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Galicia
Where rugged Atlantic landscapes meet ancient Celtic heritage and the finest seafood in Spain.
- 3 destinations
- 14 attractions
About Galicia
Known as 'Green Spain' for its lush, rain-fed landscapes, Galicia offers a dramatic escape into rugged coastlines, ancient castles, and deep Celtic traditions. From the dramatic cliffs of the Rías Baixas to the holy sites of the Camino de Santiago, it is a region defined by its mystique, culinary excellence, and warm, resilient people.
Galicia, located in the far northwest corner of Spain, is a land of dramatic contrasts where the Cantabrian Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. This region, often referred to as 'Green Spain' due to its lush, verdant landscapes, is defined by a rugged coastline dotted with rías (inlets) and a deeply rooted Celtic heritage. The capital, Santiago de Compostela, serves as the spiritual and cultural heart, drawing millions of pilgrims along the Camino de Santiago each year. Beyond the historic cathedral, travelers can explore the charming, whitewashed villages of the Ribeira Sacra, where ancient monasteries cling to steep river valleys, or venture to the golden sand beaches of the Atlantic coast. The region is also renowned for its exceptional cuisine, particularly its fresh seafood, gallo pinto, and the famous albariño white wine. The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and the days are long, though the misty autumn months offer a magical, atmospheric experience. Accessible via the nearby Santiago de Compostela Airport or by train from major Spanish cities, the region is best explored by car to fully appreciate its hidden rural gems, ancient castles (pazos), and pristine natural parks.Where to go in Galicia
What to see
Vigo · Castles
Castro Fortress
17th-century fortress on Monte do Castro
Santiago De Compostela · City Centers
Mercado de Abastos de Santiago
Historic food market in central Santiago
A Coruna · City Centers
Parque de María Pita
Plaza de María Pita is the main square of A Coruña, in the centre of the city between the old town and the harbour. It i...
A Coruna · City Centers
Paseo Marítimo
The Paseo Marítimo is the great seafront walk of A Coruña, a continuous promenade of roughly thirteen kilometres that fo...
A Coruna · Coastal & Beaches
Praia das Catedrais
Praia das Catedrais, or As Catedrais, is one of the most remarkable beaches in Spain, on the coast of Galicia near the t...
A Coruna · Archaeological Museums
Tower of Hercules
The Tower of Hercules, on a rocky headland at the north-western edge of A Coruña in Galicia, is the oldest Roman lightho...
Santiago De Compostela · Historic Heritage
Cathedral (Santiago De Compostela)
Burial site of Saint James in Spain
Vigo · Coastal & Beaches
Cíes Islands
UNESCO Atlantic archipelago with white sand beaches
A Coruna · Ancient Ruins
Castro de Elviña
The Castro de Elviña is an Iron Age hillfort on the edge of A Coruña, Spain, on the slopes of the Monte da Zapateira, cl...
Itineraries for Galicia
Day-by-day routes you can follow as written or borrow from.
Stories and tips
· 4 min read
Tapas, Paella, and Pintxos
How tapas, pintxos and paella differ across Spain's regions, and where and when to eat each one.
· 4 min read
Spanish Etiquette for Visitors: Greetings, Meal Times, Tipping and More
The everyday social customs that make travelling in Spain easier, from greetings and late meal times to tipping, dress and regional languages.
· 5 min read
Camino de Santiago in 7 Days: Walking Sarria to Santiago
How to walk the last 100-plus kilometres of the Camino Francés from Sarria to Santiago in a week, with stages, stamps and beds sorted.