Visit Galicia, Spain

Tucked above Portugal in a northern corner of Spain, Galicia is embraced by the Atlantic Ocean and blessed with a landscape that wows at every turn.

Big Atlantic breakers pummel brilliant-white beaches. Verdant valleys roll down to the sea. And lush forests hug ancient hiking trails that criss-cross the countryside to Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of one of the world’s oldest pilgrimages.

From medieval towns to modern art museums, Galicia’s craggy coastline is filled with ancient port cities brimming with history, culture, and gastronomy. You’ll discover A Coruña, home to urban beaches and the world’s oldest working Roman lighthouse, and Vigo, which has what many say is the best seafood on Earth.

Jutting inland, you’ll find the vine-striped slopes of Rias Baixas, home of albariño, Spain’s crisp white wine, and a soaring Romanesque cathedral in grand capital Santiago on whose granite steps pilgrims drink red wine from scallop shells.

Pontevedra: city and beyond

Surrounded by hills, Pontevedra is a port city built around a network of medieval squares with plentiful terraces for sipping local wines. You’ll discover a museum flush with Renaissance art, and the Church of the Pilgrim Virgin with its floor shaped like a scallop shell — the symbol of the pilgrimage that passes through Pontevedra.

Beyond the city, we can help you explore the charming coastal town of Combarro with its traditional horreos (stone granaries), or tour Bodega Adega Eidos, a family-owned winery where you can sample distinctive albariños.

Vigo: town and estuary

Within the province of Pontevedra lies remote port city Vigo, whose Roman seaport roots have left a historic quarter with a strong maritime character. You can explore these origins at the Galician Museum of the Sea or wander the hilly narrow streets in search of the freshest seafood, from oysters to razor clams.

The city, Galicia’s largest, is also an excellent jumping-off point for exploring coastal villages. We can arrange for you to tour the Vigo estuary on an e-bike, where you’ll take in coastal views, beaches, and traditional fishing village, Bouzas.

Islas Cíes

Reachable from Vigo by boat, the Cíes archipelago comprises three untamed islands, whose salt-white beaches and crystal waters are protected as part of the Galicia National Park. You can stroll along dune-backed Rodas Beach, seabirds swooping overhead, or hike on trails through woodlands, over rocky terrain, and up to one of three lighthouses, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic island views.

Camino de Santiago

Dating to the 9th century, Camino de Santiago is a storied pilgrimage to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, said to house the remains of Saint James the Apostle. We can arrange for you to trek the most popular part of the Camino Francés (French Way) over five days. This 115 km (71 miles) stretch winds across northern Spain around a vast swathe of Galicia’s mountains, deep river valleys, and remote stone villages. Alternatively, a private guide can lead you on the final stage of this route, a 15 km (nine miles) stretch into the city.

Santiago de Compostela

This elegant city marks the final stop for pilgrims trekking the Camino de Santiago. You’ll see them gather next to the 1,000-year-old cathedral with its soaring towers, or crowd around the gilded Baroque altar inside.

A private guide can take you on a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture, historic piazzas, and museums — including one dedicated to contemporary art. Or, join a walking food tour where an expert epicurean will lead you to tiny tapas bars to feast on octopus and scallop empanadas.

Best time to visit Galicia

With a climate of mild winters and warm summers, Galicia is a region open to visitors year-round. Our specialists recommend visiting between April and June, when the weather is most pleasant, and between May and September if you want to explore the region’s coastal areas.