THE BEST EXCURSIONS TO DISCOVER GALICIA
Table of Contents
THE BEST EXCURSIONS TO DISCOVER GALICIA: WHAT ARE THEY?
Galicia is one of the northern regions of Spain, representing approximately six percent of the Spanish national territory, some twenty-nine thousand square kilometers, and is well known for its incredible culture and gastronomic products. That is why it is a place increasingly visited by national and international travelers.
In fact, perhaps this area of Spain is mainly famous for its capital Santiago de Compostela, which is the destination of the largest pilgrimage network in the world, known as the Camino de Santiago.
Every year, nearly half a million pilgrims arrive in this small Spanish city to complete one of the many variants of the Jacobean route and thus obtain their official certificate, the Compostela.
But apart from this beautiful city, what other places are worth visiting in this autonomous community?
Here we will name some excursions to discover Galicia that are worth taking to get to know its best places.
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Ribeira Sacra with boat
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Rias Baixas Excursion
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Playa de Catedrales – Mariña Lucense – Asturias
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Finisterre, Muxía, Costa da Morte
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SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA AND ITS CATHEDRAL
One of the most emblematic excursions to discover Galicia is, without a doubt, a visit to Santiago de Compostela, the capital of the region.
This destination is famous for being the final point of the Camino de Santiago, one of the most important pilgrimage routes in the world. The cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a jewel of Romanesque and Baroque art, houses the tomb of the Apostle Saint James, the patron saint of Spain. Walking through the old town, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and enjoying its narrow cobbled streets, charming squares and historic buildings is a unique experience.
FINISTERRE MUXIA AND THE COAST OF DEATH
This excursion is perhaps the best known in Galicia, as the places visited are not only incredibly beautiful, but also part of the Jacobean tradition. This is why it is the most appropriate for pilgrims. In fact, after the Cathedral of Santiago, Cape Finisterre is the most visited place in all of Galicia. The tradition of visiting Finisterre is lost in the memory of time and is closely related to the ancient cults of the Bronze Age and the Iron Age.
From the seventh century BC, people from all over Gallaecia began to gather at this impressive cape to worship the solar star, perhaps due to the impressive sunsets that can be observed from this place, which quickly transformed it into a place of religious reference among the Galician people.
Según fuentes históricas y mitológicas debió de existir cerca del actual faro , este una construcción moderna del siglo XIX , o en donde estaba la capilla de San Gregorio un Ara Solis esto es, un altar dedicado al ocaso, a la puesta del Sol.
This excursion also visits several villages on the Costa da Morte, including Muxía. Another place related to the folklore and history of the Apostle Santiago. It was on this rocky coast that, during his mission to preach the Christian faith, the Virgin Mary appeared to him in a boat made entirely of stone, to encourage him in his task. To commemorate this miracle, a chapel was erected, which today we know as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Barca. In addition to its history, Muxía is a beautiful place. Its rocky coasts give rise to impressive images of the waves breaking against the rocks.
Places of indescribable beauty that are worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. A trip to discover the soul of Galicia.
RÍAS BAIXAS
A trip to Rías Baixas allows us to enjoy and discover the paradisiacal Galician coastline and explore our famous Rías, the mouths of our rivers with unique landscapes, biodiversity and gastronomy. Here you can enjoy a catamaran ride, crossing the mussel farms or taste delicious seafood and wines. For example, in Cambados, the city known as the birthplace of Albariño Wine, a grape used in the Rías Baixas Designation of Origin, the local specialty.
You can also visit the island of La Toja and the town of O Grove, where the charm of the sea is enhanced and you can soak up an authentic and unique atmosphere, full of tradition. In this place you can also visit the Capilla de la Lanzada, in Romanesque style from the late 12th century, and the town of Combarro, a dream place that invites you to stroll through its alleys full of balconies decorated with plants and flowers.
Without a doubt, a unique region that we cannot miss if we travel to Galicia, one of the best excursions that one can do on their vacation.
Read also: WHAT TO SEE IN COSTA DA MORTE
RIBEIRA SACRA AND CANYONS OF THE SIL
The Ribeira Sacra, located in the interior of Galicia, is known for its impressive landscapes of terraced vineyards that descend to the Sil River.
This region is ideal for wine lovers, as it offers the opportunity to visit traditional wineries and taste local wines, especially red wines of the Mencía variety.
One of the best ways to explore the Ribeira Sacra is to take a catamaran trip along the Sil Canyons, which offers spectacular views of the cliffs and medieval churches and monasteries that dot the region, such as San Pedro de Rocas or San Esteban de Ribas de Sil. In addition, the area has numerous hiking trails that allow you to explore its natural beauty on foot.
FRAGAS DEL EUME NATURAL PARK
For those looking for a more nature-immersed experience, the Fragas do Eume Natural Park is an excellent choice. One of the best examples of Atlantic forest in Europe, this park stretches along the Eume River and offers a variety of hiking trails that wind through lush forests, hanging bridges and ancient monasteries ruins.
The Caaveiro Monastery, located in the heart of the park, is a must-see and offers a glimpse into monastic life in the Middle Ages.
CATHEDRALS BEACH
The excursion to Playa de las Catedrales, located on the coast of Galicia, Spain, is a unique experience for nature and photography lovers.
Known for its impressive rock formations and natural arches sculpted by sea erosion, this beach offers a spectacular landscape that seems straight out of a fairy tale. When visiting, it is essential to plan according to low tide, as this is the time when you can walk along the sand and explore the caves and passages hidden between the rocks. In addition, access to the beach is regulated to preserve its natural beauty, so it is recommended to book in advance. Playa de las Catedrales is the perfect place to enjoy a day trip, combining walks along the coast, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and the opportunity to capture unforgettable memories with your camera.
Furthermore, the beach is very close to other places of interest such as Rinlo with its barnacle breeding ponds or the beautiful Pancha Island, as well as being just a stone’s throw from the Principality of Asturias, a region that is well worth visiting.
Read also : CATHEDRAL BEACH: Discovering paradise
CONCLUSION
Galicia is a region full of contrasts and natural beauty, where every excursion offers a unique and memorable experience. From historic towns to stunning natural landscapes, Galicia has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for adventure, culture or relaxation, the excursions to discover Galicia are sure to exceed your expectations.
And today, enjoying all these experiences is very easy thanks to agencies like Galicia Travels, which have a long history of organizing all kinds of trips, where travelers don’t have to worry about anything. And everything is just a click away.