Castelo de Soutomaior
A 12th-century Galician castle with stunning gardens, offering a journey back in time and breathtaking valley views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Camellia bloom season
Castelo de Soutomaior
Best Time
Camellia bloom season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 12th-century Galician castle with stunning gardens, offering a journey back in time and breathtaking valley views.
"A fantastic hidden gem, well preserved and a bargain for families to explore history."
🎟️ Castle Entry Fee
A small fee of €5 grants access to the castle interior and its historical exhibits. Gardens are free!
🚶♀️ Prepare for Walking
There's a significant walk from parking to the castle. Wear comfortable shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Castle Interior
Castle Tower
Explore the restored medieval fortress, delve into its rich history, and enjoy panoramic views from the top.
Enchanting Camellia Gardens
Castle Grounds
Wander through a Garden of Excellence, featuring a 'Garden of Camellias with Women's Names' and tea plantations.
Scenic Valley Views
Castle Ramparts
Take in breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Galician hills and valley from the castle's strategic vantage point.
The Hidden Swing
Gardens
Discover a charming swing nestled within the gardens, offering a unique photo opportunity and a moment of playful escape.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating the Grounds and Amenities
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Castle Entry Fee
A small fee of €5 grants access to the castle interior and its historical exhibits. Gardens are free!
🚶♀️ Prepare for Walking
There's a significant walk from parking to the castle. Wear comfortable shoes!
🌳 Enjoy the Free Gardens
The beautiful gardens are accessible for free, perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the stunning panoramic views from the castle ramparts.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Castle Entry Fee
A small fee of €5 grants access to the castle interior and its historical exhibits. Gardens are free!
🚶♀️ Prepare for Walking
There's a significant walk from parking to the castle. Wear comfortable shoes!
🌳 Enjoy the Free Gardens
The beautiful gardens are accessible for free, perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the stunning panoramic views from the castle ramparts.
📅 Check for Events
Special events like wine tastings or historical reenactments can enhance your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Castelo de Soutomaior is widely praised as a hidden gem, offering a blend of historical intrigue and natural beauty. Visitors appreciate the well-preserved castle and the stunning, free-to-access gardens. While some note a lack of amenities like seating and trash bins, the affordable entry fee for the castle interior makes it a highly recommended and valuable experience.
"A hidden gem in the countryside, just a 30-minute drive from Pontevedra. The castle sits atop a hill with stunning views over the valley. The surrounding area is beautiful, featuring gardens, fountains, and majestic old trees like cedars and sequoias. Access to the castle’s inner tower costs €5. Free parking."
Sephirus Oakborn
"Renovated castle, with great views. Pleasant garden. Well structured history, although some of the displays were not working. Bumped into the Sest 600 club who were passing through."
raj badhan
"Castle is okay but guest services are almost zero. Nor a single place to sit between parking lot and ticket booth, about 500 yards, or between tickets and castle, another 150 yards. No benches or seats inside the castle. Not a single trash receptacle anywhere on the grounds. One toilet 75 yards from the ticket booth, away from the castle, which has no toilet or water"
John Byrne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Castelo de Soutomaior is located in the province of Pontevedra, about a 30-minute drive from the city of Pontevedra. Free parking is available on-site.
Information on direct public transport is limited, but it's generally recommended to travel by car for ease of access.
There is free parking available for visitors. However, be prepared for a walk from the parking lot to the castle entrance.
The castle is approximately a 30-40 minute drive from Vigo, making it a feasible day trip.
Unfortunately, guest services are minimal. There are very few places to sit between the parking lot and the castle, and no trash receptacles on the grounds.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the gardens and exterior of the castle is free. Entry to the castle's inner tower costs €5 per person.
Yes, you can explore the beautiful gardens and the exterior of the castle for free. The ticket is only required to enter the interior of the castle.
Opening hours can vary, especially seasonally. It's best to check the official website or local tourism information for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
For general visits, booking in advance is usually not necessary, especially if you are only visiting the gardens. For special events or group tours, it's advisable to inquire about booking requirements.
While specific family ticket prices aren't always advertised, the €5 entry fee for the castle interior is considered a bargain, even for families.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a restored medieval fortress with well-presented interiors and a short video detailing the site's history. The views from the top are a major highlight.
Absolutely! The gardens are a 'Garden of Excellence' and offer a peaceful, charming setting with ancient trees, fountains, and themed areas like the 'Garden of Camellias with Women's Names'.
Yes, children often enjoy exploring the castle grounds and the interior. The historical aspect and the open spaces make it engaging for younger visitors.
There is one toilet located about 75 yards from the ticket booth, away from the castle itself. The castle interior does not have toilet facilities.
The castle was historically associated with figures like Pedro Madruga, and some legends even link him to Christopher Columbus. 
📸 📸 Photography
The castle ramparts offer stunning panoramic views, the camellia gardens provide beautiful floral backdrops, and the charming swing in the garden is a unique photo opportunity.
While not explicitly prohibited, drone usage regulations can vary. It's always best to check local rules and potentially seek permission before flying a drone.
The castle is photogenic year-round, but it's particularly stunning in spring when the camellias are in bloom.
Visitors often capture landscape shots of the castle and valley, close-ups of the gardens, and lifestyle or 'POV' style videos exploring the medieval atmosphere.
Generally, personal photography is allowed inside the castle, but professional or commercial photography might require special permits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The expansive gardens provide plenty of space for children to run around and explore. While there aren't many specific play areas, the natural environment, including the maze garden and the swing, offers simple yet engaging fun. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as amenities like seating and trash bins can be limited.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you wish to see the castle interior, the entry fee is a very reasonable €5. This makes it an accessible historical site that provides significant value for its cost. Combine a visit with a packed lunch to enjoy amidst the serene gardens for a truly budget-friendly and memorable experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Look for unique shots like the hidden swing in the garden, the majestic old trees, and the architectural details of the restored castle. The interplay of light and shadow within the castle walls and the lush greenery of the gardens offer diverse photographic opportunities throughout the day.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through History
+1Today, the castle has been thoughtfully restored, offering visitors a glimpse into its medieval heritage. A short video presentation inside provides context and details about the site's rich history, making the visit both educational and engaging. The well-presented interiors, though simple, allow visitors to appreciate the architectural evolution and historical significance of this Galician landmark.
Exploring the castle is like stepping back in time, allowing you to imagine life within its walls centuries ago. The blend of historical preservation and modern accessibility makes Castelo de Soutomaior a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
The Enchanting Gardens of Soutomaior
Visitors can wander through themed areas such as the 'Garden of Camellias with Women's Names' and explore a unique tea plantation. Majestic ancient trees, including cedars and sequoias, provide ample shade, creating a tranquil atmosphere perfect for a relaxing afternoon. The gardens also feature charming fountains, a small koi pond, and a delightful maze garden, adding to their allure.
While the gardens are free to access, they are a significant draw for visitors seeking natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. The sound of birdsong and the gentle breeze through the trees make it an ideal spot to unwind and connect with nature. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the hidden swing within the gardens for a playful moment and a memorable photo opportunity.
Visitor Experience and Amenities
Be prepared for a considerable walk from the parking area to the castle, and then to the ticket booth and the castle itself. There are limited seating options available throughout the grounds, and a noticeable absence of trash receptacles, which visitors have pointed out as an area for improvement.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the €5 entry fee for the castle interior is widely considered a bargain, especially for families. The combination of historical significance, beautiful gardens, and stunning views makes it a worthwhile visit for a couple of hours.
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