What is the prettiest town in Galicia?
Galicia is a green, wild corner of north-west Spain. It has a rugged coastline, misty valleys and stone villages that look straight out of a storybook. So, it’s no surprise that visitors ask which town is the prettiest. Honestly, it’s a tough call, because every corner has something to love. In this guide, we’ll meet five strong contenders. We looked at scenery, history, food and how easy each town is to visit. Each one has its own charm, from seaside granaries to medieval streets. For every town, we’ll cover where it sits, what it’s known for and how to get there. Then, you can pick your own winner. Ready? Let’s dive in.
Combarro: The Village of Stone Granaries
First up is Combarro, a tiny fishing village on the RÃa de Pontevedra. It sits in the municipality of Poio, only six kilometres from the city of Pontevedra. The setting is hard to beat. Granite sailors’ houses crowd the water’s edge, with stone and wooden balconies above the shore.
Combarro is best known for its hórreos. These stone granaries stand on pillars, and locals once used them to store grain. About 60 survive in the village, and you can spot around thirty along the seafront. Meanwhile, the lanes hide cruceiros, which are old stone crosses. Look closely, because the Virgin usually faces the sea. The old quarter is a protected historic site, so it feels wonderfully unspoilt. Best of all, the tapas bars serve fresh seafood right by the water. For the best light, visit early in the morning or at sunset. The granite glows, and the crowds thin out. Combarro also features in our list of the 10 most photogenic places in Spain.
Getting to Combarro is easy. Pontevedra has train links with Santiago de Compostela and Vigo. Check trains and book. From Pontevedra, an hourly MonBus service reaches Combarro in about ten minutes. Buy tickets. Get directions.
Baiona: A Fortress Town with Ocean Views
Next, head south to Baiona. This lively seaside town sits at the mouth of the RÃa de Vigo, about 20 kilometres from Vigo. Its sheltered bay, sandy coves and medieval old town make a lovely mix. Pilgrims on the Portuguese Camino often stop here too. In summer, it also buzzes with beach-goers and boat trips.
Baiona is famous for the Fortaleza de Monterreal. This 16th-century fortress once defended the coast against pirates. Today, you can walk its three-kilometre ramparts in about an hour. The views stretch across the CÃes Islands and the open Atlantic. The Parador de Baiona now sits inside the walls. For a swim afterwards, head to Praia Ladeira, the town’s best beach.
The town also has a big claim to fame. In March 1493, the caravel La Pinta sailed into port with news of the New World. As a result, Baiona was one of the first places in Europe to hear about the discovery of America. Today, a full-size replica of La Pinta floats in the harbour. Each year, locals celebrate with the Festa da Arribada.
Reaching Baiona is simple. Regular buses leave Vigo and take roughly 45 minutes. Buy tickets. Alternatively, you can hire a car at Vigo airport. Hire a car. The drive south takes about 30 minutes along the AP-9 motorway. Get directions.
Cambados: The Capital of Albariño Wine
Wine lovers will adore Cambados. This elegant seaside town sits on the RÃa de Arousa, in the O Salnés area of Pontevedra province. People often call it the capital of albariño, the crisp white wine of the RÃas Baixas.
Start at the Praza de Fefiñáns. This stone square is framed by the 16th-century Pazo de Fefiñáns, a granite palace with a tower and an arch. Next, wander to the atmospheric ruins of Santa Mariña Dozo, an old church. Then, end your walk by the water at the Torre de San Sadurniño. This watchtower dates back to the days of Viking raids. Of course, you should also book a bodega tour. There, you can taste albariño where it’s made. Pair a glass with pulpo á feira, the classic Galician octopus.
Visit in early August, and you’ll catch the Festa do Albariño. It’s one of Galicia’s biggest wine festivals. Read more in our guide to the Cambados Albariño Festival. Our guides to things to do in Cambados and where to stay in Cambados will help you plan the rest.
Cambados is about 30 minutes by road from Pontevedra. From Santiago de Compostela, it takes roughly one hour. To go by rail, take a train to Pontevedra first. Check trains and book. Then, catch a regular bus to Cambados. Buy tickets. Get directions.
Betanzos: A Medieval Beauty near A Coruña
Betanzos is a medieval gem in the province of A Coruña. It lies about 25 kilometres from the city of A Coruña, where the Mandeo river meets the estuary. Long ago, it was one of the seven provincial capitals of the Kingdom of Galicia. Because it later lost that status, its old town stayed wonderfully preserved.
Today, you can stroll past medieval walls and Gothic churches. Look out for Santa MarÃa do Azougue, San Francisco and Santiago. Then, cross the Ponte Vella, a stone bridge over the Mandeo. Along the way, you’ll pass leafy squares that are perfect for people-watching. However, many visitors come for the food. Betanzos is famous for its tortilla, which stays soft and juicy inside. Try a slice in a local bar, then join the debate over who makes the best. Our guides to the Betanzos tortilla festival and where to eat in Betanzos will point you in the right direction.
The town also puts on a show each August. During the Festas de San Roque, locals launch a giant paper balloon into the night sky. It’s a spectacular sight. A medieval fair also fills the streets on the second Sunday of July. So, whenever you visit, there’s a good chance of a party.
Betanzos is easy to reach from A Coruña. Local trains make the trip in less than an hour. Check trains and book. Buses also link the two places. Buy tickets. Get directions.
Allariz: A Riverside Medieval Village
For something inland, try Allariz. This charming town sits in the province of Ourense, on the banks of the Arnoia river. It’s around 25 kilometres from the city of Ourense. Allariz is a protected historic-artistic site. Its carefully restored old town even won a European town planning prize in 1994.
Allariz feels calm and unhurried. Cobbled streets lead past Romanesque churches, noble mansions and the Real Mosteiro de Santa Clara. This convent has one of the largest cloisters in Spain. Next, visit the Museo do Coiro, a leather museum in an old tannery. Then, take a riverside walk beneath ancient oaks. Finally, taste an amendoado, a local almond cake. The surrounding area is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so nature lovers will feel right at home. Our guide to day trips from Ourense has more ideas nearby.
The town is a short trip from Ourense. Rail travellers can change at Ourense station. Check trains and book. From the city, Monbus runs buses to Allariz. Buy tickets. If you’d rather drive, hire a car in Ourense and take the A-52 motorway. Hire a car. Get directions.
So, which town takes the crown? Combarro wins for seaside charm, and Baiona shines for history. Cambados is a dream for wine lovers, while Betanzos delights foodies and Allariz feels peacefu. Honestly, the best answer depends on you. Why not visit two or three? Our 7-day Galicia itinerary shows you how to plan a week in the region. To dig deeper into local culture, read about unusual Galician traditions. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to leave with a full camera roll and a happy heart. Now, which town will you crown the prettiest in Galicia?