Isla de la Toja (Illa da Toxa in Galician) is a small private island in Galicia, connected to the picturesque village of O Grove by a 19th-century bridge. This island, in the province of Pontevedra, is internationally renowned for its thermal waters and the beneficial properties of its mud and springs. Since the discovery of its properties in the 19th century, it has become an exclusive destination for health, luxury, and relaxation, hosting some of the most famous historic and Spa hotels in Spain, immersed in a well-kept natural environment, typical of the Rías Baixas.

What Our Travel Designers Recommend Seeing: Wellness, Nature, and Architecture

• Eurostars Gran Hotel La Toja – The historic hotel par excellence, a symbol of the island's elegance and a reference point for luxury thermal treatments.
• Shell Chapel (Capilla de las Conchas) – A unique small church, entirely covered with scallop shells (symbol of Santiago), a place of great charm and an icon of the island.
• Walkways and Gardens – Long walks among pine woods and well-kept gardens, enjoying the tranquility and the view of the Ría de Arousa.
• Soap and Cosmetics Factory – A small establishment that produces the famous soaps and body products based on the island's waters and mud.

Gastronomy and Typical Products: The Treasure of the Rías Baixas

• Seafood (Mariscos) – The Rías Baixas are a seafood paradise. In Toja and O Grove, you must try mussels, clams, crabs (nécoras), and especially the prized goose barnacle (percebe).
• Pulpo a Feira (Galician Style Octopus) – Cooked octopus, cut into pieces, seasoned with coarse salt, paprika, and olive oil.
• Albariño Rías Baixas D.O. Wine – An excellent dry white wine, aromatic and fresh, perfect to accompany seafood.

Luxury Experiences and Surroundings Selected by Local Experts

The ultimate Luxury Experience here is thermal wellness. We recommend dedicating an afternoon to a treatment at the Spa of one of the island's top hotels, utilizing the mud and mineral waters. Furthermore, for an immersion in local culture, a short trip to O Grove, the "Seafood Capital", is essential, easily reachable by crossing the bridge. Here, you can taste the best Galician marisco in one of the local marisquerías (seafood restaurants), preferably during the famous Seafood Festival in October.

Institutional Links

• Official Tourism Website of Galicia (Galicia)
• Official Website of the Municipality of O Grove (connected to La Toja)

Top 3 Recommended Luxury and Historic Accommodations

• Eurostars Gran Hotel La Toja – Historic 5-star, with Thalasso Spa, located in a privileged position.
• Hotel Talaso Louxo La Toja – Renowned for its Thalassotherapy treatments and its seaside location.
• Gran Hotel Nagari Boutique & Spa (Vigo, nearby) – Luxury boutique hotel offering a sophisticated experience with a spectacular view of the estuary.

Top 3 Recommended Restaurants

• Restaurante A Toja – Offers excellent sea cuisine in an elegant setting.
• Restaurante D'Berto (in O Grove) – Renowned for being one of the best for the superb quality of its seafood; although not starred, it is a must-try.
• Tira do Playa (in O Grove) – Perfect for tasting fresh fish and Pulpo a Feira with a view of the Ría.