Galicia region

Detailed Satellite map Galicia

Geographically, an important feature of Galicia is the presence of many fjord-like indentations on the coast. The spectacular landscapes and wildness of the coast attract great numbers of tourists. This region has so many small rivers that it has been called the "land of the thousand rivers". The most important of the rivers are the Miño and the Sil, which has a spectacular canyon. Galicia has preserved few of its dense Atlantic forests where wildlife is commonly found. It is relatively unpolluted, and its landscape composed of green hills, cliffs are very different from what is commonly understood as Spanish landscape. The weather is dominated by the proximity of Galicia to the Atlantic, with mild temperatures throughout the year.

In Galicia it is still easy to find old-time hospitality, which has become harder and harder to find in other parts of Spain. Along the seaside it is possible to find amazing long beaches to enjoy: sailing, fishing, diving are well know activities. And, even in summer, a lot of beaches are not really crammed with tourists. The inland offers green, wide and open spaces, as well as mountains to go across. In the north it is possible to visit the astonishing Death’s Coast, one of the most abrupt coastlines in Europe.

The first cultures which left their tracks in Galicia were Celtic, while Romans left as a legacy the walls of Lugo, the bridge of Ourense, and the Tower of Hercules. Middle Ages were marked by the discovery of the tomb of the Apostle Santiago. Thousands of pilgrims made their way to the cathedral of the newly founded town Santiago de Compostela, and the world-famous Way of Santiago, which is surrounded by numerous churches, monasteries and chapels of high historical and artistic value, was formed.

The main cities in Galicia are Santiago de Compostela, la Coruna, Lugo, Tui, Ferrol, Pontevedra, Ourense, Vigo and Lugo. Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of Galicia and is some 30km inland from the coast. It has a famous cathedral and a beautiful medieval area. It is the regions most visited city and also has a famous pilgrimage associated with its long history. Lugo city surrounded by a 1700 year old Roman wall has clearly defined old and new towns. La Coruna is a tourist rich city with an ancient lighthouse dating back to Roman times. It also has castles and the remains of an old Roman wall.

Spain is a nation of festivals visitors and Galicia is no exception with regional, provincial, town, culinary, produce and fishing festivals celebrating anything and everything. The spoken languages are Galician, the local language derived from Latin, closely related to Portuguese. Since the end of the 20th century, the Galician language has an official status.