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Galicia

Spain Travel Guide

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Street in the old town of Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain

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Overview

Galicia, a unique region with its own language and distinctive culture, is home to Santiago de Compostela, the destination of more than quarter of a million souls who travel each year along the Camino de Santiago pilgrim trails. Santiago is one of Spain's most beautiful and magical cities, an exceptionally good reason for any traveller to make their way to Spain's northwestern corner.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • The Cathedral, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

    Catedral de Santiago de Compostela

    Santiago de Compostela

    The grand heart of Santiago, the cathedral soars above the city in a splendid jumble of spires and sculpture. Built piecemeal over several centuries, its…

  • Praza do Obradoiro, Santiago De Compostela; Shutterstock ID 531550018; Your name (First / Last): Tom Stainer; GL account no.: 65050 ; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial ; Full Product or Project name including edition: Best in Europe 2017

    Praza do Obradoiro

    Santiago de Compostela

    The grand square in front of the cathedral's western facade earned its name (Workshop Sq) from the stonemasons' workshops set up here while the cathedral…

  • Cathedrals Beach in the north of Spain.

    Praia As Catedrais

    Ribadeo

    This spectacular 1.5km sandy stretch is strung with awesome Gothic-looking rock towers, arches and chambers, sculpted by aeons of sea-water action. Avoid…

  • Cathedral and Roman wall of Lugo. Galicia. Spain; Shutterstock ID 583773139; Your name (First / Last): Tom Stainer; GL account no.: 65050 ; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial ; Full Product or Project name including edition: Best in Europe 2017

    Roman Walls

    Galicia

    The path running right round the top of the World Heritage–listed Roman walls is to Lugo what a maritime promenade is to a seaside resort: a place to jog,…

  • Hercules tower, A Coruna, Galicia, Spain.

    Torre de Hércules

    A Coruña

    It was actually the Romans who originally built this lighthouse at the windy northern tip of the city, in the 1st century CE – a beacon on the furthest…

  • Santo Estevo Monastery. Galicia, Spain.; Shutterstock ID 309514889; Your name (First / Last): Tom Stainer; GL account no.: 65050 ; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial ; Full Product or Project name including edition: Best in Europe 2017

    Mosteiro de Santo Estevo

    Galicia

    The enormous Mosteiro de Santo Estevo, in the steep, thickly wooded Sil valley, dates from the 12th century and has three magnificent cloisters (one…

  • Mosteiro de San Pedro de Rocas

    Mosteiro de San Pedro de Rocas

    Galicia

    This enchanting mini-monastery, founded in 573 CE, stands hidden among dense woodlands 11km south of Luintra. It contains three cave chapels, originally…

  • Museo da Catedral

    Museo da Catedral

    Santiago de Compostela

    The Cathedral Museum spreads over four floors and incorporates the cathedral's large 16th-century cloister. You'll see a sizeable section of Maestro Mateo…

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