Barbanza-Arousa offers exquisite gastronomy packed with top-quality, fresh seafood and fish, which can be purchased directly at local municipal food markets or enjoyed in hundreds of local restaurants.

The Mussel stands out as the "Black Gold" of the countless floating platforms (bateas) across the Ría de Arousa, boasting Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Mexillón de Galicia status. You can savour this delicacy in any restaurant throughout Barbanza-Arousa. The mussel even has its own festival in Rianxo (August) and Boiro (Cabo de Cruz, August).

The Goose Barnacle (Percebe) is another star of our cuisine. Perhaps the ones from Aguiño—considered among the finest in the world—are the most famous, as this parish in Ribeira has hosted the Goose Barnacle Festival since the 1990s. The rocky shores of Sálvora Island provide the perfect habitat for this highly prized seafood.

The Small Sardine (Xouba) is one of the local favorite fish, prepared in various ways: fried, stewed, baked in pie (empanada), or pickled. In Rianxo, they celebrate it every year in late July with the 'Exaltation Festival of the Xouba'.

Strolling through these four towns, you can witness firsthand how these delicacies are harvested. Shellfish gatherers work on sandy beaches collecting clams and cockles, barnacle harvesters risk the rocky cliffs, mussel farmers work the bateas, and fishing boats return to port loaded with sardines, horse mackerel, plaice, pollack..., as well as razor clams, spider crab, velvet crab, or shrimp. Octopus, another culinary staple, has its own celebration in Ribeira with the Palmeira Octopus Festival in late August.

All four towns feature numerous restaurants serving these local products, prepared using traditional recipes as well as modern, cutting-edge culinary techniques.

The perfect pairing for these seafood dishes is a glass of Vinos de la Tierra de Barbanza e Iria (Protected Geographical Indication – PGI Barbanza e Iria). These light, crisp, and bright wines offer vibrant colors and delicate floral and fruity aromas.

This PGI covers both white and red wines crafted from local grape varieties, including Albariño, Caíño Blanco, Godello, Loureiro Blanco, Treixadura, Blanco Legítimo, Agudelo, Torrontés, Brancellao, Caíño Tinto, Espadeiro, Loureiro Tinto, Mencía, Merenzao, Sousón, and Raposo—with some Raposo vines exceeding 200 years of age. Wineries under this PGI include Antonio Saborido in Boiro, Entre os Ríos in A Pobra do Caramiñal, and Cazapitas in Rianxo.