Disembark at the Arribada Festival with Mar de Ons


by Mar de Ons
February 11th, 2025
Local parties

The Arribada Festival is one of the most famous medieval festivals in Galicia and, specifically, in the Rías Baixas, as it takes place in Baiona. In 2025 it will be held on 28 February and 1 and 2 March. It is a great opportunity to enjoy a different and entertaining weekend with family or friends. 

In Mar de Ons we offer every year a special service to arrive to Baiona by boat, with departures from different ports: Vigo, Cangas and Panxón. Every year the attendees to this festival enjoy these exceptional departures, which are also an ideal option to avoid traffic jams with the car or the search for parking, which is usually complicated at this time of the year. 

Book your tickets now on and don't miss out. You can check timetables and fares on our website or on our social networks to keep up to date with departures and arrivals on these days.

Below, we give you more details about the Arribada de Baiona Festival and the departures with Mar de Ons to it.

What is the Arribada de Baiona Festival?

The is an annual celebration that takes place in Baiona, a picturesque coastal town in the province of Pontevedra. This event commemorates the arrival of the caravel ‘La Pinta’ in the port of Baiona on 1 March 1493, bringing the news of the discovery of America. Since then, every first weekend in March, the town is transformed into a vibrant medieval setting, attracting thousands of visitors who wish to relive this historic event.

From where to go by boat to Arribada with Mar de Ons

For those looking for an authentic and memorable experience, at Mar de Ons we offer the opportunity to arrive in Baiona in the same way as Martín Alonso Pinzón and his crew did in 1493, BY BOAT. 

With scheduled departures from the ports of Vigo, Cangas and Panxón, you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the seafront before immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Fiesta de la Arribada, with spectacular views of the Vigo estuary. The departure and return times are designed to give you flexibility, giving you the opportunity to make the most of the various activities that take place during the day, without having to depend on your car and car parking.

Dates and times of the boat to the Arribada Festival

The 2025 edition of the Arribada Festival will be held from 28 February to 2 March. Given the influx of visitors, we recommend you plan your weekend in advance. At Mar de Ons we facilitate access to the village by means of our maritime routes, thus avoiding possible traffic congestion and parking problems. 

We advise you to check the departure and return timetables, so that you can take into account the activities and performances you want to attend. In addition, we recommend that you make your reservation in advance to ensure a place on our boats. You should also bear in mind that some activities, such as or tournaments, may require tickets or prior registration.

The Fiesta de la Arribada is a unique opportunity to relive a crucial moment in history, immersing yourself in the culture and traditions of the time. Moreover, if you dress up in period costume, you can further enrich your experience on board our boats, arriving in Baiona by sea and taking part in a celebration that combines history, gastronomy and entertainment in the beautiful surroundings of Baiona. Many visitors choose to rent or make their own costumes, which adds authenticity and fun to the experience. 

Activities and gastronomy at the Arribada Festival

The Arribada Festival offers a wide variety of activities that will take you back in time, specifically to the 15th century. The old quarter of Baiona is decorated with a medieval market where artisans exhibit their products, from pottery and clothing to jewellery and typical gastronomic products of the period. Musicians, minstrels, jugglers, jugglers and actors walk the streets, offering shows that recreate medieval life and customs. 

Highlights include falconry exhibitions, where falcons and eagles demonstrate their hunting skills, as well as fencing tournaments, which represent ancient-style combats. There are also theatrical performances recreating the arrival of ‘La Pinta’ and the proclamation of the discovery of the ‘New World’. 

For the little ones, A Palma Park becomes an adventure area with medieval attractions, craft workshops and puppet shows. These activities are designed to educate and entertain, giving children a playful understanding of the history and culture of the period. 

The gastronomic offer during the Fiesta de la Arribada is another major attraction. Numerous taverns and food stalls are set up in the streets, offering traditional dishes that evoke the flavours of the 15th century. From grilled meats, empanadas and the typical ‘choripanes’ to homemade filloas and local wines.