Top Things to Do in Galicia, Spain

1) WALK THE LAST 100 KM OF THE CAMINO

The are many books, movies and documentaries dedicated to the Camino de Santiago, but this unique journey can only be in experienced in first person.

And not only from a religious point of view, those who love nature, outdoors, who want to discover a different side of Spain, meet people from all over the world, get away from the routine and find oneself, will also love the Camino.

All the routes leading to Santiago have something special: if you are looking for a sociable experience, we would recommend the French Way. If you want to contemplate stunning landscapes, then go for the Portuguese Way or the Northern Way.

2) RELAX IN THE THERMAL SPRING WATERS

Oursene is the capital city of the thermal spring waters, and the best place to enjoy its healing properties. There are private thermal resorts, but others, like the Termas de Outariz (Outariz Spring Waters) are completely free. Just get your swimming costume ready and enjoy this gift from nature.

3) DISCOVER RÍAS BAIXAS WINE REGION

Enjoy a glass of one of the best white wines in the world, Albariño, and taste the seafood from the estuaries, surrounded by this lovely landscape of vineyards and wineries, in the Salnés region (particularly in Cambados). Galicia is a true paradise for wine and food lovers.

4) GO FOR A SWIM IN THE BEST BEACH OF THE WORLD

The newspaper The Guardian said it, and all those who had the pleasure of visiting Rodas Beach, in the Cíes Islands agree with it. Its fine white sand and its turquoise water will make you think you are in the middle of the Caribbean. You can’t leave Galicia without visiting this small piece of paradise.

5) TASTE THE BEST PERCEBES IN THE COSTA DA MORTE

We can’t think about many things that make Galicians feel prouder than “Percebes” (goose barnacles). Being able to see the “percebeiros” (shellfish collectors) working in the Costa da Morte (Coast of Death) is quite a spectacle that will make you appreciate, even more, the taste of this small piece of the sea.

It is highly recommended to walk the Lighthouse Trail (or just part of it); the views of the Atlantic Ocean are just breathtaking.

6) GET INSIDE THE OLDEST ROMAN LIGHTHOUSE

The lovely city of A Coruña hosts many secret corners that are worth a visit. María Pita Square, the Promenade, Riazor Beach… and we must not forget about the Tower of Hércules. It is the only Roman lighthouse that is still working at present, and it has been doing so since it was built, on the I century.

7) TAKE LOADS OF PICTURES OF THE CATHEDRAL IN SANTIAGO

The Cathedral of Santiago is probably the most photographed building of Galicia, and that’s because it is so photogenic that any scene looks nice on it: the sun, the rain, when it gets dark, with hundreds of Pilgrims in the Obradoiro Square… And the inside is just as beautiful as the façade. If you are lucky enough you will be able to see the “Botafumeiro” (an insentience container) working!

8) SAIL ALONG THE SIL CANYONS

Galicia is a region that stands out because of its diversity, and the River Sil Canyons, on the Ribeira Sacra region, are a good example. Being able to sail along these tectonic gorges, discovering the monasteries on the route, and tasting the lovely wine of the region (Ribeira Sacra wine), its an unforgettable experience. The vineyards, grown in balconies, find its origin on the Roman period.

This area is full of tradition, culture, and natural diversity, but still quite remote.

9) ENJOY A CELT EXPERIENCE IN THE BARBANZA REGION

The Barbanza is probably one of less known regions in Galicia, and at the same time one of the richest in terms of natural spots. Ribeira is the only city in Spain that has two protected natural parks: The Dunes of Corrubedo Natural Park and Carregal and Vixan Lakes, and Sálvora Island (that is part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park).

Moreover, this region has a wide megalithic and prehistoric heritage, from the Celt period; we need to mention the Castro Baroña and the Castro da Cidá (fortified Celt settlements) and the Pedra da Rá viewpoint (a stone shaped like a frog).

10) DISCOVER THE BEACH OF THE CATHEDRALS

Nature can be whimsical, and sometimes we can be surprised with perfect natural monuments, like the one we can see at the Beach of the Cathedrals (Lugo). Here, we will be able to contemplate high cliffs in the middle of the beach, accurately sculpted by the wind, the time and the sea.

If you plan to visit this work of art made by nature, we recommend you to check tide times; the best moment to contemplate it is when the tide is low, you won’t be disappointed!

If you want to visit Galicia, you may check out galiwonders.com for some travel packages.

Photos and article was sent by one of our contributing writers.

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