Overview

Galicia, located in the northwest corner of the Iberian Peninsula just above Portugal, feels far removed from the rest of Spain. Known to the Romans as the end of the world, the region is a unique part of the country with its own customs, culture, food, and even language. Everywhere is green, from the high forested hills to the rolling fields. And with its craggy coast and mild, wet climate, Galicia is more like Ireland than Spain. Its people take pride in their Celtic heritage, and cherish the survival of their language, Galego.

Aside from its territory on the Spanish mainland, Galicia also covers the archipelagos of Cies, Ons, Salvora, the Malveiras and Sisargas Islands and Cortegada and Arousa Islands.

Galicia is made up of the provinces of A Coruña, Ourense, Lugo and Pontevedra and the main cities are Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña and Vigo, in total the community has 1.2 million inhabitants.

History and Culture

Galicia has its own culture and a rich tradition of folklore. The region also has its own language, known as Galego. The region descends from one of the first tribes of Celtic heritage in Europe and Galicians consider themselves as having a Celtic background and identity, with a lot in common with lands such as Brittany, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. Galicians even have their own local form of bagpipes, which they play on special occasions, such as festivals. And festivals of the region are the best way to discover the beautiful inventiveness of the Galician people, in the costumes, music, food and folklore.

Weather

The Galician climate is generally quite temperate; in the winter it is not uncommon for strong winds to blow off the sea. In the summer, the region does not have the same hot and sunny weather as the rest of spain. Throughout the year there is quite a bit of rain, and it can be pretty unpredictable, even in the summer. Spring and summers are warm. Weather here is often changeable and can have several faces in one day. Don’t worry though; just remember to bring a few extra layers and a rain jacket, as well as your bathing suit, and you’ll be prepared for anything the weather brings. Galicia's weather is exactly what makes it so beautiful. Part of the region known as ‘green Spain’, it’s filled with verdant rolling hills and leafy forests.

Towns and Villages

Located in the heart of Galicia, Santiago de Compostela is the third-largest holy city in the Christian world, and one of the main cities for tourism in this region. Medieval pilgrims, rich and poor alike, made this town famous by traveling from all over Europe to visit the shrine of apostle St. James, whose remains are said to be buried in the city's cathedral. The city is a university town with an unspoiled medieval core, a lovely labyrinth of ancient arcades and alleyways, it’s an unmissable gem.

Galicia’s other major highlight is its endlessly craggy shoreline, slashed by the powerful sea into the deep, narrow estuaries known here as rías (rivers), and framed by steep green hillsides. Sadly, however, a lack of planning controls has meant that much of the coast is overbuilt. With each town tending to merge into the next, those few resorts that remain recognizable as sturdy little medieval fishing villages, such as Cambados, Muros and Baiona, come as welcome highlights. Pretty, secluded sandy beaches do exist, but they take a bit of finding these days, and often require a drive away from the built-up areas.

The Rías Altas in the north are wilder and emptier, while the picturesque Rías Baixas, neighboring Portugal, are warmer and more developed, and consequently attract many more visitors. In between the two lie the dunes and headlands of the more rugged Costa da Morte. Discover the coastal city of Ferrol in this part of Galicia, which offers a great mix of culture, urban elegance, and military power.

Only a couple of the seafront towns have grown to become cities, such as the beautiful ports of A Coruña. This section of Galicia has an intriguing mix of old and modern, the city boasts a lively local culture, history, grand nature and irresistible food.

Vigo, perched alongside a magnificent bay, 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.

Further inland, the settlements are more spread out, and the river valleys of the Miño and the Sil remain beautifully unspoiled, while the attractive provincial capitals of Pontevedra, Ourense and Lugo seem little changed since the Middle Ages.

Food & Drinks

The uniqueness of the Galician culture is demonstrated in the local gastronomy: you will not find so much rice or pasta in Galicia as you do elsewhere. Potatoes tend to be the accompaniment of choice for fish and meat dishes.

Shellfish is very popular in Galicia and seafood is considered the staple diet. Galicia harvests more fruits of the sea than anywhere else in Europe; the sand beds of the coastline, and the many fishing ports, make this possible.

The astonishing variety of fish species and crustaceans are prepared and cooked in a myriad of dishes depending on the region within Galicia. With the main cities being so close to the ports, freshness is always assured.

The main drink in this region is wine, the most famous being Galicia in Albarino, one of the best white wines in Spain, followed by Ribeiro. The popular Licor Café (coffee liqueur) is a main choice for those who want something stronger. Also try Queimada (spirituous liquor with sugar burnt into a pot while a traditional spell is usually said). Some popular dishes of the region:

-Marisco The best seafood in Spain is served in Galicia, don´t miss the "centollo", "necoras"and "percebes" also the mussels are superb.

-Empanada - a pie with a traditional dough, filled with onion, pepper and some meat, usually tuna, veal, or any kind of seafood.

-Pulpo á feira - octopus prepared with oil, salt and hot paprika - surely the best octopus you'll ever find.
-Caldo galego is a stew from Galicia. It's not extravagant, but extremely satisfying and useful for combating the cool dampness of the region.
-Bacallau ao alvariño is a fabulous cod dish that is worth trying.

Estrella Galicia is the local beer, the real "estrella" (star) is their Special 1906 batch. Try it with a plate of "pementos de padron" (lightly fried peppers...most of them are mild and very flavorful, but without distinguishing quality, some are extremely hot!).