Things to Do in Portonovo in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Portonovo
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect hiking weather with temperatures averaging 20°C (68°F) - cool enough for multi-hour coastal walks without overheating
- Dramatic winter seas create spectacular wave-watching conditions at Playa de Baltar and the rocky coastline
- Local winter festivals including the traditional Navidad celebrations and year-end seafood feasts with freshly harvested percebes
- Significantly fewer crowds at natural sites - you'll often have the coastal trails and viewpoints to yourself
Considerations
- Afternoon Atlantic storms can cancel boat trips and coastal activities with little warning - happens 40% of December days
- Many beachside restaurants and seasonal tour operators close from mid-December through early January
- Daylight hours are shortest - sunrise at 8:30am, sunset by 6:00pm limits outdoor activity time
Best Activities in December
Coastal Hiking on Rías Baixas Trails
December's cool temperatures make this ideal for the challenging 12km (7.5-mile) coastal path from Portonovo to Sanxenxo. Winter storms create dramatic seascapes, and you'll encounter local fishermen checking their winter nets. The trail offers stunning views of the Atlantic without summer's heat stress.
Traditional Galician Cooking Classes
December is prime season for winter specialties like pulpo a la gallega and fresh oysters from local rías. Indoor cooking experiences are perfect for rainy afternoons, and December brings seasonal ingredients like chestnuts and winter vegetables that aren't available other months.
Winter Surfing at Playa de Canelas
December brings consistent Atlantic swells without summer crowds. Water temperature stays around 14°C (57°F) thanks to Gulf Stream influence. Winter storms create excellent surf conditions for intermediate to advanced surfers, and local surf schools offer winter wetsuit rentals.
Historic Combarro Village Tours
December's soft light and fewer tourists make this the perfect time to explore one of Galicia's most photogenic fishing villages. Winter gives you authentic glimpses of local life, with fishermen maintaining boats and preparing nets for spring. The village's stone hórreos look particularly striking against winter skies.
Thermal Springs at Caldas de Reis
December's cool weather makes natural hot springs especially appealing. These Roman-era thermal baths maintain 40°C (104°F) year-round and provide perfect relief after cold coastal walks. Winter is actually peak season for locals seeking thermal therapy.
Winter Wine Tasting in Rías Baixas Wineries
December marks the end of harvest season, making it ideal for tasting newly fermented Albariño wines. Many bodegas offer special winter tastings with seasonal pairings. Indoor activities perfect for December's variable weather, and winter rates are often 20-30% lower than summer.
December Events & Festivals
Mercado de Navidad de Pontevedra
Traditional Christmas market featuring local artisans, winter foods, and handcrafted gifts. Perfect for experiencing authentic Galician holiday culture and tasting seasonal specialties like filloas and chestnuts roasted over open fires.
Festa do Marisco Winter Edition
Smaller winter version of the famous seafood festival, focusing on winter shellfish harvest including percebes, mejillones, and winter oysters. Local restaurants create special December menus featuring these seasonal delicacies.