Padron is a small town in Galicia with a population of just over 8000. The town is the last stop before Santiago de Compostela on the Portuguese Way.
It is most famous as the source of Pimientos de Padrón or Padrón peppers. These are small green peppers which regularly appear on menus across Spain, but even more so in Galicia.
In the first week of August each year, the Fiesta de Pimientos de Padrón is celebrated. The peppers are usually fried and sprinkled with salt and come with the saying “some are hot and some are not” so they are always a bit of an adventure to eat.
If you are up for a culinary challenge, Padron also hosts an annual Lamprey Festival. Lampreys are an ancient fish that looks like it has come from outer space.
Parts of Padron are quite beautiful and there is a lot of history attached to the area. The foundations of the bridge crossing the river into Padron, dates back to the Romans. The area came under attack from Vikings and Normans in the past and plays a key role in the story of St James and the origins of Santiago de Compostela and the Camino de Santiago. The Church of Santiago contains “The Pedron” which is said to be the rock to which the boat which brought the body of Saint James to Galicia, was moored. The town celebrates its history during the Padron Medieval Market which is held during the second fortnight of July every year.
Bringing a little bit of the past into the present is Padrons Sunday market. These markets have been held since the Middle Ages and are one of the most popular in Galicia.
Padron is a 25 minute drive from Santiago de Compostela, 35 minute drive from Pontevedra and 50 minutes from Vigo.
A bus service runs twice a day to and from Santiago de Compostela.