Coto do Corno – a slice of authentic Galicia on the Taverneiro Way

With Coto do Corno, we have transformed an old tavern in hA Ermida into a small, cosy inn with just four rooms.

It was important to us to preserve the house’s original, rural character. Instead of making everything look new and perfect, we wanted to preserve the history and charm of the old building, carefully adapting it and adding what was necessary to ensure a comfortable and pleasant stay—without turning it into a conventional hotel.

Small, quiet, and personal

Coto do Corno has only four rooms. This allows us to maintain a peaceful, welcoming, and personal atmosphere.

The house is located in the heart of rural Galicia. All around you’ll find nature, forests, small roads and trails, and, above all, tranquility. At the same time, Redondela, Pontevedra, and Vigo are within easy reach for day trips to explore the Rías Baixas.

We don’t want to be a traditional hotel or a luxury accommodation. Coto do Corno is a simple place for those who enjoy old houses, nature, and a more authentic Galicia.

For hikers, pilgrims, and travellers

The Camino de Taverneiro passes right by our house, so Coto do Corno is especially well-suited for hikers and pilgrims who want to explore Galicia off the beaten track.

But you don’t have to be walking the Camino to enjoy the area. Around Ermida, you’ll find small roads, trails, forests, rivers, and villages that invite you to explore the surroundings on foot.

In the summer, the natural pools and swimming spots in the region’s rivers are especially pleasant. Amid rocks, forests, and freshwater, you can enjoy a completely different kind of swimming experience than on the coast and discover surprisingly peaceful spots.

The Atlantic and its beaches

If you prefer the sea, from Coto do Corno you can reach numerous beaches in the Rías Baixas.

In the estuaries of Vigo and Pontevedra, you’ll find everything from small, sheltered coves to long sandy beaches and beaches more open to the Atlantic. There are popular destinations around Cesantes, Cangas, Moaña, Bueu, Marín, Sanxenxo, O Grove, and An Illa de Arousa.

You can spend the day at a beach with all the amenities or seek out small coves and quieter stretches of coastline.

And, of course, this is Galicia and the Atlantic: the water isn’t always warm, but the scenery and the coastline more than make up for it.

The Atlantic Islands

A particularly recommended excursion is a visit to the islands of the-Terrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia.

The Cíes Islands, off the Vigo estuary, are known for their white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and hiking trails. One of the most famous is Praia de Rodas, located between the islands of Monteagudo and Faro.

Across from the Pontevedra estuary lies the island of Ons, which features a mix of beaches, cliffs, trails, and small traditional villages.

The islands are accessible by boat during certain times of the year. Especially for the Cíes Islands, it is advisable to plan your visit and make reservations in advance.

Vigo, Pontevedra, Redondela, and Santiago

Coto do Corno is also a good starting point for exploring some of Galicia’s most interesting cities and towns.

Redondela is closely linked to the Portuguese Way and offers a small historic centre, cafés, restaurants, and a taste of everyday life in a Galician town.

Pontevedra is one of the most pleasant cities in the area. Its historic centre, largely pedestrian-friendly, with small squares, arcades, bars, and restaurants, is perfect for spending an afternoon or an evening.

Vigo offers a more urban atmosphere: a harbour, shopping, dining, culture, and magnificent views of the estuary. Boats also depart from Vigo for the Cíes Islands and other destinations along the estuary.

And Santiago de Compostela, with its famous cathedral and historic centre, is an excellent option for a day trip, whether or not you’re walking the Camino de Santiago.

Galicia is also all about festivals

Visiting the area isn’t just worth it in the summer. Throughout the year, numerous traditional, culinary, and cultural festivals are held.

In Redondela, the Festa do Choco is one of the best-known spring events. The cuttlefish, one of the town’s most characteristic products, takes centre stage alongside the local cuisine, music, and festive atmosphere.

Redondela also hosts the traditional Festa da Coca, featuring music, street activities, and ancient local traditions such as the Penlas and Espadas dances.

In the spring, the Festa da Arribada in Baiona transforms the historic district into a grand medieval stage. The celebration commemorates the arrival of the caravel Pinta in 1493, bearing news of Columbus’s voyage.

During the summer, practically all of Galicia is in a festive mood. There are small local festivals, pilgrimages, concerts, and food festivals in towns and villages.

Among the region’s best-known festivals is the Rapa das Bestas in Sabucedo, a centuries-old Galician tradition involving horses that roam freely in the mountains.

Also noteworthy is the spectacular Viking Pilgrimage in Catoira, known for its reenactment of the Viking landing near the Torres de Oeste.

In addition to these major celebrations, the festivals in small villages are well worth checking out. Often discovered by chance, they end up being some of the most special memories of a trip through Galicia.

Christmas in Vigo

Winter also has a very special attraction: Vigo’s famous Christmas lights.

During the Christmas season, city centre Vigo is transformed with millions of lights, enormous illuminated figures, markets, and various attractions. The lights at Porta do Sol and along the city centre streets attract visitors from all over Spain and Portugal every year.

Thus, a peaceful stay in the countryside can be perfectly combined with an afternoon and evening among Vigo’s Christmas lights.

Our lodging

Coto do Corno has four rooms:

• two private rooms
• two small shared rooms, each with three single beds

We have made a conscious decision to limit the number of guests. Coto do Corno is not intended to be a large hostel or a generic hotel.

Depending on the option you book, you’ll have a private room or a bed in a shared room. Please always check the specific details of your selected accommodation before booking.

Simple rather than luxurious

Coto do Corno is an old house in the Galician countryside, and that is also part of its character.

If you’re looking for a modern design hotel, completely uniform rooms, and the impeccable appearance of a newly built building, we’re probably not the right choice for you.

But if, on the other hand, you like old houses, unique details, a casual atmosphere, and accommodation with their own history, you’ll feel right at home here.

We prefer to be honest and authentic rather than promise something that Coto do Corno isn’t.

The rural location also means there are no supermarkets, restaurants, or tourist services right on your doorstep. If you need groceries or something specific for the evening, we recommend buying them before you arrive.

A starting point for exploring the Rías Baixas

Coto do Corno lets you enjoy two different sides of Galicia: the green and peaceful inland landscape and the lively Atlantic coast.

You can start the day with a walk through the forest, take a dip in the afternoon in a natural pool or the Atlantic, and end the day strolling through the historic centre of Pontevedra. You can visit the Cíes or Ons islands, explore Vigo, take a trip to Santiago, walk the Camino, or simply stay at the house and enjoy the peace and quiet.

And on some days, maybe the best thing is simply to have no plans at all.

Coto do Corno is small, rural, simple, and personal.

A place to arrive, drop off your backpack or suitcase, rest, and discover another side of Galicia.

Welcome to Coto do Corno, our little corner of Galicia.