A Lanzada is an open beach 2,400 meters long and 70 meters wide on average, located between the municipalities of Sanxenxo and O Grove in the province of Pontevedra, Galicia. Its fine white sand, combined with turquoise waters, forms a long, straight stretch of beach that opens onto the Atlantic and is partially protected within the Natura 2000 area. From the observation point, one can see the island of Ons to the north—a popular destination for boat tours—and to the south, the early 13th-century Romanesque chapel of Santa María de A Lanzada, which houses the image of the local Virgin. The area is of notable historical and archaeological significance: at the tip between the beaches of Foxos and Áreas Gordas lie the remains of an 8th-century B.C. coastal fort, a Roman necropolis from the 3rd century A.D., and a 10th-century fortress linked to the Order of Compostela, with finds such as terra sigillata pottery and a 33-cm sword. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag and is part of the Arousa and Ulla Coastal Route of the Camino de Santiago. It is especially popular among surfers, kitesurfers, and bodyboarders due to its strong waves and constant Atlantic winds. The best time to visit is in June or September, when crowds are moderate; in July and August, crowds are heavy, so it’s best to arrive before 10:30 a.m. or after 5:30 p.m. to avoid waiting in the parking lot.
