Galicia
Galicia is a region in the north-west of Spain. The region has a population of 2.7 Million scattered across four provinces A Coruna, Lugo, Ourense and Pontevedra.
Galicia is known for its rugged Atlantic coastline with many inlets. It also has green mountainous areas inland. The region’s high rainfall makes it extremely green and productive.
The capital is Santiago de Compostela, famous for its Camino Santiago. People have been doing the Camino Santiago since the Middle Ages. The Camino ends at the Cathedral of Santiago, where the remains of St James are buried.
The Galician coastline and cooling winds from the Atlantic make for lower summer temperatures. Because of this, Galicia is a popular summer destination for Spaniards seeking relief from summer heat.
There is a deep Celtic influence in Galicia. As a result, Celtic symbols can be seen everywhere. Galician bagpipes are a traditional instrument.
The region is home to many unusual Galician traditions that you can read more about here.
If you’d like help planning your Galician adventure, you might find our 7 Day Itinerary for Galicia useful.
Galician towns and regions
Read information and tips on these Galician Cities, Towns and Regions:
A Coruna – a pretty beachside and port city in the North of Galicia with history, atmosphere and great food
A Pobra de Trives – offers beautiful scenery, historic streets, traditional festivals and excellent local food
Baiona – historic old town, impressive fortress, sandy beaches and maritime heritage attracting visitors throughout the year
Betanzos – a beautiful medieval town with a rich history and tortilla festival
Bueu – offers stunning beaches, fresh seafood, peaceful walking trails and a rich maritime heritage
Camariñas – dramatic Atlantic scenery, beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, excellent seafood and a welcoming atmosphere
Cambados – a pretty seaside village and the Albarino wine capital of the world
Cangas – a pretty seaside town with plenty to see and do
Carnota – this charming destination is known for its stunning beaches, traditional architecture and rich Galician culture
Combarro – this historic fishing town attracts visitors with its stone houses, narrow lanes and famous waterfront granaries
Corcubión – this historic fishing town combines stunning sea views, rich heritage and a relaxed atmosphere
Costa da Morte – a peaceful destination that attracts nature lovers, hikers, photographers and travellers looking for the authentic Galicia
Fisterra – attracts pilgrims, nature lovers, photographers and travellers seeking some of the most spectacular scenery in Spain
Ferrol – a historic coastal city best known for its naval history
Laxe – is known for its stunning beaches, dramatic Atlantic scenery and traditional fishing heritage
Laza – home to Spain’s wildest carnival tradition
Lugo – offers remarkably preserved Roman walls, charming squares, impressive churches, museums and outstanding Galician cuisine
Malpica de Bergantiños – this traditional fishing town offers beautiful beaches, dramatic landscapes and a strong maritime heritage
Marín – combines maritime history, attractive beaches, scenic walking trails and excellent seafood
Monforte de Lemos – offers a perfect blend of culture, architecture, gastronomy and outdoor activities
Muros – combines maritime heritage, beautiful beaches, excellent seafood and an authentic Galician experience
Muxía – this charming fishing town combines stunning natural scenery, rich maritime traditions and deep religious heritage
O Cebreiro – an enchanting villages and a famous stop along the Camino de Santiago
O Grove – a lovely seaside town with an amazing annual seafood festival
Ourense – a historic city with hot springs, rich history and medieval centre
Padron – home of the famous Pimientos de Padrón found on menus throughout Spain
Pontevedra – this lovely pedestrian city is rich in history and easy to explore on foot
Ribadeo – Ribadeo is a charming coastal town with natural beauty and heritage
Sada – Sada is a small seaside town sitting on the shores of the Ria de Betanzos
Santiago de Compostela – The Galician capital and destination of the Camino de Santiago
Sanxenxo – A popular seaside resort town and summer destination for many Spaniards
Tui – combines a rich history, impressive architecture and beautiful natural surroundings
Vigo – Galicia’s most populous and important fishing city with excellent food and rich history
Vilagarcia de Arousa – A small port and fishing town well placed for exploring the region
Vilanova de Arousa – a pretty seaside town with a relaxed atmosphere and amazing seafood
Viveiro – combines a beautiful historic centre, sandy beaches, green hills and authentic Galician traditions
Galician cuisine
Galicia is famous for its seafood including all varieties of shellfish. Also important are empanadas and nobody does potatoes quite as well as Galicians. No meal is complete without some local rustic bread as well. The most famous Galician dish is Pulpo a Feira. This simple dish is octopus, potatoes, pimenton and olive oil. Sounds simple, but you have to try it if you visit Galicia. Read more about Galician food here..
Getting to Galica
There are regular flights to all the major cities of Galicia, especially to Santiago de Compostela. Flying time from Londons Stanstead airport to Santiago with Ryanair is just over 2 hours. Flying time from New York to Santiago is close to 10 hours with a change along the way.
After landing in Santiago, you can explore the rest of the region on the excellent rail link north and south. It takes only 30 minutes from Santiago by train to reach A Coruna in the north. Vigo in the south takes around an hour. Buy Tickets.
Cruise liners stop in A Coruna in the north and Vigo in the south.
Santiago de Compostela is a 6 to 7 hour drive from Madrid.
If you are in Portugal, it is only a 1 hour 30 minute drive from Porto to Vigo in the south of Galicia.
The high-speed rail connection to Galicia was recently completed. Because of this, the rail travel time from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela is now just over 3 hours.