Galicia, in the northwest corner of Spain, is a lush, green coastal gem that is not the first thought among travelers to Spain.
It's a hidden, unspoiled oasis that I have come to call my second home.
Here are 5 reasons why I can't wait to return to Galicia this summer:
1. The food...
Queso de tetilla y rosca (pan de huevo)
Amazing, fresh seafood
Pulpo (octopus) gallego...not a personal favorite, but a Galician must-have
Empanadas
And a vast array of the freshest vegetables and fruits, grown with love.
2. You never know who you will meet...
Like John Lennon...
Or a wandering musician
Or even this guy...
3. There's interesting architecture to see
Like hórreos
And castles on the side of the road.
4. And then there's the churches...
And the big ones, like the Cathedral in Santiago de Compestela
Or this one inside the Roman Wall in Lugo.
5. And last, but not least, the spectacular landscapes...
Rias Baixas...Pontevedra
I'm queen of the world at Finisterre!
If you have the opportunity to visit Spain, consider Galicia. The people are so kind and there is so much to explore. You will soon see why this seemingly quiet corner of Spain has stolen my heart.
Have you ever been to Galicia?
I hadn't ever considered Galicia before, but it looks lovely. Oh and the food looks really delicious. Eating local food is my fave thing about visiting new countries!
ReplyDeleteGalicia is lovely, Sarah. I love to eat the local food too. The people are so kind and the landscape is spectacular. It's definitely a place to add to you Spain itinerary.
DeleteGalicia is my first home Kelly and has been for over 12 years. It's a privilege to call it home. A hidden paradise away from the crowded costas - even in the middle of summer.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for stopping by, Craig. I am still learning my way around Galicia, but love what I have seen so far. It truly is a hidden gem. I'm looking forward to returning in July. Thank you, again.
DeleteWhat a beautiful place. Spain is one of the countries I want to visit in the future. It looks so lovely!
ReplyDeleteHi Zakkiya. Spain has so much to offer in so many ways. I hope you have the opportunity to visit someday. Thank you so much for visiting. :-)
DeleteWhat a lovely place. I visited Spain many years ago, but we didn't go into Galicia. We stayed down in the south eastern area of the country. It was a beautiful country and I would love to go back again someday!
ReplyDeleteHi Meredith. The south of the country is so very popular for so many reasons, but the north of Spain has so much to offer as well. I hope you have the opportunity to visit someday. Thank you so much for visiting. :-)
DeleteYour pictures are so lovely! I'd love to travel more around Spain (we've only been to Barcelona.)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anna Belle. Barcelona is so very popular for so many reasons, but the rest of Spain has so much to offer as well. I hope you have the opportunity to visit again someday. Thank you so much for visiting. :-)
DeleteI had an aunt who lived for many years in Malaga, which is on the southern coast. Spain is on my bucket list of places to visit and I've heard so many great things about the country. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe south of the country is so very popular for so many reasons, but the rest of Spain has so much to offer as well. I hope you have the opportunity to visit someday. Thank you so much for visiting. :-)
DeleteFood, landscapes, lovely buildings, sounds like a great place to visit to me!
ReplyDeleteHi Kiki,
DeleteIt truly is a fabulous destination with so much to offer. I hope you have the opportunity to explore someday. Thank you so much for stopping by.
Totally agree Kelly! Galicia is fabulous....haven't been for a while but we used to go for family hols there...renting a different house each year back in the early and mid 90s...a truly unique and special part of Spain
ReplyDeleteHello, Patrick.
DeleteIt's funny because, while Galicia does not top most people's must-see list, once they do see it, they are eager to return. It's magical in its own way. I love it more every time I go. Thank you so much for stopping by.
That's really cool! One of my friends is studying galician literature and introduced me to their culture and it's wonderful! Last summer I visited right next door in Asturias and so many things remind me of this. The seafood (octopus! so delicious!), the architecture and definitely the gorgeous small coastal villages :)
ReplyDeleteHi Camila,
DeleteWe spent time in Asturias last summer...so much fun. Asturias and Galicia are very similar. I'm not a fan of the octopus, but I do like a lot of the other seafood...a true foodie destination. Thank you so much for visiting. :-)
Beautiful! That scallop shell church is amazing.
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful, Steph. And people have left messages on all available spaces, so it's fun to read as well. La Toja is a place to see, for sure. :-) Happy Wednesday.
Delete¡Hola! Galicia and Asturias remind me of Ireland, Scotland and French Brittany a lot! They're green, they play the bagpipe, and many people are blonde with blue eyes. They also drink cider, I love how they pour the cider, the escanciado, have you seen it? Ask your waiter next time you're there! Lovely lands! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteBest regards from Barcelona,
Marta
http://abilingualbb.blogspot.com.es/
¡Hola, Marta! Mucho gusto! You are so correct...Galicia and Asturias must be cousins and both are cousins to Ireland, Scotland and Brittany. We spent time in Asturias last summer and my husband did a great job pouring the cider. :-) You can smell the cider in the streets...maybe because some is spilled as they try to pour it. Nevertheless, it is so much fun. :-) Again, it's so nice to meet you. Thank you so much for visiting.
DeleteAs you know, I just returned from my first trip there (to Pontevedra and Vigo) and they were both spectacular!!!!! We stayed in Vigo and it was one of the most beautiful places with the best tasting food EVER. None of us wanted to leave. I will also never forget running though the streets of Pontevedra!!! It was like the running of the bulls but I was the bull. Perfection.
ReplyDeleteYes, Ali...congratulations!!! I'm so glad you had a great time. I can't wait to read about your journey. :-)
DeleteThanks a lot for your kind words!! I'm Galician, I live un Vigo and I loved tour repor.
ReplyDeleteOne thing you haven't mentioned and it worths it are Cíes Island. Remenber this visir next time you come over!
¡Hola, Victoria! Mucho gusto! We live part time outside of La Coruña, near Carballo. We return in July. It's funny that you mention Cíes Island..it's on our destination list for this summer. I cannot wait to explore. Thank you so much for visiting. :-)
DeleteThanks a lot for your kind words!! I'm Galician, I live un Vigo and I loved tour repor.
ReplyDeleteOne thing you haven't mentioned and it worths it are Cíes Island. Remenber this visir next time you come over!
¡Hola, Victoria! Mucho gusto! We live part time outside of La Coruña, near Carballo. We return in July. It's funny that you mention Cíes Island..it's on our destination list for this summer. I cannot wait to explore. Thank you so much for visiting. :-)
DeleteThe scallop church is so pretty! That is one huge empanada!! Yum!
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful, Kerry. And people have left messages on all available spaces, so it's fun to read as well. La Toja is a place to see, for sure. :-) And the empanadas are often filled with bonito (liek tuna) or mussels or sometimes, meat. They are delicious! Happy Wednesday. :-)
DeleteWow that place looks amazing! Great pics Kelly! I would love to go to Spain - maybe someday!
ReplyDeleteHi Carolann,
DeleteI hope you do have the opportunity to go to Spain someday. There is so much to see and do. It's a fabulous vacation destination.
I've heard of Finisterre before but not of Galicia. Anyways, it seems to be a place worth a visit. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Van,
DeleteFinisterre is in the top northwest corner of Galicia, in the northwest corner of Spain. It's a fun place to visit and explore. Thank you!
Wow! Amazing sights and amazing food! You've added Galicia to my travel bucket list!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear that! Galicia is a gem. It's not most people's first thought when they think of Spain, but it should be in the top three. ;-) You will love it. :-)
DeleteBeautiful! I will have to add this little gem to my Spain list. I love those rock windows in the sea, and the food looks fabulous! I guess it is Spain, after all :)
ReplyDeleteHi Amy. I'm so happy to hear that! Galicia is a gem, for sure. It's not most people's first thought when they think of Spain, but it should be in the top three. ;-) And the Cathedrals beach is spectacular...those rocks are submerged at high tide...a must see. You will love it. :-)
DeleteI'd love to visit here! I had never even considered or heard much about Galicia but I love hidden gems like this.
ReplyDeleteHi, Sammi! I'm so happy to hear that! Galicia is a gem, for sure. It's not most people's first thought when they think of Spain, but it should be in the top three. ;-) You will love it. :-
DeleteGreat post but what about our wines? ;)
ReplyDeleteYou're so right. Albariño is a daily treat when I am in Galicia. :-)
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