There is a part of Spain that feels « less Spain »: it is Galicia, a vast green land in the far west of the nation, overlooking the northern coast and the only one to touch the Atlantic Ocean. Literally « sitting » between Portugal and the sea, Galicia shares only a few common characteristics with Spain. In fact, it is a whole “planet” on its own. And discovering it, especially in summer, will be a wonderful adventure. Galicia is served by several airports, the most important of which are La Coruña (LCG) and Santiago de Compostela (SCQ), both well connected to the rest of the country by public transport and highly efficient private transportation, including dedicated chauffeurs like those we offer at Transfeero.
A balcony overlooking the ocean
Galicia, an ancient Roman colony populated by a minor tribe of French Gauls… owes its name to the Latin word Gallaecia (little Gaul). Its Atlantic Ocean coastline has been rugged and battered by waves for millennia, so much so that today it is home to the phenomenon of « rías, » spectacular places to visit and photograph as unique features of this region. They resemble fjords, but are much more than ordinary fjords. Another Galician characteristic are its headlands and islands, grouped together in a national park that aims to protect their uniqueness. Starting from this marine balcony, we embark on a journey inland, where among the many tourist destinations, the Sanctuary of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, the finishing point of the famous « Camino » (Route), certainly stands out.
The Rías of Galicia
The Rías are deep indentations caused by the action of the sea as it invades old river valleys, increasingly eroding the soil and effectively lowering it below sea level. They are divided into the Rías Altas and Rías Baixas, depending on whether they are north or south of the westernmost point of Finisterra.
The Rías Altas occupy the northern coast, covering a large portion of the province of A Coruña and home to treasures such as the Tower of Hercules (the oldest functioning lighthouse in the world), the San Andrés Sanctuary, the Pastimes Park (the world’s first « theme park »), and the Fragas do Eume nature reserve. The southern Rías, the « lower » ones, extend as far as the province of Pontevedra, including the Ría Pontevedra with its Islands National Park. These are the most touristy « rías », opening onto some of Galicia’s most beautiful beaches.
Santiago de Compostela
The capital of Galicia, Santiago de Compostela is also one of the most famous cities in the world, the finishing point of the Camino de Santiago. It is home to the Sanctuary of St. James the Greater, where the body of the apostle rest. What was originally a Catholic pilgrimage has now become a very intense life and tourism experience.
There are hundreds of reasons that drive people from every corner of the world to undertake this arduous journey (several very long itineraries) on foot: faith, hope, athletic challenge, and the desire to experience something new. The final stop is the magnificent Sanctuary of St. James, built in the 13th century and expanded during the Baroque period, which today stands out with two tall bell towers and three different façades. Inside, the « Botafumeiro, » an enormous 1.5-meter-tall incense burner, is certainly worth admiring!
Santiago is a cultural city, and its two most important museums are the Pilgrim’s Museum, which collects stories and artifacts from the many who have walked the Camino, and the Museum of the Galician People, where visitors can learn about the region in all its facets. To relax, stroll the shady paths of Belvís Park, the largest and most beautiful in the city.
The Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago (Santiago Route) is one of the most famous pilgrimage routes in the world.
There are several itineraries, but the best-known is the French Way, which crosses northern Spain for approximately 800 kilometers. Along the way, pilgrims pass through diverse landscapes, including mountains, countryside, historic villages, and large cities. Each stage offers the opportunity to meet new people and experience local cultures and traditions.
A characteristic symbol of the Camino is the scallop shell, used to indicate the direction to follow. At the end of the journey, pilgrims receive the « Compostela », a paper certifying completion of the journey. The Camino de Santiago is therefore not only a geographical destination, but also an important inner journey. Walking for days or weeks allows you to escape the daily grind, rediscover a slower pace of life, and appreciate the simplicity of essential things.
Other stops on a Galician itinerary
Beyond the Rías and its most famous city, Galicia still offers many aspects that can fascinate the passing tourist. So much so that he/she might decide to return… or stay longer.
A short distance from Santiago stands Pazo de Oca, a true « palace » in pure Galician architectural style dating back to the 15th century. It is known here as « the Spanish Versailles », partly due to the beautiful surrounding park, full of plants, streams, ponds, and statues. Another Galician capital worth discovering is Lugo: a Roman city with airy spaces dominated by medieval buildings (towers, city walls, palaces), among which the cathedral and the Old Bridge stand out. On the Lugo coast, admire the Catadràis, enormous sea stacks (30 meters high) eternally sculpted by the sea in the shape of gigantic ships! Travel instead to the Vigo area to stroll along Samil beach, or along the trails of Castrelos Park, or go discover O Castro, a 17th-century fortress with the remains of an ancient Celtic settlement.
The natural spectacles of Galicia are also fascinating monuments. Climb to the Balcón de Madrid, a viewpoint overlooking the gorges of the Síl River… along which boats once glided carrying migrants to the Spanish capital. From this viewpoint, family members would look out to bid them farewell for the last time. To admire the Ezaro waterfall, return to the A Coruña area and look out from a cliff where you can see this unique waterfall as it plunges directly into the ocean. Off the coast of Pontevedra, you can embark to visit the Ons Islands, the largest of which is 5 kilometers long and home to herring gulls, migratory birds, fishermen and even exotic beaches much loved by nudists!
