I am soon heading off to Galicia in mid-March so I wanted to share my top reasons to visit Galicia. It is the northernmost region of Spain known for its mountainous terrain, word-class seafood, and for being the home to one of the most frequented pilgrimage sites in the world- Santiago de Compostela.
Also see our list of Top 5 Towns in Visit in Galicia, Spain
This city is the end point of the Camino de Santiago (walk of St. James). It is where the remains of the apostle St. James are said to be held. Each year, hundreds of people set out to walk the 500 miles (800 km) from St. Jean de Pied, France to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. But because of the extensive distance many people begin their journey closer to the finish line, in Spain.
Another reason to visit Galicia is that it is jam-packed with history. Since the time of the Neanderthals, many societies have moved through the region like the Celts, Romans, Suevi (Germans), Visigoths and Moors (Arabs). Its past has undoubtedly influenced all facets of its modern culture, and this is why my 14-day trip through the region seems a bit short to me. Since I’m always eager to explore every country in-depth, I’m already thinking how it is going to be possible to cover so much ground in this distinct place many consider to be its own country. I cannot wait to explore this fascinating area. It will be a trip to remember and one I am excited to share with all of you.
Here are just a few of my top reasons to visit Galicia and why it merits way more time than I have planned for it:
1. Galicia is home to five major cathedrals, one of which is located in Santiago de Compostela.
2. They speak Gallego, which is another form of Spanish that is the root for the Portuguese language.
3. The ancient Romans ruled here over 2,000 years ago and their ruins are scattered throughout the region. There is even an ancient Roman lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules, still standing. It is located about 1 mile from A Coruña.
4. The seafood is always fresh and they have the best octopus in the world.
5. Santiago de Compostela. This vibrant place is where people from all over the world come together after the daunting, but spiritual Camino de Santiago.
6. Because I’m finally going back to Spain to visit the region that I have been dreaming about for years!
I plan to drive from Madrid to Ourense, Vigo, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, and Lugo, visiting several small towns and sites along the way. I am excited to finally visit the region that my brother in law has spoken so much about. Hopefully I’ll be walking there next time when I complete the Camino de Santiago, which is solidified on the bucket list.
Stay tuned for videos, posts, pictures and city guides of beautiful Galicia.
Have you ever visited Galicia? What are your favorite places there? Leave us a comment below!
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Belén says:
Hey, i just write this comment to let you know that Galician is not “another form of Spanish that is the root for the Portuguese language” as you wrote.
It is a language that, as well as Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French and many languages more, has its root in latin. Portuguese and Galician were the same language long long time ago but they continued developing themselves separetly and resulted in two different languages. So, Galician is a language as the others, not a form of anything.
Thanks for read, regards.
Elvira Giordano says:
Since my parents are both born in Europe mum in la coruna Spain, dad outside Naples a little village called tramonti the province of Salerno.
alternate years we would visit family and friends in Italy and family and friends in Spain.
I always loved visiting la coruna because it was full of history and small hidden beaches.
mum is 83 years young now and we are planning to go to visit again hopefully not for the last time.