Poio. Sequoias Forest

About this heritage

To understand the meaning of a sequoia forest in Galicia, it is necessary to go back to 1992, to the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of Columbus' arrival in America and George Bush senior. He fulfilling the resolution H.J.: Res. 529 agrees to give Spaniards 500 red sequoia (Sequoia sempevirens) plants as a symbol of the brotherhood between the Old and the New World.

Known as the Columbus forest (Bosque de Colón), this 2-hectare redwood park is the largest in Europe. It is on the ascent to Castrove Mount (Poio), and its scenic interest is highly considerable, being a unique opportunity for nature lovers.

Of the 500 sequoias initially planted, some exceed 20 meters, pointing out that this species offers faster annual growth after the first 15 years. At present, there are more than 450. The result is a little over 2 hectares of sequoias, which as a whole make a stunning natural corner with phenomenal views of the Pontevedra estuary.

Poio is a town in the estuary of Pontevedra that offers its visitors, in addition to nature, other leisure options, for example, the Monastery of Saint John (San Xoán), the coastal town of Combarro declared an artistic ensemble of national character, and of course, with a rich and varied gastronomy and wines of international fame. As if that were not enough, visitors can add to their stay a great variety of white sandy beaches with crystalline waters.

To learn more

To reach Europe's most magnificent redwood forest, follow the signs from the Monastery of Poio to A Escusa village.

The reason for choosing Mount Castrove as an enclave for the planting of these California trees is unknown; however, we know that it took a great deal of preparation. From the USA came experts that had analyzed the land and the location before plantation happened, after which, there was a celebration as a symbolic act of friendship between two countries united by the Atlantic Ocean.

The plantation has the support of the Community of forests/mountains of Saint John (San Xoán) of the Poio town hall collaborating from the beginning in the Sequoias planting and conservation.

The sequoias are evergreen trees and the tallest conifers. Their data is impressive, as they reach up to 8-meter in diameter at their base and up to a 115-meter height, of course, with an average lifespan of 2000-3000 years is not that surprising.

Besides, Monte Castrove offers other recreational opportunities to enjoy nature, since, from its highest points, there are excellent views of the Pontevedra and the Vilagarcía estuaries. Its peaks are close to 600 meters with the highest at 613 meters and accessible on foot, and the more adventurous visitors can explore the countless trails and paths within the forest.

To know it better

Poio is a county in the center of the province of Pontevedra, with an area of about 34 km² and divided into five areas: San Salvador, San Xoán, Combarro, Samieira, and Raxó.

This town hall has several places of interest in which one can appreciate different landscapes. It is worth mention, among others, the 7th-century Monastery of Poio, where its library holds more than 100.000 pieces and the Museum of the Mosaics; the Combarro historical-artistic ensemble, which is one of the larger groupings of Galician typical granaries (hórreos); and the Combarro marina, where one can appreciate an authentic traditional seafaring and fishing Galician district.

Moreover, on the hill to Mount Castrove is the largest forest of Californian redwoods in Europe. At a height of 435 meters, we can find up to 2-hectare of more than 450 specimens of red sequoia. These trees are an original species from North America that stands out for its impressive height and average lifespan of 2000-3000 years.