{"id":213,"date":"2023-01-31T14:08:19","date_gmt":"2023-01-31T14:08:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.villalia.com\/blog\/que-ver-en-la-isla-de-la-toja\/"},"modified":"2023-02-10T07:56:36","modified_gmt":"2023-02-10T07:56:36","slug":"what-to-see-in-la-toja-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.villalia.com\/blog\/en\/what-to-see-in-la-toja-island\/","title":{"rendered":"Escape to R\u00edas Baixas: what to see on La Toja island<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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We\u2019re going to let you in on <\/span>what to see on the Island of La Toja<\/b>, and when you find out, you\u2019re going to want to visit this paradise of leisure. You\u2019ll find excellent accommodation, thermal baths, ruins, charismatic buildings and natural landscapes.<\/span>
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<\/span>From a seashell-clad church to the hundred-year-old La Toja spa resort, as well as a legendary casino: all of this awaits you at this destination.<\/span><\/p>

What to see in and around La Toja<\/strong><\/h2>

Situated in the province of Pontevedra beside the village of O Grove, this enchanted island is an <\/span>oasis of health, tranquillity and elegance<\/b>. Its location in the middle of the R\u00edas Baixas situates it in one of the best areas of Galicia.<\/span>
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<\/span>Beaches, spas, a casino, golf course, marina and much more await you in this charismatic town. It used to be <\/span>a holiday destination for the Spanish high society<\/b>, associated with luxury. It still maintains this essence today, but it\u2019s now open to all visitors. If you\u2019re looking to enjoy yourself, disconnect and have fun, this spot will meet your expectations.<\/span><\/p>

La Toja Church: La Toja\u2019s Chapel of the Shells<\/strong><\/h2>

The <\/span>Ermita de San Sebasti\u00e1n<\/b> is a small church with a surprising facade and a fascinating interior. It is dedicated to Saint Charalambos and has been a place of worship since the 12th century. Its location, right on the seafront, is another one of its distinctive features.<\/span>
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<\/span>Its main characteristics is that it\u2019s <\/span>covered in thousands of shells<\/b>. It\u2019s customary to sign them, which is why many of them include visitors\u2019 initials.<\/span>
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<\/span>As such, it makes for a charming blend of the wealth of nature and the local architecture. Its clean exterior appearance, totally white, contrasts with the green and blue surroundings to create a unique sight.<\/span>
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<\/span>Inside, the exquisite beauty of <\/span>La Toja island\u2019s Las Conchas Chapel<\/b> is emphasised by a grand, symbolic shell. It\u2019s no coincidence that it\u2019s the most visited <\/span>church in La Toja<\/b> and one of the most unique in Galicia. Want to know a fun fact? This is the church former Spanish president Mariano Rajoy chose to get married in.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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La Toja spa resorts<\/strong><\/h2>

This island contains a large number of health resorts and spas, perfect for unwinding.\u00a0 They are usually <\/span>linked to hotels<\/b>, but during certain hours, it\u2019s possible to exclusively access their spa facilities.<\/span>
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<\/span>Heated swimming pools<\/b>, massages, body and face treatments, jacuzzis and relaxation rooms are among their features.<\/span><\/p>

La Toja Casino<\/strong><\/h2>

At the start of the 20th century, the <\/span>cr\u00e9me de la cr\u00e9me<\/span><\/i> of Spanish society would meet on this emblematic island. The kings of Spain, Gabriel Garc\u00eda M\u00e1rquez and Ortega y Gasset are among its illustrious visitors.<\/span>
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<\/span>Back then, the opening of the casino was one of the biggest tourist attractions. These days, it is a must-see for either trying your luck or simply admiring the building as you pass by.<\/span>
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<\/span>American roulette, blackjack and poker among others on the traditional tables, as well as a multitude of slots and i-tablets are in store for you inside. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Craftwork and La Toja\u2019s shells<\/strong><\/h2>

This Galician area is rich in handmade, artisanal products for you to take home as souvenirs. The <\/span>soaps<\/b> are legendary, many of which have therapeutic and cosmetic attributes.<\/span>
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<\/span>Some of the most typical gifts are the <\/span>artisanal objects made with shells<\/b>. For many, the best place to find shells is around the La Aldea shopping centre and the artisanal street market outside it. It\u2019s located on the south of the island, very close to the main stop of the tourist train.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Beaches on La Toja island<\/strong><\/h2>

Many seem to think that the O Grove beaches are superior to those in La Toja. A good part of this stems from the spa destination\u2019s level of fame and the high nobility historically associated with the town. <\/span>
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<\/span>Nonetheless, it has two sensational swimming areas:<\/span><\/p>