Things to Do in Galicia
Galicia sits in Spain’s lush, green northwest corner, and it feels like a different world. Rolling hills meet a wild Atlantic coastline here. Ancient stone villages sit next to buzzing seafood markets, and mist often rolls over the hills in the morning. Locals speak Galician alongside Spanish, and that mix of cultures shows up everywhere, from the food to the folk music. Best of all, Galicia rewards slow travel, so take your time and explore each corner properly.
Whether you fancy a cathedral, a beach, or a plate of octopus, this region has it. Locals are famously warm, and the food alone is worth the trip. Below, you’ll find twelve brilliant things to do in Galicia. Each one shows off a different side of this beautiful, underrated corner of Spain.
Wander Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
No trip to Galicia is complete without visiting the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Pilgrims have walked here for over a thousand years, and the building still buzzes with that energy. Inside, look out for the Pórtico da Gloria, a stunning carved stone entrance from the 12th century. You’ll also spot the giant incense burner, known as the botafumeiro, which swings dramatically during special Masses. Since access to the Pórtico is limited, book ahead through the official ticket page. Afterwards, wander the old town’s narrow lanes, which feel just as magical as the cathedral itself.
Climb the Tower of Hercules
Next, head to A Coruña to see the Tower of Hercules. This working Roman lighthouse has guided ships since the 2nd century, making it the oldest of its kind still in use. Climb to the top for sweeping views across the bay and the rugged coastline beyond. Around its base, a sculpture park stretches along the cliffs, so leave time for a walk. Because it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, queues can build up fast in summer, so buy tickets through the official website before you go.
Sail to the CÃes Islands
For a proper natural highlight, catch a boat to the CÃes Islands. These three tiny islands off Vigo boast turquoise water and white sand that rival any Caribbean beach. Hiking trails also wind along the cliffs, giving you brilliant views over the Atlantic. However, visitor numbers are capped to protect the park, so you’ll need a free permit from the official site above before booking a ferry. Once you have your permit, secure your ferry crossing early, since summer sailings sell out quickly. Buy Tickets
Taste Albariño Wine in the RÃas Baixas
Wine lovers should make a beeline for the RÃas Baixas, Galicia’s most famous wine region. Crisp, fruity Albariño grows here, thanks to the cool Atlantic breeze and granite soil. Many family-run wineries welcome visitors for tastings and vineyard tours, and most pair their wine with local seafood. Since the scenery is just as good as the wine, plan a slow afternoon driving between coastal bodegas. Along the way, stop at any of the small fishing towns dotted along the estuaries.
Wander the Fishing Village of Combarro
Meanwhile, one of Galicia’s prettiest villages, Combarro, sits right on the water. Stone hórreos, or traditional granaries, line the shore on wooden legs. These structures once kept grain dry and safe from rodents, and today they make for some of the best photos in the region. Narrow stone streets thread between old fishermen’s houses, so wandering here feels like stepping back in time. Grab a coffee by the harbour and watch fishing boats bob in and out.
Toast to Wine in Cambados
A short drive away, Cambados proudly calls itself the capital of Albariño wine. Its grand old square, Praza de Fefiñáns, sits surrounded by stone mansions and a lovely church. Every August, the town hosts a lively wine festival packed with tastings and live music. Even outside festival season, though, its wine bars and seafood restaurants make for a great stop. Pair a glass of Albariño with fresh clams for a proper taste of the town.
Walk Along Praia das Catedrais
Near Ribadeo, the beach known as Praia das Catedrais earns its name from towering rock arches that look like cathedral doors. Low tide reveals the full arches, so time your visit carefully using a tide chart. Photographers flock here at sunrise, when golden light pours through the stone archways. Between July and September, you’ll also need a free permit from the official booking site, since visitor numbers are limited to protect the beach.
Cruise the Ribeira Sacra Canyon
Further inland, the Ribeira Sacra hides steep river canyons, ancient monasteries, and terraced vineyards clinging to cliffs. A boat trip along the Sil River offers the best views of this dramatic landscape. Some cruises even stop at a working monastery, so you can explore its cloisters along the way. Because tours fill up during peak season, it’s worth booking ahead. Buy Tickets
Explore Lugo’s Roman Walls
In the city of Lugo, an entire Roman wall still circles the old town, and it’s the only one of its kind left completely intact. You can walk the full loop along the top, taking in rooftop views as you go. Built around the 3rd century, the wall now forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, duck into the old town for tapas, since Lugo is known for its generous free portions.
Browse Vigo’s Seafood Market
Down on the coast, Vigo calls itself the world’s biggest fishing port, and the harbour proves it. At the Mercado da Pedra, stallholders sell fresh oysters straight from wicker baskets, often shucked right in front of you. Grab a dozen, squeeze on some lemon, and eat them standing by the water. Beyond the market, Vigo’s old town climbs a steep hill lined with tapas bars, so save room for a second lunch.
Feast on Pulpo á Feira
You can’t visit Galicia without trying pulpo á feira, the region’s beloved octopus dish. Cooks boil tender octopus, then slice it and sprinkle it with paprika, sea salt, and olive oil. It’s simple, but the flavour is unforgettable, and every town claims to make it best. Look for a “pulperÃa” in any Galician town, and order it with a side of boiled potatoes and a glass of local wine.
Walk a Stretch of the Camino de Santiago
Finally, consider walking a section of the Camino de Santiago. This ancient pilgrimage route crosses Galicia’s countryside on its way to the cathedral in Santiago. You don’t need to walk the whole thing to enjoy it, either. Even a single day’s stretch through misty forests and quiet villages gives you a real taste of the Camino spirit. Along the route, look out for stone waymarkers carved with a scallop shell.
Galicia rewards travellers who slow down and explore beyond the obvious. From ancient towers to fresh octopus, this region packs in more variety than its size suggests. Every town has its own festival, its own recipe, and its own version of a granite square, so no two stops ever feel the same. So pick a few highlights from this list, add in some coastal drives, and let Galicia’s quiet charm do the rest. If you’d like a ready-made plan, check out our 7-day itinerary for Galicia to fit it all in.