Coming from one of the first Celtic tribes in Europe, anciently known as ‘the end of the world’, the north-westernmost region of Spain is ready to welcome you during your trip.
Don’t hesitate, the land of a thousand rivers might just have everything you need to make it until the end of the year. Especially if you take advantage of the upcoming Black Friday and get your coupon for the Barcelo black Friday deals for the most comfortable accommodation in the area.
Spain is a beautiful country and Galicia, however different they claim to be from the rest of the country, is just as gorgeous: spectacular hills, extensive green lands, gentle rivers, an enchanting language and a culture that mixes its Celtic roots with the Hispanic heritage. Keep reading and find out what you can’t miss when visiting Galicia.
Let’s start at the end: Cape Finisterre
This cape is located in the town Fisterra, a town that owes the name to the fact that Romans believe that’s where the world ended and some even thought it was the palace where the sun died after dusk. However gloomy this may sound, Fisterra is quite a magical place and so has been considered since the beginning.
When visiting the town, make sure you go to the harbor, in Costa da Morte which literally translates to Death Coast. The fishing village is also an interesting place to take a stroll around and you can later visit the lighthouse to get an inspiring view of the cliffs that face the Atlantic Ocean.
You can also go to the ruins of the San Guillerme chapel which is highly visited by couples who can’t get pregnant to be granted the fertility that is believed to fill the place.
Santa Trega: a Celtic hill fort
The village is over three hundred meters above sea level, so here you’ll be able to get a full view of the Celtic hill fort. The exceptional view alone is worth the travel, but considering this is a piece of history and art, you might want to get a guide that tells you through the history of the place.
Basically, the location wasn’t chosen by the people because of the views, but because it was a strategic position: from here, they could control the Miño River, a major traffic sea.
In the town, you can visit the archaeological museum to learn about how the Celtics of the region lived. You’ll be able to see pottery and jewelry pieces they made and traded.
If you have the time, visit the fishing harbor and enjoy the sunset at the cafes nearby.
Coruña and the Tower of Hercules
The Tower is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m during this part of the year. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage and it sits in the harbor A Coruña.
As you might have figured by the name, there’s a legend involving the demigod Hercule that gives name to the Tower. According to it, Hercules built it as a celebration of a victory, after fighting the giant Geryon in order to free the land from the tyrant’s hands.
During your visit, you can access the top and get a full view of Coruña and the Atlantic Ocean. After that, you can take a stroll around town and see the historical buildings and monuments there.
Santiago de Compostela
This is the capital of Galicia and it is the first must-see in the list. Or it should be! Santiago has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage and it is the city where thousands of pilgrims gather after walking long journeys every year in order to reach the famous Cathedral.
Whether you’re going to make the Camino de Santiago or not, the city has many other spots to discover. The Cathedral is awe-inspiring and you can also visit the squares surrounding it.
If you’re after a more modern experience, you can visit the Galego Centre of Contemporary Art, a majestic construction built by the Portuguese architect, Álvaro Siza. From the terrace of the building, you can get an astounding view of the city and the historic downtown. Together with the San Domingos de Bonaval chapel and the square, the museum is part of the modern tradition of the city.
If you want to get a true Galician experience, visit the Abastos Market to meet the locals at the same time you shop for some local sea-food and fresh vegetables. If you’re not cooking on your trip, you can also have some take-away meals there and enjoy a traditional dish. Besides, the architecture of the place will make your stroll even more pleasant.
The whole region is filled with culture, history, art and nature. Even if it is just a four-day trip, your experience will be nothing but great at the ever-charming Galicia!
Pack your bags, book a flight and come enjoy this magnificent land!
