Ons Island, with its 4.9 km long, is the
most extensive island in the peninsular Atlantic. The western part of the island is more
scarped, with high cliffs, while the eastern part is softer and has numerous beaches.
Ons constitutes
a small archipelago formed by islands and satellite islands situated at the entrance of
Pontevedra’s river and its natural protection.
Ons Island, with its 4.9 km long, is the
most extensive island in the peninsular Atlantic. The western part of the island is more
scarped, with high cliffs, while the eastern part is softer and has numerous beaches.
Onza or Onceta
Island is separated from Ons Island by a channel of 600 meter called “Freu a Porta”.
It seems to be,
because of the archaeological pieces left (including
“Castro dos
Mouros” in the south part), that the island was inhabit since remote
times and suffered along the history many pirate and Viking attacks and for a couple of
times was almost converted into military enclave which, fortunately, ended in nothing. In
1955 the island had more than 500 habitants. Beginning from this date, this number
decreased rapidly, in 1975 they did not reach 200, and in 1986 only 16 people lived in
Ons.
Due to the long
isolation of its habitants the island culture is filled with myths and superstitions of a
big anthropological interest and a popular medicine based on medicinal herbs.
The propriety of
Ons Island has passed along history over many hands of various private individuals, who
hired lands to its habitants. These habitants could neither be the owners of the houses
that they lived nor the land that they cultivated. Since the state expropriated the
island, it passed through military hands, the National Institute of Colonization, the
Institute of Reformation and Development of Land, the ICONA and Council of Galicia.
O “buraco do Inferno” (Hole of hell): This is
situated in the south part of the island and is a dangerous fissure that goes down until
it reaches sea. We can enter in the bellow area by boat. This bellow area is full of myths
and superstitions; by the way, this island is full of myths and superstitions: “In
those stormy days people hear screams and groans of the souls which devil has caught”,
it is said by islanders.
“Playa de Melide” (Melide beach): Nudist
beach that is situated in the north part of the island, probably the best beach on the
island.
“Playa de Pereir�” (Pereir� beach): during
the low-tide you can see the rocky reef that difficult people to bathe but permits to see
and collect seafood that round the islands.
“Playa de Fedorentos” (Fedorentos beach): In
the creek of Fedorentos, in front of Onza Island. It is a hidden place and has difficult
access. It has a cave.
“Mirador de Fedorentos” (Bay window of
Fedorentos): It is situated in the rocks, in southern part of the island (Ons).
“Laxe do Crego”: It is a satellite
island that has a grave and is where a monk was 
buried. When it is low tide you can go
there from Area dos Cans Beach.
“Mirador de Punta Centolo” (Bay window of Punta
Centolo): Situated in the extreme north.
Ons Island "Cuisine":
The "Octopuss" with boiled potatoes is the Gastronomic speciality of the Island, the Region of "Galicia" is also known by its excellent "Albarinho or Alvarinho" wine.