.

It has the shape of a plateau with a huge contrast between the western side (with cliffs and caves) and the eastern side (softer) where the human settlements and sandy areas such as Melide, Area dos Cans or Canexol are. Colonies of yellow legged gulls and European shags can be seen. Maximum height: 118m. at the lighthouse.

When we sail towards the islands we can see marine mammals such as common and bottlenose dolphins and migratory birds such as gannets, shearwaters and common terns.

It has a visitors´centre, information point, public toilets, first aid post, restaurants, rest areas and information panels. There circular itineraries, south, north, lighthouse and castle routes, as well as guided routes accompanied by the interpreter-guides of the park.

Remarkable elements and places are the traditional architecture of the different neighbourhoods, the unique island culture, the lighthouse, the dunes of Canexol and Melide, the viewpoint of Fedorentos, Buraco do Inferno (“The Hole of  Hell”), the cliffs and the entrance of Caniveliña. It is the only inhabited island all year round.