Investigating the controversial phenomenon
Galicia's enchanting capital, Santiago de Compostela simply seduces the senses. It's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at the grand heart of which stands one of the great cathedrals of Europe.
Situated about 50 miles (90 km) from Santiago de Compostela, Cape Finisterre is a windblown promontory associated with numerous religious legends. It's also the site of several naval battles, notably the Battle of Cape Finisterre in 1805 during the Napoleonic Wars. Many come here for the sunsets, which are absolutely stunning.
Barren and windswept, Cabo de Home near the town of Hío is etched with walking trails that offer uninterrupted views of the Galician coastline. The panorama takes in three lighthouses, a couple of beaches, and the Cíes Islands.
North of the fishing town of Cariño lies one of Spain's most picturesque capes, Cabo Ortegal. This is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bay of Biscay, and the whole area is alive with noisy seabirds. Come here during a gale and the water below resembles a crashing, churning quagmire.
The prehistoric fortified settlement of Castro de Baroña is Galicia's standout Iron Age showpiece. It sits on a peninsula and was inhabited for a 100 years or so before being abandoned in the 1st century CE. It's sited 2.5 miles (4 km) southwest of Porto do Son.
Looming large at the northern tip of A Coruña is the amazing UNESCO protected Torre de Hércules. Built in the 1st century CE, this is the oldest known extant Roman lighthouse. To be more precise, the interior is Roman in origin; the outer facing surface was added in the late 18th century.
Santiago de Compostela's other historical must-see is the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario, an impressive Baroque Benedictine masterpiece and the second largest monastery in Spain after San Lorenzo de El Escorial in Madrid. The museum of religious art is certainly worth browsing at leisure.
Catedral de Santiago de Compostela is the reputed burial place of Saint James the Great, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. The basilica marks the end of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route, but the building also serves as an inspiring introduction to Galicia and its appealing wealth of visitor attractions.
One of the most visited waterfalls in Galicia, Ezaro cascades into the Xallas River, which flows into the Atlantic. It's a spectacular water feature and a magnet for swimmers and kayakers.
An archipelago made up of three islands, the Cíes are moored off the coast of Pontevedra and included in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. The islands feature a number of fine beaches, with one strip of sand actually connecting two of the islands.
Nestled between the provinces of Lugo and Ourense in Galicia's Ribeira Sacra region is one of the destination's most breathtaking natural wonders, Canyon de Rio Sil. This deep gorge of near vertical rock follows the meandering course of the river, reaching 1,640 ft (500 m) in places. The most rewarding way of appreciating the canyon's grandeur is to join a boat tour.
Meanwhile, Ourense is celebrated for its thermal pools, a series of natural hot springs that lend the city its moniker as the thermal capital of Galicia. These hot spots are located along the banks of the Miño.
Ribeira Sacra is the birthplace of the legendary Amandi, a wine that was so treasured by the Romans that they considered it the "gold of the River Sil." Benedictine monks upheld the winemaking tradition centuries later by producing Amandi exclusively for popes with a discerning palate.
A Coruña is certainly worth investigating. Besides being within hailing distance of the famous Torre de Hércules, other city sites include the galerías—the characteristic glazed window balconies of the buildings that overlook the waterfront.
Elsewhere, A Coruña's decorative city hall provides a central focus for those congregating in one of the many bars and restaurants lining María Pita Square.
The pleasant coastal town of Muxía is one of the final destinations for pilgrims on the Way of St. James after visiting Santiago de Compostela. Two religious sites, the Church of San Xulián de Moraime and the Virxe da Barca sanctuary (pictured), are the focus of attention for many.
Undoubtedly the most productive and gratifying way of discovering Galicia is to walk the Camino de Santiago, or the Way of Saint James. This ancient pilgrimage route will take you past many of the sites and attractions listed here, as well as introducing you to many more delightful places too numerous to mention.
Sources: (Lonely Planet) (Galicia Travels) (Iberian Escapes) (Clúster Turismo de Galicia) (CaminoWays)
Vigo is a busy working port city, but don't be put off by its industrious veneer. There are one or two gems waiting to be unearthed here.
Visitors exploring Vigo should pause their sightseeing for refreshments in Praza da Constitución, a charming plaza set in the heart of the city's Old Town. But what to eat and drink while in Galicia?
Vigo's Co-Cathedral of Santa María shares its function with Tui Cathedral, in the town of Tui. Santa María has an interesting backstory in that the original church was sacked in 1585 by soldiers under the command of English explorer and privateer Sir Francis Drake.
That band of sand is called Rodas Beach—listed in 2022 by The New York Times as one of the "52 Places for a Changed World," due to its efforts "to protect its environment and guard against overtourism."
Lugo has the distinction of being the only city in the world to be surrounded by completely intact Roman walls. The walk along the top of this unique UNESCO-protected site is continuous and features 10 gates along the way. The city's historic bridge over the Miño is also essentially of Roman origin.
The walls enclose a mid-12th-century cathedral, a highly ornate city hall, and the 18th-century convent and church of St. Francis.
Typical Galician cuisine includes empanadas galegas, a specialty of the region. A pastry snack filled with meat, poultry, fish, vegetables or fruit, these tasty appetizers have been consumed since the times of the Goths, way back in the 7th century.
If one dish defines Galician gastronomy it's polbo á feira, octopus sprinkled with coarse salt and both sweet and spicy paprika, and drizzled with olive oil. It's usually enjoyed with slices of bread and a glass or two of Galician red wine.
A nourishing soup crammed with potatoes, turnips, carrots, collard greens, and chorizo, ham, or bacon, caldo galego is a belly-filling broth served as a starter, often in traditional earthenware bowls.
And pan galego, Galician bread, is a treat by itself. It's made using a mixture of flour comprised of indigenous and foreign wheats. A perfect accompaniment to the previously described soup.
There's only one way to conclude a Galician lunch or dinner and that's with a slice of tarta de Santiago, or cake of St. James. Flavored with almonds, lemon zest, sweet wine, and brandy, you can't miss this unique dessert—the top of the pie is decorated with powdered sugar, stenciled by a silhouette of the Cross of Saint James.
Galicia is famed for its festivals. The best-known events are recognized as Festivals of International Tourist Interest, of which there are around 15. The Clúster Turismo de Galicia website has more information of where and when they take place.
Galicia's Costa da Morte, or "Coast of Death," is so named because there have been so many shipwrecks along its treacherous rocky shore, more than 100 in fact, and still counting.
The "Beach of Cathedrals" is characterized by the extraordinary collection of natural arches and caves seen only at low tide at this popular recreation spot. The beach is found about six miles (10 km) west of the town of Ribadeo.
Galicia is the region of Spain with the most length of coastline. It is a magical environment that never ceases to spark the imagination. One of the most rewarding ways to appreciate its character is from Garita de Herbeira, a naval lookout built in 1805 and set 2,017 ft (615 m) above sea level. From here, the highest sea cliffs in southern Europe are brought into sharp relief.
Galicia is one of Spain's most historic regions. Tucked away in the country's remote northwest, it's a destination where the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route ends. But other roads lead to this beautiful and unique corner of the Iberian Peninsula, a place famous for stunning coastal scenery, a 2,000-year-old culture, and some of the best seafood found anywhere in Europe. And these are just some of the reasons to tread a path to Galicia. Interested in going? Click through and discover the best attractions.
Going to Galicia? These are the best attractions
Treading a path to one of Spain's most historic regions
TRAVEL Spain
Galicia is one of Spain's most historic regions. Tucked away in the country's remote northwest, it's a destination where the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route ends. But other roads lead to this beautiful and unique corner of the Iberian Peninsula, a place famous for stunning coastal scenery, a 2,000-year-old culture, and some of the best seafood found anywhere in Europe. And these are just some of the reasons to tread a path to Galicia. Interested in going? Click through and discover the best attractions.