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Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Galicia: The Hidden Gem that Stole My Heart

NOTE: This post first appeared last June, but the same is true today, and I have updated it with some links to related posts. Enjoy!


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...

 Like this one covered in scallop shells in La Toja


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?


42 comments:

  1. 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!

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    1. Galicia 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.

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  2. Galicia 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.

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    1. Thank 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.

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  3. What a beautiful place. Spain is one of the countries I want to visit in the future. It looks so lovely!

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    1. Hi 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. :-)

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  4. What 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!

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    1. Hi 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. :-)

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  5. Your pictures are so lovely! I'd love to travel more around Spain (we've only been to Barcelona.)

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    1. Thank 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. :-)

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  6. I 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!

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    1. The 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. :-)

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  7. Food, landscapes, lovely buildings, sounds like a great place to visit to me!

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    1. Hi Kiki,
      It 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.

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  8. 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

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    1. Hello, Patrick.
      It'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.

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  9. 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 :)

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    1. Hi Camila,
      We 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. :-)

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  10. Beautiful! That scallop shell church is amazing.

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    1. It 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.

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  11. ¡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!
    Best regards from Barcelona,
    Marta
    http://abilingualbb.blogspot.com.es/

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    1. ¡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.

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  12. As 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.

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    1. Yes, Ali...congratulations!!! I'm so glad you had a great time. I can't wait to read about your journey. :-)

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  13. Thanks a lot for your kind words!! I'm Galician, I live un Vigo and I loved tour repor.
    One thing you haven't mentioned and it worths it are Cíes Island. Remenber this visir next time you come over!

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    1. ¡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. :-)

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  14. Thanks a lot for your kind words!! I'm Galician, I live un Vigo and I loved tour repor.
    One thing you haven't mentioned and it worths it are Cíes Island. Remenber this visir next time you come over!

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    1. ¡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. :-)

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  15. The scallop church is so pretty! That is one huge empanada!! Yum!

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    1. It 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. :-)

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  16. Wow that place looks amazing! Great pics Kelly! I would love to go to Spain - maybe someday!

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    1. Hi Carolann,
      I 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.

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  17. I've heard of Finisterre before but not of Galicia. Anyways, it seems to be a place worth a visit. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Hi Van,
      Finisterre 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!

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  18. Wow! Amazing sights and amazing food! You've added Galicia to my travel bucket list!

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    1. I'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. :-)

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  19. Beautiful! 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 :)

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    1. Hi 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. :-)

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  20. I'd love to visit here! I had never even considered or heard much about Galicia but I love hidden gems like this.

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    1. Hi, 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. :-

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  21. Great post but what about our wines? ;)

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    1. You're so right. Albariño is a daily treat when I am in Galicia. :-)

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