13+ Awesome Things to Do in Galicia, Spain That You Can’t Miss [2022]

Looking for issues to do in Galicia Spain? Keep on studying this text as we’ve got a ton of superior suggestions for you.

Spain is without doubt one of the hottest journey locations on the earth. The seashores, the pageant, the cathedrals, the meals, and the energetic tradition entice vacationers from everywhere in the world to journey to Spain.

Tourists are likely to favor the Mediterranean coast and the islands, however Galicia has loads of issues to maintain them entertained.

In this submit, we’re going to discover the ten finest issues to do in Galicia. Spoiler alert: it has a wealthy heritage, distinctive seashores, unspoiled islands, wonderful waterfalls, and historic cities. It’s additionally dwelling to the world’s most well-known hike.

If you’re on the lookout for an article with insider tips about what to do, the place to eat, and extra, look no additional as we obtained you coated.

Galicia Things to Do Highlights

Best Things to Do in Galicia

1. Camping within the Cíes Islands

The Cies archipelago consists of three islands, Monteagudo, Faro, and San Martiño and they’re in all probability Galicia’s best treasure.

The Islands are situated within the mouth of the Ria de Vigo, about 10km from the port of Vigo. You can attain the archipelago by way of a ship journey from Vigo, and it ought to take between 40 to 45 minutes to succeed in the islands.

The largest attraction of the Cíes are their stunning seashores and exquisite water. The islands are the house of 9 seashores, the star definitely being the seashore of Rodas. Playa de Rodas is a bay-shaped seashore of roughly 700 meters, connecting the islands of Monteagudo and Faro.

The Cies islands are excellent for a day journey from Vigo however what we actually counsel is spending an evening (or extra) on the campsite within the Cíes. However, you need to be conscious that it’s a must to reserve your spot upfront on the Vigo port.

Also, word that there aren’t accommodations on the islands, so tenting is admittedly the one choice to spend the evening. On the opposite hand, there’s a restaurant, a small grocery store, and a customer heart, so that you aren’t actually by yourself.

The draw back of the Cies islands? Well, the water is as chilly because it’s stunning, however then once more if it wasn’t so chilly, it wouldn’t be the pristine paradise that it’s. Another stunning seashore alongside Galicia that’s value visiting is Santa Comba seashore.

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2. Go to Fragas Do Eume

Fragas do Eume is without doubt one of the least well-known issues on this checklist, but it surely’s actually definitely worth the go to.

Fragas do Eume is a dense Atlantic forest on the banks of river Eume. This pure woodland is without doubt one of the finest examples of a temperate rainforest, with a extremely various array of bushes, of which the oak is the actual star.

Hiding on this forest is the 10-centuries-old monastery of Saint John of Caaveiro, which has a captivating historical past. It’s very enjoyable to go to, and among the best issues about this park is mountaineering by the very dense forest and having fun with all of the shades of inexperienced you’ll be able to think about.

3. Explore Santiago de Compostela

As we stated above, Santiago de Compostela holds the Shrine of Saint James within the Cathedral. The Sanctuary holds the stays of the apostle James which had been delivered to Galicia within the ninth century.

While it’s most recognized for this, Santiago has extra to it than the Shrine and Sanctuary.

Santiago de Compostella has a beautiful medieval centre with cobbled streets, previous buildings, and a few attention-grabbing monuments which have been very properly preserved.

The Old Town of Santiago has been a UNESCO heritage website since 1985. With a mixture of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque buildings, UNESCO considers Santiago “one of the world’s most beautiful urban areas.”

Visiting the Santiago de Compostela cathedral is unquestionably one thing you shouldn’t miss whilst you’re right here and is taken into account among the best issues to do in Galicia.

Tip: To study extra concerning the historical past of this metropolis and the cathedral, it’s a good suggestion to hitch a guided tour of the cathedral and museum. This 2-hour tour will degree up your appreciation of its historical past, structure, and cultural significance!

4. Hike the Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago is a community of pilgrims’ methods resulting in the shrine of the apostle Saint James in Santiago de Compostela. It has grow to be extraordinarily well-liked within the final many years, each for non secular and non-religious causes.

One of the good issues concerning the Camino de Santiago is that you’ve got a number of methods to succeed in your vacation spot. You have the Primitive approach (begins in Oviedo), the French approach (the most well-liked), the Portuguese approach, and the Northern approach, amongst others.

In truth, you can begin wherever you need, and comply with your approach to Santiago—and that’s the true great thing about it. The founders of this weblog not too long ago walked 300km from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela (Camino de Portuguese and had THE finest time ever!)

The approach of Saint James is a good way of touring gradual and attending to know Galicia and the locals. It began as a pilgrimage but it surely’s so well-liked right now that it’s extra of a approach of journey in Spain and mountaineering than anything.

Tip: Want to get a really feel of what this hike is like? You can stroll the final 7km of Way of this well-liked hike in this guided day hike. As you enter town and get your first look of the cathedral, your native information will share with you tales concerning the Camino and Santiago.

5. Go to the End of the World (Cape Finisterre)

The Romans thought-about Finisterre the westernmost level of Continental Europe — and thus the tip of the world.

Today, we all know that the westernmost level is in reality Cabo da Roca in Portugal, however Cape Finisterre nonetheless attracts individuals to see its phenomenal sundown over the seemingly countless Atlantic Ocean.

At the sting of Finisterre, you can even discover an enormous lighthouse that protects ships from the very harmful water and rocks within the space. This coast is normally dubbed the Death Coast (Costa de la Muerte) as a result of large quantity of shipwrecks that occurred over time.

The lighthouse can also be among the best lookouts within the area — one the place you’ll be able to see the ocean, the coast, and all the things else.

Cape Finisterre is about 90km west of Santiago de Compostela and a few individuals contemplate it the true remaining vacation spot of the Way of St. James. Tradition says that when pilgrims arrive they need to burn their garments after which bathe on Langosteira seashore close by.

We don’t actually suggest doing that and have discovered that much more pilgrims at the moment are passing alongside their objects (trekking poles and boots) to fellow pilgrims which is a a lot better custom. Another well-liked place to discover is Costa da Morte.

Costa da Morte obtained its identify due to the various shipwrecks which have fallen to their demise alongside its rocky shores.

Tip: An straightforward approach to go to Cape Finisterre is on a day tour from Santiago. This full-day tour will take you to the cape in addition to the villages of Muros and Muxia. You’ll additionally cease on the waterfall in Ézaro (which we’ll speak about subsequent!).

6. Climb to Ezaro Lookout

The Ezaro Lookout and Ezaro Waterfall are situated very near Finisterre and is without doubt one of the high locations to go to in Galicia.

Ezaro Waterfall (generally referred to as Xallas Waterfall because it’s on Xallas River) is without doubt one of the largest in Europe, greater than 150 meters excessive. It’s a extremely spectacular website and one in all solely a handful in Europe to fall immediately into the ocean as a waterfall.

From the waterfall, there’s a extremely steep street that climbs to Ezaro Lookout. The street itself is unimaginable, with elements reaching an inclination of just about 30%. It’s a extremely enjoyable drive and, in case you are match sufficient, a cool bike climb to do!

Once up within the lookout, you’ll be able to see Cape Finisterre, the Death Coast and Mount Pindo, although you’ll be able to’t see the waterfall because it’s proper under the place you’re. Either approach, the view is astonishing.

7. Walk on the Walls of Lugo

Lugo is situated within the inside of Galicia, about 100km from Santiago de Compostela.

The principal attraction of Lugo is its Roman period partitions. These partitions had been constructed within the third century to guard the Roman metropolis. Incredibly, your entire circuit of the partitions have survived until right now and it’s thought-about the best instance of Roman fortifications.

The entire Old Town of Lugo is enclosed by the partitions and you may solely entry it by one of many eleven gates. The historic heart preserves a medieval appeal, with the small alleys and the vintage homes.

The most attention-grabbing factor concerning the partitions is that you would be able to stroll on them and see the city from there. The entire circuit is about 2km, which you’ll totally hike.

Lugo can also be probably the most necessary spots within the Way of St James.

Looking for extra tips about touring Spain? Check out of full Spain Travel Guide

8. Eat some Pulpo a Fiera (Pulpo Gallega)

This conventional Galician dish might be present in virtually each place in Galicia. While consuming Octopus could sound a bit bit too adventurous, belief us, it is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Galicia.

The pulpo is gentle, tender, and never chewy in any respect! This together with some Galician wine tasting is the proper mixture! We loved consuming Pulpo in several spots in Galicia and liked it.

9. Visit Cathedrals Beach

Cathedrals Beach is situated 10 km west of Ribadeo, within the northern shore of Galicia, between large cliffs and a really rugged shoreline.

This seashore stands out from all the opposite Galician seashores due to its setting and environment, which encompasses a assortment of distinctive rock arches and caves.

The secret: you’ll be able to solely see them at low tide.

If you go to Cathedrals Beach when it isn’t low tide, you’ll be disenchanted because it’s not likely that spectacular. And if the tide is excessive sufficient, you’ll be able to’t even enter the seashore and sunbathe there.

This is a vacation spot that you just’ll should time your go to to completely take pleasure in it.

10. Visit the Charming Village of Combarro

Combarro is a captivating city in Galicia that’s value visiting if you’re within the space. It is a picturesque seaside village that has been made well-liked by its made wonderful seafood eating places and cruceiros (stone crosses).

Aside from the seafood eating places, in addition they have these stone granaries referred to as Horreos that are used to retailer meals.

11. Explore a 2000-Year-Old Lighthouse

The tower of Hercules in La Coruña is the oldest working lighthouse on the earth and the one fully-preserved Roman lighthouse nonetheless in use for maritime signaling.

This construction was constructed within the 2nd century and renovated in 1791. This UNESECO World Heritage Site is available in at 55 meters excessive and overlooks the North Atlantic coast of Spain.

It’s potential to go to and climb to the highest of this spectacular building, and it’s one of many coolest issues to do whereas touring in Spain. As anticipated, it is a very talked-about factor to do in Galicia and for apparent causes there are very restricted tickets. Thus we advise you to purchase tickets upfront.

Besides the tower, La Coruña has loads of different issues to do. The Old Town is an efficient place to discover, as properly are the seafront promenade and the city seashores. Like many different Spanish cities, it is a very energetic place to have enjoyable at evening.

12. Go to El Banco Más Bonito del Mundo (the Most Beautiful Bench within the World)

Along the northern Galician coast, there are many indicators indicating “the most beautiful bench in the world.” This is a reasonably smug title, but it surely works… who doesn’t wish to see essentially the most stunning bench on the earth?

This bench is situated in Ortigueira close to Loiba, about 110km from La Coruña. We are usually not certain if it’s essentially the most stunning, but it surely doesn’t disappoint. It presents an unimaginable view over the Atlantic Ocean and the cliffs.

It’s probably the most stunning locations in Galicia to take images, so it is a must-visit spot for pictures addicts!

13. Visit San Andrés de Teixido

Located within the municipality of Cedeira, San Andrés de Teixido is a small sanctuary and pilgrimage website by the best cliffs in mainland Europe.

Apart from Santiago de Compostela, it is without doubt one of the most well-known pilgrimage websites in Galicia and is definitely worth the unimaginable uphill trek.

Galicia has a lot to supply its guests! Besides these wonderful issues to do, it additionally has a singular tradition with a definite language, heritage, and meals. It might not be Spain’s most well-known vacation spot but it surely’s among the best to journey to.

Editor’s Note: At the danger of sounding like your dad and mom, be sure to get journey insurance coverage earlier than hitting the street. Trust us, it’s a type of belongings you don’t wish to depart dwelling with out. We suggest both World Nomads or Safety Wing, relying on the kind of traveler you’re.

Where to Stay in Galicia

As talked about, there are a ton of various choices on the place to remain in Galicia- it simply is dependent upon which space you’re heading to. Here are a couple of of our high picks.

Sercotel Hotel Baia is situated between Vigo’s previous city and Cies Islands pier is a superb choice for these on the lookout for a clear resort with epic views.

Casa Nueva Playa Areabrava Hio is a ravishing place, excellent for teams or households. It comes with a bbq pit, a lush backyard, and seaside views.

If you’re on the lookout for luxurious, the Hotel Pazo Los Escudos Spa & Beach in Vigo has all of it. Indoor pool, beachfront, hammam and spa, out of doors pool, and extra!

Editor’s Note: This article was initially written by Jorge and Claudia however has since been up to date by the Adventure in You crew.

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