Galicia Travel Guide

Discover the best places to see in Galicia and plan your itinerary with outdoor adventures, culture, food, and local insights to make the most of your trip.


Introduction to Galicia

Located in the northwest of Spain, in the region known as Green Spain, Galicia is a hidden gem that offers an intimate experience with Spanish culture, history, and natural beauty. Galicia has a distinct Celtic influence, which can be seen in the architecture, music, and art. The region’s lush green countryside, rugged coastline, and historical towns make it a perfect destination for an authentic Spanish experience.

List of Places to Visit in Galicia

Some of the top places to visit in Galicia include:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Santiago de Compostela: The city is well known for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, which ends at the famous cathedral. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts many beautiful historical buildings, plazas, and gardens.
  • Lugo: The city is known for its well-preserved Roman wall that surrounds the old town, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • A Coruña: A port city with a beautiful old town and a bustling food and nightlife scene.
  • The Tower of Hercules: An impressive lighthouse built by the Romans over 2000 years ago, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Natural Attractions of Galicia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Rías Baixas: A series of estuaries on the western coast of Galicia, known for its seafood, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear water.
  • Costa da Morte: The coast offers some of the most dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean in Europe.
  • Picos de Europa National Park: A stunning mountain range in Northern Spain, home to the highest peaks in the country and wildlife such as brown bears, wolves, and vultures.
  • Islas Cíes: A nature reserve located in the Ría de Vigo with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Galicia

Galicia offers excellent opportunities for outdoor adventures, including hiking and biking. Some of the best routes include:

  • Ruta do Mar: Coastal route along the western region of Galicia.
  • Ruta dos Faros: A lighthouse route in the Costa da Morte area.
  • Ruta da Pedra e da Auga: A historical route in the Ribeira Sacra region, known for its Romanesque architecture and vineyards.
  • Camino de Santiago: The most famous pilgrimage route in the world, ending in Santiago de Compostela.

Best Things to Do in Galicia: Activities and Tours

For a cultural immersion experience, some activities to consider include:

  • Visit the museums and historical sites in Santiago de Compostela.
  • Attend a live music performance in one of the traditional pubs in A Coruña.
  • Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional dishes with locally-sourced ingredients.
  • Join a wine tour in the Ribeira Sacra region.

Week-Long Itinerary for Galicia

Day 1-2: Santiago de Compostela. Visit the cathedral, explore the old town and visit some museums and historical sites.

Day 3: A Coruña. Visit the Tower of Hercules and explore the city’s food and nightlife scene.

Day 4-5: Ribeira Sacra. Take a wine tour, visit some historical sites, enjoy the natural scenery, and take a boat ride along the river Sil.

Day 6-7: Rías Baixas. Visit the island of Ons, enjoy the beaches, and try some seafood.

Food and Drink Scene of Galicia

Galicia is known for its seafood, wine, and traditional dishes. Some of the must-try dishes include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pulpo a la Gallega: Grilled octopus seasoned with olive oil and smoked paprika.
  • Empanadas: a pastry stuffed with meat, fish, or vegetables.
  • Lacón con Grelos: Salt-cured pork served with turnip greens and potatoes.
  • Tarta de Santiago: Almond cake dusted with powdered sugar, a traditional dessert in Galicia.

Local Beverages

  • Ribeiro and Albariño wines.
  • Queimada: a traditional Galician drink made with orujo (a spirit distilled from grape skins), coffee beans, sugar, lemon peel, and cinnamon.

Where to Stay in Galicia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Galicia offers accommodation options for every budget and taste, from luxury hotels to hostels and guesthouses. Some of the best options include:

  • Parador de Santiago de Compostela: A luxury hotel located near the cathedral.
  • Hostal La Salle: A cozy guesthouse in A Coruña.
  • Pazo de Bentraces: A historical manor house converted into a hotel in the Ribeira Sacra region.

What to Buy in Galicia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home include:

  • Wines from the Ribeira Sacra and Rías Baixas regions.
  • Handmade jewellery and crafts made from local materials.
  • Traditional pottery, ceramics, and textiles.

Local Culture and Customs of Galicia

Galicians have a deep appreciation for their culture and traditions. Visitors can experience the local customs through festivals, cuisine, and music. One of the most famous festivals in Galicia is the Feast of St. James, which takes place every year on July 25th and celebrates the end of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

Best Time to Visit Galicia

Galicia is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best. The autumn months also offer beautiful views of the changing colours in the countryside and vineyards.

Do’s and Don’ts of Galicia

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and wine.
  • Learn a few words of Galician, the local language.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Underestimate the power of the sun, even on cloudy days.
  • Leave the litter in nature.

Safety and Health

Safety in Galicia

Galicia is a safe destination, but visitors should take normal precautions against petty crime, such as keeping valuables safe and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Galicia

Galicia has a modern healthcare system, and visitors should take the same precautions as when travelling to any foreign country.

Getting to Galicia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Galicia

  • Santiago de Compostela Airport.
  • A Coruña Airport.
  • Vigo Airport.

Bus Stations Near Galicia

  • Santiago de Compostela Bus Station.
  • A Coruña Bus Station.
  • Vigo Bus Station.

Other Options

Galicia is connected by train to other cities in Spain, and there are ferry services to the nearby regions of Asturias and Portugal.

How to Get Around in Galicia

The best way to get around in Galicia is by car, but there are also public transportation options such as trains, buses, and taxis.

Where to Go Next from Galicia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the nearby destinations and excursions from Galicia include:

  • Asturias: The neighboring region known for its rugged coastline and rural landscapes.
  • Porto, Portugal: A charming city famous for its wine and historical buildings.
  • Basque Country: One of the most interesting and different regions in Spain, known for its unique culture, language, and cuisine.

Conclusion

Galicia offers an authentic experience of Spanish culture, history, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore museums and historical sites, admire the natural scenery, try the local cuisine and wine, and immerse themselves in the local customs and traditions. With excellent transportation options, Galicia is easy to reach, making it a great destination for a one-of-a-kind Spanish holiday.

Cathedral of Santiago Cathedral of Santiago Fisterra Fisterra The cape Ortegal The cape Ortegal Octopus and empanada Octopus and empanada


    A Coruña
    Baiona
    Combarro
    Fisterra
    Lugo
    O Grove
    Pontevedra
    Ribadavia
    Santiago de Compostela
    Tui
    Vigo