Did You Know Spain Has an Oyster Capital?

Welcome to Arcade, Spain’s Oyster Capital

Believe it or not, Spain has an oyster capital, and it’s not in Brittany or Normandy—it’s nestled along Galicia’s misty shores. The town of Arcade, in the southern region of Galicia, is widely celebrated as the Oyster Capital of Spain.  

Why Arcade?

• Unique Flavor, Local Legacy

The oysters of Arcade are beloved for their distinctive taste—rumored to capture the essence of the sea. Cultivated in the Ría de Vigo, primarily at the river Verdugo’s mouth, these oysters are the product of centuries-old traditions and local craftsmanship.  

• A Festival of Taste

Every spring, the Festa da Ostra de Arcade draws thousands from near and far. In 2025 alone, the event served over 55,000 oysters to more than 35,000 attendees in a single weekend. 

• Cultural Reverence

Galician writer Álvaro Cunqueiro poetically described the oyster as “a spiritual flavor, a saudade of the sea.”  It’s a sentiment often echoed by locals and food enthusiasts alike.

Beyond the Oyster:

Arcade is more than its signature bivalve. Situated between Pontevedra and Vigo, the village boasts a serene coastal charm with essential services, historical bridges, and easy access to the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.