The 15 most beautiful villages in Galicia

Have you prepared a trip in northern Spain? Discover the most beautiful villages in Galicia.

Besides the well known Santiago de Compostela , this region offers you a land of thousands of treasures. So if you want to discover all its wonders and get out of the beaten paths, go to discover the most beautiful villages in Galicia.

Galicia gathers all ingredients for a successful holiday; an exceptional architecture, museums in the four corners of the street, a delicious gastronomy, thermal resorts for moments of relaxation, beautiful beaches, etc. And to help you make your stay a success, Wanderlix has prepared a guide.

1. Allariz

Located in the Province of Orense, this village is particularly known for its artisans, gastronomy and local festivals.

In addition to its festive atmosphere, Allariz offers a wide variety of fauna and flora. The commune is also listed as UNESCO’s heritage. With its Arnoia River, its monuments and its medieval style, it is no wonder that Allariz is among the most beautiful villages in Galicia.

2. Baiona

With a little less than 12,000 inhabitants, the city is full of churches since it has no less than six parishes; Baina, Baiona (Santa Maria de Fora), Baiona (Santa Maria), Baredo, Belesar and Ramallosa. Founded in 140 before Jesus Christ, the commune is for the least ancient. We find its remains within its monuments and architecture.

By its location, Baiona was the first village to have learned, on 1 March 1493, the discovery of the so-called Route des Indes by Christophe Colomb. At that time, the ship of Martin Alonso Pinzon landed in Baiona learning the news to the inhabitants, while the explorer Christophe Colomb n’atteint Lisbon Only three days later.

The event is commemorated in the City Museum. Every year, the town celebrates the return of the ship to the arrival party that takes place the first week of March.

3. Betanzos

Betanzos is a harbour village nestled between the Mandeo and Mando rivers. With its medieval town, Betanzos was declared "Historical-Artistic Ensemble". Its three Gothic churches, Santa María del Azogue, San Francisco and Santiago deserve the detour.

In addition to these monuments, the town also houses rich houses dating back to the 14th and 15th century and its historic quarter bears witness to the richness of this era.

4. Cambados

For your discovery of the most beautiful villages in Galicia, go directly to Cambados. Here you will discover huge granite houses. Among the most beautiful, do not miss the manor of Fefinanes and that of Bazan.

Today, they were built in Parador and face the Arousa ria. You can take the aperitif on one of the garden terraces where you will see the island of Arousa which is connected to the village from a bridge. On the island, villas are all more impressive than others.

If you want to discover the festive atmosphere of Galicia, don’t miss the Albariño festival that takes place every year in early August. Between the cofradias parades and folklore groups, you are sure not to get bored.

5. Thatnova

Thisnova is one of the most beautiful villages in Galicia. By discovering the San Salvador monastery of Cecinova, it is quite easy to understand why. Founded in the early 10th century, it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the region. The monument is particularly famous for the nave of its abbey church in the baroque style. The façade of the monastery leads to the two main squares of Cecinova; Plaza Mayor to the west and Alameda to the south.

In the surrounding streets, take a tour in the historic district where you will see typical houses with their balconies and galleries. If you find that houses are very low, it is quite normal. At the time, the monks demanded that the height of the dwellings be less than the windows of the monument.

6. Combarro

The village is famous for its thirty horreos facing the sea. These granaries on piloris symbolize both the countryside and the maritime life. In addition to these horreos Combarro also owes its reputation as the most beautiful village in Galicia for its Benedictine monastery in San Juan de Poio.

Enjoy your stay in the area to stroll through the streets made of granite. Here, the material is used for monuments, balconies, dwellings, and many other things. Combarro offers one of the best examples of Galicia’s rural architecture.

7. Mondoñedo

Mondoñedo welcomes you to discover its history through its impressive cathedral. Built between 1230 and 1248, the building has several architectural styles; Roman for the door and baroque for decorations. Over the centuries, the cathedral was renovated many times. Inside, you will discover one of the most important wall painting collections in the region. These collections include the Degollamiento de los Inocentes.

In addition to its cathedral, discover the castle of A Frouxeira which pays tribute to the Maréchal de Mondoñedo. If you want to visit all the historical vestiges of the surrounding area, it will take a whole day.

8. Monforte de Lemos

The capital of the Ribeira Sacra, Monforte de Lemos is undoubtedly among the most beautiful villages in Galicia. It is the heart of the wine region and it offers you many tourist attractions; visit the natural park of the sil canyons, the monastery of Samos, and of course, the vineyards bearing the controlled label of origin, Ribeira Sacra.

Located 132 kilometres away Santiago de Compostela , the village is very often visited by pilgrims who wish to realize the minimum distance to get the certificate.

9. Muros

Muros is a maritime town that was the place of clashes between French and Spanish troops. Fully dedicated to fishing, the village experienced its peak in the 19th century with some thirty companies working exclusively for the harvest or treatment of fish.

Don’t hesitate to stroll around the place of the fishery which perfectly attests to the spirit of the village. Walking to Muros, you will discover the names of the streets that evoked maritime history; soidade, amargura, esperanza, etc.

And to imbue you even more of the atmosphere, a feast is held in the town every year in June. On the programme; competitions of empanadas, romerias and fireworks.

10. Noia

Also known as the port of Compostela, this village of Galicia is a must-see in the region. Take a walk to the historic centre and discover the Gothic Church of San Maria A Nova or San Martin, which features an impressive carved rosace. Also explore the alleys and admire the seigneurial houses that occupy the village.

His name Noia comes from a biblical legend. Just after the flood, one of the daughters of Noah (named Noela) would have come to live there to found his family. By virtue of this legend, the commune chose a representation of Noah’s ark for blasons.

11. O Cebreiro

Capital of the Benasque Valley, O Cebreiro has preserved its ancient architecture, and even its language, the patué (the equivalent of our Spanish patois). Walk to this village of Galicia and make a real leap in the past.

12. Pontedeume

Pontedeume will marvel at you with its stone bridge that hides the city. Behind the bridge, a panoramic view awaits you.

This village of Galicia presents all the remains of its medieval past. To discover his story, visit the Andrades Tower which served as a manor house in the 14th century. Today, it is the centre of interpretation that retraces the lives of feudal lords who lived in the region.

Traveling to Galicia is also a taste of local specialties. For this, go to the Plaza Real bars that offer you delicious tapas.

13. Ribadavia

Ribadavia is a village of Galicia that must be visited at least once in his life. The wine capital Ribeiro awaits you for a wine tasting.

In addition to enjoying good wine, you will take your eyes full of it by discovering the historic district, which is one of the most noble and best preserved in the region. Among the places to visit, do not miss the castle of the Sarmiento, the clock tower, the Plaza Mayor or the paths of Sefarad.

As early as July, Ribavia also hosts many tourists for its festivals celebrating its medieval past.

14. Tui

Located in the Province of Pontevedra, Tui is among the most beautiful villages in Galicia. From the Middle Ages, the commune has an important place in the region, as it has trade and defence interests in the face of the region Portugal .

Today, the historic centre offers many artistic attractions to its visitors. You can discover buildings dating from the 15th century; the cathedral, the churches of San Bartolomé, San Francisco and San Telmo.

15. Viveiro

Last village in Galicia, Viveiro is also a must-see. Again, the medieval city has various points of interest. Take a walk between the narrow streets and admire the elegant glass facades or Plaza Mayor.

If you have the opportunity to be in Galicia on the first Sunday of July, it is in Viveiro that you will have to surrender. At that date, the famous commune the rapa das bestasse . During this event, the horses of the mountains are gathered in the city and the men cut them off.

And if you want a relaxing moment, the city has two beautiful very quiet beaches; the beach of Area and the beach of Covas.