The 14 things to do in Galicia

In the north west of Spain, go to the discovery of a small autonomous community, riding between land and sea. Here are the 14 things to do in Galicia.

Visiting Galicia is going to meet a host land. Celts, Romans, Bretons, Suèves and even the apostle Saint James settled there. Moreover, it was the discovery of his tomb that raised the region in the first place of religious tourist destinations. So go, too, a walking stick by hand, to its Holy City: Saint Jacques de Compostelle .

Then, away from the farandole of pilgrims, win its shores in search of the flavours of the iconic octopus. Then rest along the coves where the sailors still resonate. You will see it quickly, this large cosmopolitan area is particularly attached to the sea. Moreover, the water has plenty of species that have allowed the outbreak of hundreds of generations of fishermen. Here is our list of the 14 things to do and to visit in Galicia.

1. To the Cap Ortegal

Galicia has airs of Brittany ... Yes, yes, because with its rosary of lighthouses and cliffs above the tumultuous waters, the Spanish region recalls the homeland of crêpes in France.

In the corner, a lighthouse detaches from the others: that of Cape Ortegal. In our view, this is the most important to visit in Galicia. A bit difficult to access – but it adds a hint of charm – the lighthouse wins after a lace of small roads. On site, the view is breathtaking. A true 180 degrees on dizzy rocky topics. In this shredded and mystical setting, you will probably see some small goats that take the sun.

Close to Cape Ortegal, make a hook by the Vixía Herbeira. The viewpoint is more than six-cent metres above the sea. These cliffs hidden in the mist, often subjected to violent winds, are the highest in continental Europe.

2. Visit the peninsula of Porto do Barqueiro

In Galicia, there are still beautiful corners that pass under the radar of many tourists. This is the case of the Porto do Barqueiro peninsula. It houses a small, sleepy village of the same name as well as a cyrielle of small sparkling beaches.

Here, small fishing boats dip peacefully in crystalline water. The lobsters are probably the best in the world and the colorful houses slip like pearls on a necklace. This pretty village with shredded slopes offers many activities: boat rides and kayaking or coastal hikes. If you are lucky to visit Galicia in December, go to Porto do Barqueiro at the local seafood festival. Deliciously folkloric!

3. Take the streets of Santiago de Comppostela

In the heart of Galicia, we often hear steps that resonate. It must be said that each year the region is covered by thousands of walkers. Everyone determined to win Saint Jacques de Compostelle from the famous path of the same name. A hiker or not, impossible to visit Galicia without having travelled at least a few kilometers from this mythical route.

Once on site, the Holy City offers much more than tired and emused Christian pilgrims through the paths of faith. Santiago de Comppostela preserves an incredible Romanesque and baroque sanctuary. This cathedral is dazzling. Almost a thousand years old, she has an absolutely adorable old town. Take the time to get lost. Discover the churches and secret cloisters, delicate jewelry shops, happy alleys in the middle of passers-by of all ages and horizons.

4. Discover the Cap Finisterre

The surroundings of Cape Finisterre have an evocative name: the coast of death. Sprinkled with rocks, swept by the winds, it was long fatal to the sailors. Moreover, Cape Finisterre still bears the stigma of past dramas. There you will find many carcasses of ship wrecked on the shredded coasts.

One of the things to do in Galicia is to go to meet the wrecks during a dive. Despite this dark decor, the coast of death is incredibly calm and enchanting. It offers the infinity of the ocean and an intense feeling of well-being.

5. Visit San Andrés de Teixido

The villages to visit in Galicia all have something incredibly attractive. A small square with a cross in the center, the white stones of a church holed with a rosace, trees blown around, the morning mist. But there are some that we hold more than others, including San Andrés de Teixido. This Luputian village has barely fifty inhabitants and... restaurants specializing in a foot, the world's most expensive crustacean!

The village bathes in a very mystical atmosphere, overwhelmed by a strangely changing weather and many legends. A mystery maintained by the inhabitants like these women who distribute « amulets » to the entrance of the village by wishing you luck... The amulets of San Andrés de Teixido are in truth hardened bread cakes painted with vivid colors.

6. Admire the Walls of Lugo

Galicia has always been at the crossroads of civilizations and history. If the objects saved from the waters are already great witnesses of Roman history, a terrestrial treasure is even more spectacular: the walls of Lugo. This is the best preserved Roman military fortification in the world.

This unique monument, classified as Unesco’s World Heritage, is a symbol of the eponymous city. A town that lacks neither charm nor attractiveness to spend one or two nights.

7. Admire the Tower of Hercules

The tower of Hercules holes a plain shaved and quiet by the sea. It is said to be a tower, but it is a lighthouse. It is currently one of the oldest Roman lighthouses in the still active world. Get your eyes up. Do you see the marks around the tower? This is the imprint of the old stairs by which the fuels were transported.

Get up at the top of this imposing monument. The hair in the wind, you see a beautiful rose of the winds drawn on the lawn down. It has representations from all Celtic countries including Galicia! The region is symbolized here by the Saint-Jacques shell. At the end of the race, you will see the ocean, majestic and endless.

8. Visit Ourense

Ourense is a paradise to visit in Galicia, so that you love thermalism and relaxation. This city inside the Galician lands, dotted by the Miño River, is crippled with natural hot water basins.

You can enjoy it before or after your petrifications in the adorable city centre. The latter is full of lively tapas bars and restaurants.

9. Sillonner le village de Combarro

If among the things to do in Galicia one of your priorities is the discovery of picturesque villages, then don’t miss Combarro. The frame is idyllic, alternate fishing houses and narrow alleys that snake between the terraces. The feet in the water, you can admire the incessant and hypnotic ballet of the boats.

This stone village seems to be frozen in another era, that of fishermen living in small houses planted on the shore. As elsewhere in Galicia, you will observe hórreos , greniers on stilts erected to store the grain.

On weekends, it is not rare to fall on a concert gaïta ( Galician cornea). But gaïta is not just folklore, it is also a most demanding instrument!

Nearby you will find the charming city of Pontevedra . One of the most lively and joyful in the region: an ideal place to take the pulse of Spain at night.

10. Hiking in the Rias

♪ Rias are sorts of valleys with rivers submerged by the sea. They characterize irregular Galician coasts in the north ( Rias Altas ) and west ( Rias Baixas ) from the region. On the side Rias Baixas Between Vigo and Pontevedra, you will find incredible hikes. Walks along the beaches, cross the natural parks and offer breathtaking views of the Cies Islands.

11. Marvel at the beach of the Cathedrals

Among the must-sees to do in Galicia, it is impossible to miss a few hours on the beach of the Cathedrals, the most famous in the region. Although stormed in high season, this beautiful golden sand tongue is absolutely worth a visit.

Why? The beach is decorated with arches, caves in the middle of the sea and secret passages with fantasy forms. At low tide, the formations are more than thirty metres. Attention, in summer, you will have to book your niche to visit this supernatural beach.

12. To discover the Cíes Islands

The Cíes Islands archipelago is part of the maritime and terrestrial national park of the Galician Atlantic Islands. Its wildlife and floral richness, combined with its spectacular landscapes, gave birth to a true natural treasure. The Cíes Islands is the pure nature to visit in Galicia! No human presence, no car, only hiking trails and some restaurants to regain strength.

The archipelago also houses the Playa de Rodas , elected the most beautiful beach in the world a few years ago. To win this environmental gem, you will have to take the boat from Vigo , Cangas or Baiona . A journey through the catamaran 40 minutes which alone constitutes a full journey.

13. Discover Ribeira Sacra

Ribeira Sacra or Rive Sacrée in French, offers an exceptional setting. The table is spread in an infinity of vines with robust vines, traditionally cultivated in height. All around these terraced vineyards, the river winds up, a path in the middle of the hills and draws a landscape of the most photogenic.

The water court gave birth to the Sil canyon. Its steep banks and tributaries are a fantastic playground for boat riders and catamaran outings. In addition to its dazzling natural landscape, the Ribeira Sacra houses an incalculable number of Roman churches and monasteries. Unmatched concentration in Europe. Of course, you won't leave. Ribeira Sacra without having tasted his wine round, fruity and evoking the fruits of the woods.

14. Taste Galician gastronomy

Speaking of wine, Galician gastronomy is actually worth a visit. You could even visit Galicia on the theme of greed! Near the coast you can enjoy seafood collected in the morning by the sea mariscadoras . The hulls are then simply cooked in the pan, accompanied by a good glass of white wine. Salud !

Another star of Galician cuisine: the octopus. The emblematic animal of Rias is very popular and even ripped out worldwide. In Galicia you will find it under the name Polbo á feira . The octopus is cooked in boiling water, seasoned with salt, pepper and olive oil. No more or less. The best thing is to taste it at a pulpera traditional.

If the seafood, the octopus and the shell of Santiago are kings in Galicia, the region is also known for its Pepper of Padrón. Served with a little oil and big salt, it’s just to fall.

How to get to Galicia?

To go to Galicia, there are several options available to you. Since the region is located in northern Spain, some of you will be able to get there by car . Perhaps even during a road trip between French and Spanish territories?

Otherwise, the fastest and most convenient means of transport remains the aircraft. Galicia has three international airports: Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle , to La Corogne and Vigo from which you can rent a car or reach most major Galician cities. Do not hesitate to visit a Compare flights to find the best tickets.

Several railway lines are circulating in Galicia from France and many Spanish cities. However, this remains a more complex means of transport to visit Galicia if your itinerary includes many visits. Likewise for boat . Although lovers of the sea can always discover Galicia along its 130 ports of different sizes and characteristics...

Where to stay in Galicia?

Whether you’re looking for an authentic and different experience in a camping or accommodation on the farm, in search of comfort in a luxury hotel, autonomy in a Airbnb or meetings in a guest house, Galicia offers any type of accommodation. The range of offers, which you can find on a Compare hotels , is deployed in large cities as in the vicinity of the main tourist destinations aroused in this article.