Places to see in Galicia

As one of Spain's autonomous regions, with four provinces and several cites, Galicia has plenty to entice the tourist, particularly the kind of tourist who likes to venture just that little bit off the beaten track. In the text below you will find a number of links. Each of these will take you to a page with more information about the city or place in question.

Galicia is far from undiscovered, but its towns and cities, beaches and countryside, offer a less commercial alternative to the stereotypical Spanish holiday. Galicia embraces tourism, it badly needs the money that foreign visitors can bring, but it still has one foot firmly in the past and offers a view of Spain few will see. Those familiar with this area refer to it as green or real Spain.

As a visitor to this region, you will not be short of places to visit and things to see. At the top of most tourist’s list is Galicia’s capital city of Santiago de Compostela. This city has myths and history, plus some architectural masterpieces, not least of which is its colossal cathedral. This cathedral has a pilgrimage revolving around it and is said to house the body of Saint James. It is also famous for the large incense burners that are swung above the parishioners during mass.

Galicia’s other major cities are Vigo, Lugo, la Coruna, Ourense and Pontevedra. All have tourist appeal from the large port and Roman lighthouse at la Coruna to the medieval district, narrow streets and enclosed courtyards of Ourense. Lugo has a Roman wall encircling its old town, whilst Vigo has some of the regions best beaches and Pontevedra has churches, squares and a lively café culture. For some additional and detailed information about la Coruna, you can see the mini guide to this area on the Galicia Guide website.

Away from the main cities lie the many towns and villages that give Galicia its appeal. The fishing and nautical history of the area is evident everywhere, from the tiny villages with their small docks to the fish markets, the smell of grilled sardines and the festivals that celebrate the sea and pay homage to those who lost their lives on it. Anyone holidaying in Galicia who fails to visit these bastions of the region will miss the heart of Galicia, its little ports, the towns that become deserted during the 2.00pm to 5.00pm siesta and the atmosphere that is unique to the region.

The photographs on this page (top to bottom) were taken in Pontevedra city and the town of Monforte de Lemos.