Lugo

The city of Lugo, situated in the interior of Galicia, is a fortified town completely surrounded by its intact World Heritage-listed set of Roman city walls. Lugo is the only city in the world whose old town is still completely encircled by its original Roman walls! The city lays claim to being Galicia`s oldest and most historic provincial capital. Its documented history dates back to 14 BC, when it was originally called `Lucus Augusti`. The city also benefits from natural thermal springs, and has been home to spas since the Romans. Lugo has spectacular scenery, a history and architectural heritage that spans from the Celts, and Romans to the Neo-Classical and Gothic.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela can be considered as a jewel, particularly to all those who enjoy culture and architecture. It is a really well known tourist destination, not only for national tourist but also internationally. This town also brings religious value, being the destination of a pilgrimage that dates back from the Middle Ages.

The old town is the most popular part of the city, but there’s also a modern area, with different state-of-the-art architectural expressions (such as the City of Culture), the University, and the many hidden alleys to be discovered around town. Santiago de Compostela was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; this fact contributed to make it an internationally-known destination. This is a great city to attend a religious ceremony to assist the swing of "Botafumeiro". Santiago is also a good city to try some of Galicia typical dishes.

Vigo

Vigo is one of Spain's biggest cities and also the largest city of Galicia (population of around 300,000). It also has the largest fishing port in Europe, making it the perfect place to try the freshest fish and seafood in town, especially oysters! Head to Calle de las Ostra (oyster street) to buy fresh oysters directly from the source.

Vigo is a city full of life with an amazing natural environment. It is the perfect balance between a traditional historic enclave and a vibrant city, as well as having the beach and mountains. There are also plenty of museums in Vigo: the Sea Museum, the MARCO Modern Art Museum, the Verbum Science Museum, and of course, the excellent Quiñones de León, where you can admire Goya and then take a stroll in the best park in the city. But still, the main attractions of Vigo are not inside the buildings, but in the streets, in the port, by the coast, and even on the islands. Being such a beautiful coastal town, Vigo boasts a wealth of attractions for visitors to see and do.

A Coruña

Located on the north coast of Galicia, A Coruña has a strong Celtic heritage and boasts the oldest Roman lighthouse in the world. It is a vibrant coastal city full of history and culture and famous for its gastronomy, especially seafood and the foaming La Estrella beer.

The Romans came to A Coruña in the 1st and 2nd century B.C. and this led to the construction of A Coruña's most outstanding landmark, the Tower of Hercules, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest Roman lighthouse. It is also known as the Glass City because of an architectural particularity - enclosed glass balconies called galerias that adorn buildings along the harbor front and in other streets of the city. The city is a popular summer destination with plenty of parks, green spaces, and two excellent beaches to enjoy.

O Grove

O Grove (also El Grove) is a summer resort and fishing village located on a peninsula west of Ponteverdra. It is more of a commercial village than some tourist would like, but it is still renowned for its excellent cuisine. Being a maritime town there are a number of boat trips around the impressive coastline where you can see the friendly fishermen tending to their mussel farms and heading out to sea to pick up the day's catch. There are also some excellent coastal walks to be taken and viewpoints to discover where you can admire the sea, across leafy lush mountains or the island on the horizon. Some other popular attractions include Tienda Museo La Toja, Museo das Salgadeiras de Moreiras, and Acuario do Grove.

Close to the O Grove village, you can find the island of La Tocha, a small island with a soap factory in the middle where you can appreciate the elegant facilities, learn about their operation, and of course shop. You'll find several natural cosmetics at very reasonable prices.

Sarria

The quaint little town of Sarria is a newer town (by Galician standards) with little to offer in regards to history. The town is a popular starting point for the Camino de Santiago; many pilgrims choose Sarria because the distance form this point to Santiago allows them to cover the necessary miles to reach the Compostela.

Sarria is the antique capital of Galicia and has a roaring trade in everything from furniture to art. For leisure activities, visit the O Chanto recreation site, on the banks of the river Sarria. There are also options for fishing at several preserves along the rive Sarria, hunting, trekking or taking horseback rides.

Ponteverdra

The charming, relaxed city of Ponteverdra is situated on the Ria de Pontevedra, the northernmost of the Rias Baixas. The city is an old Galego town, it was said to have been founded by a Greek hero returning from the Trojan War, and later became a prosperous medieval fishing port. Although it has lost its ancient walls, it still centers on an attractive zona monumental. A maze of pedestrianized flagstoned alleyways, interspersed with colonnaded squares, granite crosses and squat stone houses with floral balconies, the old quarter is always lively, making it perfect for a night out enjoying the local food and drink.

Ourense

Extending out on the banks of the river Miño, the city of Ourense is known as the city of water beautifully blends the old with the new. The rive Miño, which crosses the city halfway through its course, has determined the current appearance of the provincial capital. There are eight bridges that cross over the river, which in Roman times was a gold mine. Today, there is no gold, but very valuable water, thermal spring waters. Almost two thousand years ago, the Romans settled in this land attracted, among other reasons, by its thermal springs. The best-preserved legacy of that age is “a ponte vella” (the High bridge), which connects the banks of the Miño and which has grown to be the symbol of the city. Preserved from the original Roman bridge are some ashlar stones at the base. This major piece of civil engineering was restored in the 13th and 17th centuries, giving it its current appearance, with a pointed arch and ramps.

Ferrol

Ferrol offers a great mix of culture, urban elegance, and military power. There is no old quarter or medieval district, but it does have a great naval port, great for any naval history buffs. Here you'll find several battle ships. Visit the San Filipe Castle, lthe fortresses and particularly the Dockyards (Arsenal). Built in the 18th century under the influence of the Enlightenment, the Dockyards are a set of hydraulic works and buildings that are unique in Europe and which include the Naval Museum, a must see that is also very entertaining.

Rías Altas

The Rías Altas, the most Northern of the three big coastal areas of Galicia. They form the eastern part of the province of A Coruña and the entire coast of the province of Lugo, bordering Costa Verde to the east and Costa da Morte, A Coruña to the west. This is a very diverse area with untamed beaches, towering cliffs, and powerful waves. In general, the area is not densely populated and much quieter than the more touristy Rias Baixas, making an ideal destination for visitors wanting to get off the beaten path.

The Rías Altas boasts some of Galicia's most spectacular beaches. A ría is an estuary, or sea loch, similar to what is known as a fjord, with the difference being that ría is not surrounded by steep glaciers. The ría are like the sea, the water is salted and have tides. Add to the appeal of cultured, maritime A Coruna, medieval towns including Betanzos and Pontedeume, numerous lively little fishing ports and the backdrop of the gree, farmhouse-lined countryside, and you'll love the stunning beauty of this area.

Fisterra

At the westernmost point, Fisterra is an extension of the Camino de Santiago that takes pilgrims from Santiago de Compostela to what the Romans was believed to be "the end of the world" or Finisterre. Fisterra and its cape are part of the infamous Costa da Morta. It is an official Camino de Santiago. Many pilgrims visit the village and the cape to end their camino. However, for it is still worth visiting if you are not on a pilgrimage, the village is lovely. Be sure to take the trip to the rocky cape with its famous lighthouse. Around the village you can find several beaches as well. Besides the beaches there are many places, like the Costa da Morte, where the vies are stunning.

Costa de Morte

The stunning Costa de Morte, 'Coast of Death', is the most westerly outpost of mainland Spain that boasts rocky headlands, winding inlets, small fishing towns, plunging cliffs, sweeping bays, and many remote sandy beaches. This is said to be one of the most enchanting parts of Galicia. It is remote, with most parts unspoiled shore runs from Muros, at the mouth of the Ría de Muros y Noia, just before A Coruña. Head inland to explore the tiny stone hamlets gathered around ancient churches in valleys on rolling hills.