A guide to the region of Galicia in Spain

Around the world, most people associate Celtic culture with northern European enclaves that were never subdued by the Romans, like Scotland and Ireland. However, tucked away in the north-western corner of Spain is the Celtiberian region of Galicia. Although it was conquered by the Romans, the remote location of Galicia on the periphery of Europe guaranteed that something of its ancient cultural heritage would survive. Bordered by Portugal on the south and Castilla y León and Asturias to the east, visiting Galicia is like going to a whole other country within Spain. That is amply demonstrated by the native tongue of Galician, which is more closely related to Portuguese than Spanish. However, Spanish is widely spoken and a mixture of Spanish and English will get a tourist through just about any task that needs to be done.

A Galician site that has drawn visitors for centuries is Santiago de Compostela, for it sits at the end of the medieval pilgrimage route called the Way of Saint James. The remains of James the Apostle rests in a tomb beneath the enormous Catedral Santiago de Compostela (GPS coords 42.880605,-8.544416). Even today, the Way of St. James remains alive and well, and the tomb of St. James attract the curious as well as throngs of pilgrims from all Christian faiths. The city's old core is dotted by a number of almost-as impressive churches, plazas, palaces and even a hospital dating from the 12th century to the 18th century. This combination of religion and architecture was enough to win Santiago de Compostela the designation as a "European City of Culture" in 1998.

As previously discussed, Galicia was conquered by the Romans and has impressive ruins from times that predate Christianity. At Luga there are the remnants of a city circuit wall that stand as the most impressive surviving Roman fortifications in Europe. The hot springs of Orense were developed by the Romans into a spa, and the town continues to function as such to this day. Finally, in A Coruna is the Torre de Hércules, the world's oldest working lighthouse.

A Coruna offers visitors more than just ancient ruins, however. It is major tourism port-of-call and visited by more than 60 cruise liners a year. The town is home to a pleasant string of sandy beaches backed by a promenade. The beach is akin to those in Portugal, so while the weather is sunny expect the waters to be chilly.

Galician cuisine is a simple form of cooking that can be summed up with one phrase: the cook and the dish do not matter at all. It is a style where the food itself is central, so no recipe will ever compensate for inferior or bland ingredients. Expect your fare to be seasoned with a minimum of spices and to stand or fall on the basis of its own flavours. A Galician lunch might consist of simple empanadas or sausages, bread and some tetilla cheese. The national dish is polbo á feira, or boiled octopus served with potatoes.

Galicia is relatively well-connected to Europe. Santiago de Compostela Airport is the most important and hosts intercontinental flights. Vigo-Peinador Airport has European connections to London, Paris and Brussels. Finally, flights from A Coruña Airport run to Madrid, Lisbon and London. Fans of travel by sea should keep a close eye on Trasmediterranea Ferries, who has been mulling over a sea ferry connection between Bristol and Vigo for years. Finally, visitors can choose to fly to Porto in Portugal, rent a car, and drive into Galicia.

Galicia		Click pictures for more details

Bed and breakfast	Santo Estevo de Ribas de Miño, 4 - O Saviñao, Lugo, Galicia, España

Hotel	Hotel Zenit Coruña**** Calle Comandante Fontanes, 19 - 15003 A Coruña

Hotel	Hotel Summa*** Avenida de Pontevedra, s/n - 36680 A Estrada

Tours in Galicia
Riding Along The Portuguese Trail to Santiago Description: Ride from Braga admiring the countryside of Portugal´s Green Coast, steeped in history, art and natural beauty. Finally arriving in Santiago de Compostelamore... Albarino Wines and Celtic Sites of the Salnes Valley Rias Baixas Description: On this private day tour you get a taste of what the Galician coast has to offer. Follow down the Rias Baixas coastline passing villages, Celtic Hill-fortsenjoy a seafood lunch, Albariño winesmore... Sailing Day Trip to the Cies Islands in a Luxurious Private Yacht Description: A deluxe sailing tour starting in Vigo, the most important fishing port in Europe, with a beautiful bay holding secrets of sunken treasures & historic battles. Blessed with fresh seafood, islandsmore... A Coruna Tower of Hercules and San Anton Castle Description: On this walking tour you will visit A Coruña´s important monuments starting by climbing the stairs to the top of the tower of Hercules. Another landmark of the city is the San Anton Castlemore... Finisterre Lands End Tour Description: This private tour starts in Santiago de Compostela, which to most people is the end of the Camino (Way), but in reality years before Santiago existed another Camino continued to Finisterremore... Ribeira Sacra river valley and Ribeiro wine country Description: On this private day tour we visit Galicia´s Ribeira Sacra (Sacred Riverbank). Visit a Mencia winery high at top the riverbank. Then in Ribeiro wine country we visit Ribadavia´s old Jewish quartermore... Santiago de Compostela Historical Walking Tour Description: Discover with us Santiago de Compostela the Pilgrimage capital of Galicia. On this half day private walking tour you will visit the old quarter of the city and the stunning cathedral of Santiago...more... Soutomaior wine country its Castle and Live Celtic Music with Dinner in a Tavern Description: A private tour visiting the Castle of Soutomaior and then dinner in a tavern, with various tapas; chorizo al vino & local Albariño wines. Also live Galician Celtic Music inside an old wine cellarmore... A Coruna and the Rias Altas of Northern Galicia Description: On this day excursion you visit A Coruña´s important monuments like: the tower of Hercules and the San Anton Castle. Lunch within a Galician Pazo...more... Private Galician Cuisine Cooking Class at Restaurante Roberto in Santiago de Compostela Description: Hands-on Cooking Class followed by meal based on what you have prepared with your Chef at the fabulous Restaurante Roberto in Santiago de Compostela...more... Camino de Santiago Trail in Galicia Independently Walking with baggage transfers Description: Walk the Camino de Santiago! This version of our Camino de Santiago is designed for independent travelers who would like to walk the last 100kms/62 mi of the Pilgrimage trail with baggage transfer from accommodation to accomodation...more... Paradores and wines on the Celtic Coast of North Western Spain Description: Following down the picturesque Rias Baixas of Northwestern Spain is a seafood delight! Stay in historic Paradores while savoring wines and fruits of the Sea. Starting the journey...more... Camino de Santiago and Albarino Wine Walking Tour in Galicia Spain Description: Walk part of the Camino de Santiago trail during the Festival of St. James! (July 25th). Follow the ancient pilgrimage trail and then down the beautiful coastline of the Rias Baixas, Galicia, The land of Albariño white wines and Fresh Seafood...more... Santiago de Compostela Historical Walking Tour with transportation from Vigo Port Description: On this full day excursion from Vigo you will enjoy a guided tour of Historical Santiago. You will visit the old quarter of the city and the stunning cathedral of the Pilgrimage capital of Galicia...more... Deluxe Galicia Short Break Sailing Tour from Vigo Bay visiting the Cies and Ons Islands on the Rias Baixas Coast Description: The Journey starts in Vigo, the most important fishing port in Europe, which has a beautiful Ria holding the secrets of sunken treasure and historic battles...more... Customized Charter Sailing Vacations in Galicia Spain Description: Let us create your next sailing vacation! Galicia is a sailing paradise with so much to be explored. Here are some example of routes that could be done in Galicia...more... Exploring Green Spain Paradores from Galicia to the Basque Country Description: Explore Green Spain starting in Galicia´s capital Santiago de Compostela and ending in the Basque city of Bilbao, home of the famous Guggenheim Museum. On this self-drive tour you will experience the charm of Northern Spain´s Paradores...more... Horse Riding Along the French Trail of Camino de Santiago from Astorga Description: This way was the oldest and most important cultural route of Europe. We shall ride along the final section of this route just starting at the point where this route reaches Galicia... Finally arriving in Santiago de Compostelamore... Day Excursion to Vigo and Portugal from Santiago de Compostela Description: On this excursion from Santiago de Compostela you will enjoy a full day tour to Vigo and Portugal...more... Fonseca and Galicia Coastal Route: Salamanca to Santiago Bike Tour Description: This bike route, rich in history, links the towns of Santiago and Salamanca both renowned for their human heritage. It was once the most important means of communication in the west of Spain (the Silver Trail)...more... The Way of St. James by Sea - Ruta Maritima Xacobea Description: Follow the route of the remains of the Apostle St. James. Two days of sailing along the Galician coast and up the bay of Arosa, an hours ride up the Ulla river in a motor-boat and then walking the last 25km to Santiago de Compostela...more... Historic Santiago de Compostela Tour from La Coruna Description: On this full day excursion from La Coruna you will enjoy a guided tour of Historical Santiago. You will visit the old quarter of the city and the stunning cathedral of the Pilgrimage capital of Galicia...more... Low Estuaries and The Landscapes of the movie Mar Adentro (The Sea Inside) Description: On this excursion from Santiago de Compostela you will enjoy a full day tour discovering Low Estuaries and The Landscapes of "Mar Adentro"...more... Albarino winery and Baiona Coastal Village Tour from Vigo Description: Wine tour from Vigo to the O Rosal valley sub-zone of the D.O. Rias Baixas, land of Albariño wines then follow the coast to Baiona...more... O Rosal Valley a land of Albarino wines alongside the River Mino Description: On this private tour you will explore an area of natural beauty with a multitude of different landscapes. At the top of a Celtic Hill-fort we enjoy a seafood lunch with the local O Rosal wine more... Catamaran ride on the Ria de Vigo and Nature Walk to Cabo Home Description: This private walking tour has a mix of sea and land. We crossing over the bay of Vigo by ferry to the quaint village of Cangas for a walk around Man´s Cape visiting golden beaches and lighthousesmore... Riding Along The French Trail to Santiago Description: Riding from the border of Galicia through un-spoilt countryside of hills, rivers, valleys, monasteries arriving in Santiago de Compostela as horse-riding pilgrims of the pastmore... Horse Riding The Portuguese Camino de Santiago Trail from Porto Description: Ride from Porto admiring the countryside of Portugal´s Green Coast, steeped in history, art and natural beauty. Finally arriving in Santiago de Compostelamore... Ourense Roman Bridge and Old Quarter Walking Tour Description: Half Day tour with a private guide to visit Ourense´s Roman Bridge and Old quartermore... UNESCO Roman Walls and Old Quater of Lugo Description: Half Day tour with a private guide to visit Lugo´s UNESCO Roman Walls and historic quartermore... Tapa tour in Lugo Description: For groups of of 2 - 6 people we offer you a guided tour of some of Lugo´s finest tapas bars. To help you out we will provide you with an English translation of Spanish food and cookingmore... Tapa Tour in Santiago de Compostela Description: For groups of of 2 - 6 people we offer you a guided tour of some of Santiago´s finest tapas bars. To help you out we will provide you with an English translation of Spanish food and cookingmore... Tapa Tour in A Coruna Description: For groups of of 2 - 6 people we offer you a guided tour of some of La Coruña´s finest tapas bars. To help you out we will provide you with an English translation of Spanish food and cookingmore... Historic City Break in Santiago de Compostela Description: On this short break you will be staying in a hotel within walking distance of the historic centre of Santiago de Compostela. Also included is a guided excursion on a fully equipped luxury motor coach...more... Discovering the Rias Altas Day Tour from Santiago de Compostela Description: On this excursion from Santiago de Compostela you will enjoy a full day tour discovering Rias Altas...more... Discovering the Rias Baixas Day Tour from Santiago de Compostela Description: On this excursion from Santiago de Compostela you will enjoy a full day tour discovering Lower Rias Biaxas...more... Day Excursion to Lands End Cape Finisterre from Santiago de Compostela Description: On this excursion from Santiago de Compostela you will enjoy a full day tour to Cap Finisterre, otherwise known as Land´s End...more... Day Excursion to Lugo and the Saint James Way to Santiago de Compostela Description: On this excursion from Santiago de Compostela you will enjoy a full day tour to Lugo and take Saint James Way Trail on the way back...more... Celtic Quest Europe Cruise: Sailing From Spain to Scotland Description: Journey with us on a Small Ship Cruise to the far edges of Western Europe as we delve into history, culture, music and landscape: the threads that unite the remaining Celtic corners of Spain, France, Ireland, England and Scotland. To shatter all the usual stereotypical images of Spain, Galicia is the place to go...more... Tapa and Wine Tour of the Old Quarter of Vigo Port Description: On the this wine & tapa tour you will visit some of the emblematic taverns/bars/vinotecas of Vigo´s Old Quarter. An excellent option for those who would like a light lunch or dinner tasting various Galician fine wines and tapas...more... Galician Cooking Food and Wine Tour on the Atlantic Coast of Spain Description: A Special culinary and cooking tour of Spain based in Santiago de Compostela, capital of Galicia. You will get the chance to learn in-depth about the gastronomy of Galicia...more... Albarino Wine Tour of the Rias Baixas Galicia Spain a Land of Seafood and Fine White Wines Description: Private driver/guided tour down the magnificent Atlantic shore of Galicia´s Rias Baixas, Albariño Wine Country. Fine wines & seafood in quaint fishing villages on the Celtic coastmore... Albarino Wine Tour of the Rias Baixas Galicia Spain a Land of Seafood and Fine White Wines by Self Drive with some guides and meals Description: Self drive journey down the magnificent Atlantic shore of Galicia´s Rias Baixas, Albariño Wine Country. Fine wines & seafood in quaint fishing villages on the Celtic coast...more... Deluxe Gastronomic Sailing Journey along the Rias Baixas Coast of Galicia Description: A Private sailing tour weaving around the picturesque Rias (Estuaries) of Galicia´s Rias Baixas. Savour seafood and wines, visit the Cies Islands...more... Deluxe Food and Wine Tour in Misty Enchanting Celtic Galicia Green Spain Description: Deluxe Food, Wine & Cultural Tour in Galicia, Spain. A Private driver/guide will show you gastronomical and historical delights of this area. Discover distinct Spanish wines, cuisine, musicmore... Deluxe Food and Wine Tour in Misty Enchanting Celtic Galicia Green Spain by Self Drive with some guides and meals Description: Food, Wine & Celtic good times! Self drive wine tour to Spain´s Hidden Celtic Paradise. Discover distinct Spanish wines, cuisine, musicmore... Group Coach Tour of Galicia Northwestern Spain from Madrid Description: Coach Tour from Madrid to Galicia, North-western Spain. Important cities like: Lugo, La Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, Salamancamore... Galicia and Portugal Group Tour from Madrid Description: Coach Tour from Madrid to Galicia and Portugal. Important cities like: Lugo, Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, Salamanca, Coimbra, Fatima, Lisbon, Caceresmore... Galicia Portugal and Andalusia Group Tour from Madrid Description: Group Tour from Madrid to Galicia, Portugal and Andalusia. Important cities like: San Sebastian, Bilbao, Oviedo, Gijon, La Coruña, Lugo, Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, Salamanca, Coimbra, Fatima, Lisbon, Caceres, Seville, Ronda, Granada, Toledomore...