Unusual grain houses of Combarro

The unusual grain houses of Combarro come as a surprise find. We were only looking for somewhere to stop the night when a nearby motorhome parking area came to light. After parking up in the evening, we take a walk and come across this fascinating village.

Our visit in early May has been part of a long tour of Portugal. Coming across Combarro was when we were heading back north to Bilbao.

It’s always a bonus to come across such a delightful find as Combarro, so it’s worth sharing this wonderful location.

First of all, Combarro is in the Galicia region of Spain, about 6km from the city of Pontevedra.

Raised stone granaries

Our short walk from the motorhome stopover is uneventful until we approach the village. It’s then we first see the fascinating raised stone granaries on stone stilts looking out across a beautiful estuary.

We have no idea they’re here, so it’s a complete surprise and wonderful to see. Following a footpath beside the sea brings us into the heart of this beautiful old village. The tiny stone streets give way to more granaries on the waterfront while incredibly quaint homes, eateries and small shops occupy other buildings.

The whole village is just a delight, with wooden feature balconies and quirky architecture made even more scenic thanks to the estuary location. There’s tile roofs and various detailing on the construction of each ‘hórreos’, the local term for these storage granaries.

Information boards give an explanation of these unusual structures. Apparently, these were built in the 18th and 19th centuries for food storage. Thankfully, half are still standing, so there’s about thirty remaining of the original sixty.

A small port – Unusual grain houses of Combarro

The unusual grain houses of Combarro aren’t the only reason to visit. Not only is this such a beautiful location in general, but the village is just gorgeous. As we emerge from its tiny centre, we also come to a small port.

Here, this old fishing port gives way to a hint of yesteryear, where locals tend to their fishing lines.

Although Combarro is small, it’s big on charm and was definitely a lucky stop for us.

Rocky bays and islets

Our journey along the coast continues the following morning. This area of Spain is simply delightful, with gorgeous rocky and sandy bays, islets and the backdrop of the mountains.

We stop for coffee at a beach before continuing to A Toxa. This islet location has its access over an ornate bridge with crystal clear sea beneath.

We’re able to park up in an empty parking area for lunch, but otherwise it’s an area of golf courses and hotels.

A short walk leads us back over the bridge to the fishing town and port of O Grove, which is more of a working town but the sea is absolutely wonderful – crystal clear and flat calm.

This part of Spain is so different to the more popular tourism areas of the south. It’s traditional feel and unspoiled coastline are an absolute delight.

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