Columbus’s three ships did not come home together. Separated from the Niña by a storm, the caravel La Pinta, commanded by Martín Alonso Pinzón, made landfall at Baiona on 1 March 1493 — days before Columbus himself reached Lisbon. That made this small Galician port the first place in Europe to hear that there was land across the Atlantic.
Baiona has never forgotten it. A full-size replica of the ship is moored in the harbour as a museum, monuments along the seafront mark the event, and on the first weekend of March the whole town dresses in medieval costume for the Festa da Arribada.
Top things to do: The Caravel La Pinta
Go aboard the replica
The Museo Carabela Pinta is a faithful reconstruction built for the 500th anniversary in 1993. On board, mannequins and displays show the crew, the cargo and the conditions of the crossing. What strikes most visitors is how small she is: barely twenty metres for a crew of about twenty-five. There is a small entrance fee.
Follow the monuments along the seafront
On the promenade, a whitewashed arcade with an anchor and tiled panels commemorates the arrival, and nearby stands a statue of Martín Alonso Pinzón. In the old town, look for the well where tradition says the crew took on fresh water.
Come for the Festa da Arribada
On the first weekend of March the old town becomes a medieval market with craft stalls, falconry, jousting, street theatre and a re-enactment of the landing on Ribeira beach. It is recognised as a festival of international tourist interest and draws very large crowds.
See the harbour from the walls
The best overall view of the caravel is from the eastern ramparts of Monterreal, looking down on the marina with the old town behind.
How to get to The Caravel La Pinta
- The replica is moored at a pontoon in the harbour, directly in front of the old town and a few minutes’ walk from the fortress gate. You cannot miss it.
- During the Festa da Arribada the centre is closed to traffic and parking fills early; arrive by bus from Vigo or park on the outskirts and walk in.
Insider tips
- Opening hours for the replica vary with the season and it may close in bad weather — check locally.
- The visit takes 20–30 minutes; it combines naturally with a walking tour of the old town.
- For the Arribada, book accommodation months ahead or stay in Vigo.
- Children tend to love the ship; the decks and ladders are steep, so keep hold of small ones.
Best tours for The Caravel La Pinta
These experiences are the easiest way to see The Caravel La Pinta:
Guided walk from US$21 Baiona, Galicia: Walking Tour with a Local Guide
The best introduction to Baiona and the most-reviewed tour in town. A local guide walks you through the casco vello and along the harbour, tying together the fortress, the caravel and five centuries of pirates, pilgrims and fishermen.
- The old town’s lanes, chapels and manor houses
- The story of La Pinta’s arrival in 1493
- The harbour front below Monterreal fortress
Private boat charter from US$561 per group Baiona Bay: Private Half-Day Boat Trip with Skipper
A half-day version of the private charter: four hours around Baiona bay with a skipper, seeing the fortress headland and the coast from the water. Priced per boat. It is a newer listing with very few reviews so far.
- Four hours on the water from Baiona harbour
- See Monterreal and the coast from the sea
- A private boat for up to 11 people
Private walk from US$90 Baiona, Galicia: Private Walking Tour
The same ground as the shared walking tour, but with a guide to yourselves — useful if you have small children, limited mobility or a particular interest in the history.
- Your own guide for two hours
- Old town, harbour and the Pinta story
- Pace and route adapted to you
