However, known as the “The Seafood Coast” and offering some Europe’s finest cuisine, a good plate of fish is never far….
Galicia is without a doubt one of the most picturesque areas of Spain, possessing one of the longest and most unspoilt coastlines of any Spanish region. Referred to as the “land of the 1000 rivers,” it sits just above Portugal on Spain’s Northeastern corner. An area that has not succumbed to mass tourism, Galicia is an undiscovered gem. A gem, with a very different feel to it then the rest of Spain.
Galicia
Galicia was granted autonomous status in 1981. The region actually descends from one of the oldest kingdoms in Europe, the kingdom of Galicia. Made up of four provinces, A Coruña, Lugo, Ourense and Pontevedra.
The capital city is Santiago de Compostela. Besides the continental areas, Galicia also includes of the islands of Ons, Salvora, Cíes, Malveiras, Sisargas as well as Cortegada Island and Arousa Island.
Basic information
With a population that is mostly concentrated on the coastal areas, 2.78 million people were recorded as inhabitants, in 2008. Galicia has its own historic language – Galician which is closely related to Portuguese, although with significant Celtic and Germanic content.
Galicia is becoming popular with Spanish tourists trying to escape the hoardes and the heat of the Spanish Costas. Home to the World famous ‘hallowed Santiago Way – Camino de Santiago,’ a path that has been trodden by pilgrims for more than a thousand years. Consisting of various routes they all lead to the shrine of St James the Apostle, at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela was declared a World heritage site in 1993. The area is literally littered with places of historical interest, including the World’s oldest hotel – Hostal Tres Reyes Catolicos – now part of the Parador hotel chain.
Spectacular coastal scenery
Galicia’s 200km coast line is of particular beauty. Very untouched, characterized by small coves, fine sand and almost Norwegian-like fjords.
Being on the Atlantic, the sea is significantly colder than the Mediterranean, but for those looking to explore unspoilt, uncrowded beaches (even at the height of summer) Galicia is the answer.
Some of the beaches are nothing short of spectacular. The Guardian newspaper in 2007 voted one of the beaches in ‘Las Islas Cies’ to be the best beach in the World.
Galician cuisine
Galician cuisine is World renowned. Local delicacies include ‘percebes – goose barnacles,’ of which, the Hollywood actor/director Woody Allen is reported to have said – ‘how can something so ugly be so delicious?’
Apart from Santiago de Compostela, La Coruna, Vigo, Lugo, Pondevedra, and Ourense are all worth visiting.
Hi John! Great post..
I have actually been to Galicia this summer and everything you say is correct
Just one point, if you go to Galicia and wish to see the Islas Cies, don’t forget to book your boat tickets in advance. (you can do this online). We didn’t know this and we could not visit them. The first available boat was 3 days later, but our holidays had come to their end by then. Instead we went to “la Isla de Ons”, which was marvellous as well and we enjoyed it so much. You can go there via Sanxenxo, Porto Novo or Bueu.
Hi Helena, Thank you for your comments and suggestions. John
Great post. Thanks for bringing this information for our foreign visitors.
Greetings from Galicia.