{"id":36019,"date":"2023-12-13T10:55:27","date_gmt":"2023-12-13T09:55:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/que-ver-en-galicia\/"},"modified":"2025-09-17T17:42:54","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T15:42:54","slug":"things-to-do-in-galicia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-galicia\/","title":{"rendered":"30 best things to do in Galicia and places to visit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Where to stay in Galicia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"best
Casa Lourido<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
Check hotels in Galicia<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before showing you the things to do in Galicia, I want to give you some advice on accommodation, since it is one of the most important steps when organizing a trip. You have to think about whether you are going to spend every night in the same hotel or whether you want to divide your stay between two or more bases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It will depend on the duration of the trip, your preferences and whether you are going to focus on a specific area or want to visit the entire region. If you need help, I recommend you read my guide on where to stay in Galicia<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boutique hotels in Galicia<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you want to stay in a charming hotel in Galicia, here are some recommendations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Casa Lourido<\/a> is one of my favorite hotels in Galicia. It is located on the outskirts of a coastal town called Sada, about 20 km from A Coru\u00f1a. It is a family hotel in which everything is taken care of in detail. The rooms are spacious and furnished with all the essentials. The courtyard full of plants and flowers is just lovely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"hotels
Caba\u00f1as Fisterra<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Another very good looking hotel in Galicia is Caba\u00f1as Fisterra<\/a>. It is in one of my favorite corners of Galicia, Fisterra, and the view from the private terrace is spectacular. The rooms are also very charming and include a kitchen and a Jacuzzi. They also offer various activities and massages as well. It is the perfect place to stay if you are visiting Costa da Morte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"que
Hotel Quinta de San Amaro<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I also recommend Hotel Quinta de San Amaro<\/a>. It is located in Mea\u00f1o Valley, in Pontevedra’s countryside. This hotel is a perfect place to relax and unwind and visit R\u00edas Baixas. It has a garden and swimming pool with a very beautiful view. This hotel also offers a free visit to Albari\u00f1o winery, which includes a tasting. Pets are allowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to do in Galicia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ready to get to know the best places to visit in Galicia? Let\u2019s begin!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\ude97 Do you need to rent a car for your trip to Galicia? I recommend checking out Discover Cars<\/a>, a highly-rated car rental search platform. I have used it several times and it has always been great!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Cies Islands, one of the best places to visit in Galicia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"cies
Cies Islands<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Cies Islands are an archipelago in the province of Pontevedra. It is one of the most popular places in Galicia and a destination that any tourist who visits Galicia should visit. The three islands are Monteagudo, do Faro and San Mart\u00edn. They stand out for their fine sand beaches and crystal clear waters. One of the most beautiful places in the Cies Islands is Playa de Rodas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re interested in visiting the islands, you must request an authorization on this website.<\/a> However, if you book your ferry to the Cies Islands here<\/a>, they’ll take care of transfers and provide you with the authorization. Less things to worry about!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Cathedrals Beach (Lugo), it\u2019ll leave you speechless<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"catedrales
Cathedrals Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This beach is one of the most popular and impressive beaches in Galicia for good reason. It is an authentic natural monument. Cathedrals Beach is located in the Ribadeo region, in the province of Lugo. What makes this beach so incredible is its incredible arched rock formations. You don’t want to miss the Isla Pancha Lighthouse, located near this beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that in order to visit Cathedrals Beach, you have to make an entrance reservation. You can make a reservation on this website<\/a>. If you want to visit this place in a different way, have a look at this boat ride along Cathedrals Beach<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Combarro (Pontevedra), a charming town you worth visiting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"pueblos
Combarro<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This town is not only one of the most beautiful places to visit in Galicia but also one of the most charming towns in Spain according to many. Combarro is a very picturesque fishing village where you can see numerous granaries (traditional buildings on columns designed to preserve food) and cruceiros (stone crosses). If you want to know a bit more about the history of this Galician town, do not forget to stroll through its historic center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Visiting Santiago de Compostela, one of the best things to do in Galicia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"one
Santiago de Compostela<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A trip to Galicia isn’t complete without including a visit to Santiago de Compostela, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain<\/a>. One of the best places in the city is Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, where the famous \u201cCamino de Santiago\u201d ends. I suggest you to take this guided tour of the cathedral<\/a>. You should also visit San Marti\u00f1o Pinario Monastery, Alameda Park and the Abastos Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also recommend joining this free tour of the historic center<\/a>. You will learn very interesting historical and cultural facts. If you want to spend the night in the city, don’t miss my post on where to stay in Santiago de Compostela<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Fisterra (A Coru\u00f1a), ready to get to know the end of the world?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"fisterra\"
Source: Fresco Tours \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Fisterra is located in Costa da Morte (Death Coast). The Romans thought it was the westernmost point on earth, hence its name. You will see many pilgrims walking from Santiago de Compostela to Cape Finisterre. I recommend going for a walk through the historic center and visiting the Cape Finisterre Lighthouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for beaches, you definitely don’t want to miss Mar de F\u00f3ra, a spectacular beach. I recommend going for sunset!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Do Sil Canyon – Ribeira Sacra, a natural wonder in Galicia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"top
Source: Rafael O. P. \/ CC BY-NC 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ribeira Sacra is located in the southern area of \u200b\u200bLugo, north of Ourense province. Its a place where the banks of the Cabe, Sil and Mi\u00f1o rivers meet. I recommend visiting Do Sil canyon. If you are going to visit this part of Galicia, I recommend taking a look at the Ribeira Sacra tourism website<\/a> where you\u2019ll be able to find information about the place. If you prefer joining an organized tour, take a look at all the guided tours available in the Ribeira Sacra<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Santa Comba Beach (A Coru\u00f1a)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is not very known by tourists; however, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Galicia. Santa Comba Beach is located about 12 km away from Ferrol. Its turquoise water and surrounding nature makes this beach one of the best beaches in Galicia. There is a church on one of the cliffs near the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. A Coru\u00f1a, don’t miss Hercules Tower<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"a
Source: bgrimmni \/ CC BY-NC-ND 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A Coru\u00f1a is a city in Galicia that should be on your itinerary if you’re going to visit the northwestern part of Spain. After taking a walk through the historic center, I recommend visiting the Tower of Hercules, one of the best places to visit in Galicia. Rosa Dos Ventos is located near the tower. You don’t want to miss it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other places to visit in A Coru\u00f1a are Plaza Maria Pita, the San Pedro viewpoint, Port of A Coru\u00f1a and the San Anton castle. I recommend taking a look at all the guided tours in A Coru\u00f1a<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Roman wall of Lugo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"what
Source: byb64 \/ CC BY-NC-SA<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of the most interesting places to visit in Galicia is the Roman Wall of Lugo. The wall, more than 2 km long, surrounds Lugo’s historic center. It has a total of 85 towers, of which 71 are preserved today, and 10 gates. Don’t miss \u201cPuerta de Santiago\u201d. The best way to get to know the wall is by walking in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another interesting place to see in Lugo is the Cathedral of Lugo. If you want to get to know the city better, I recommend taking a free tour of Lugo<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Costa da Morte, a must see place in Galicia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"costa
Costa da Morte<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although I\u2019ve already mentioned Fisterra, Costa da Morte has plenty of places to visit. Some of the places that you cannot miss on your visit to this part of Galicia are Cascada del Ezaro, Cabo Vilan-Camari\u00f1as, Carnota Beach, Laxe Beach and Touri\u00f1an Lighthouse. I recommend road-tripping through this part of Galicia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfe5 Remember it is very important to purchase travel insurance for Spain<\/a> if you don’t have medical coverage in this country. I always use and recommend the company Heymondo, where I can offer you a 5% discount on your travel insurance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Cambados (Pontevedra), a charming town in Galicia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"best
Source: Quim Perell\u00f3 \/ CC BY-NC-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cambados is a charming town in Pontevedra worth visiting. Apart from being the capital of Albari\u00f1o, it has many beautiful corners worth visiting such as, Santa Mari\u00f1a Dozo ruins, Fefi\u00f1\u00e1ns Square, A Pastora viewpoint and San Sadorni\u00f1o tower. Don\u2019t forget to visit Lanzada Beach as well as Siradella viewpoint, located 20 kilometers from Cambados. The view is incredible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Tui (Pontevedra), don’t forget to visit the cathedral<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"tuy
Source: Julio R. F. \/ CC BY<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tui is one of the most beautiful towns in Galicia. It has 17,000 inhabitants and is located in the province of Pontevedra, near the Portuguese-Spanish border. One of the most popular cathedrals in Galicia is located in Tui, the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Tui. It is romanesque and gothic in style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After visiting the town, you can take a walk through Mount Aloya, located in the outskirts of the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Santa Trega Mountain (Pontevedra), one of the best viewpoints in Galicia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"what
Things to do in Galicia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Santa Trega mountain is located in La Guardia which is southeast of Pontevedra. One of the most beautiful places to visit in this area is Castro de Santa Trega which is an archaeological site once part of a Castrexo-Roman town inhabited between 4th century BC and 1st century AD. Don\u2019t forget to enjoy the incredible view from Santa Trega Mountain viewpoint. I recommend visiting the viewpoint locates in Facho Peak and San Francisco Peak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. Ourense, don\u2019t forget to visit the hot springs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"best
Ourense<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The city of Ourense is also worth visiting during your trip to Galicia. You can walk through its beautiful historic center and enjoy its amazing restaurants. One of the best activities in Ourense is visiting the hot springs. Some of the most popular ones are As Burgas, in the center of the old town, and Outariz hot spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t forget to visit the Cathedral of Ourense, the medieval bridge of Ourense, Plaza del Hierro, San Lazaro Park and San Francisco Convent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. Visiting Souto da Retorta, one of the best things to do in Galicia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"best
Source: RodrigoRega \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Souto de Retorta, also known as the Chavin eucalyptus, is a eucalyptus forest located in the province of Lugo. Avo, which is one of tallest eucalyptus specimens on the continent can be found in Souto da Retorta. Avo was planted in 1880 and measure 67 meters high. There is a 2 km marked route to make the walk easier. It takes about an hour to hike the trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. Castro de Baro\u00f1a, beautiful place to visit in A Coru\u00f1a<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"what
Source: Jorjum \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You can visit many famous forts throughout Galicia. These forts are fortified towns where the inhabitants of Galicia took refuge during the wars. One of the most spectacular forts is Castro de Baro\u00f1a which was built on rocks next to a beach. It was occupied between the 1st centuries BC and 1 AD. A total of 20 houses of circular or oval shape were preserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

17. Mondo\u00f1edo (Lugo), one of the most beautiful towns in Galicia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"places
Places to visit in Galicia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mondo\u00f1edo, located in the province of Lugo, is one of the best places to visit in Galicia. It was once the capital of one of the 7 provinces from the Old Kingdom of Galicia. Monda\u00f1edo Cathedral is one of the best places top visit in town and one that you should visit. The cathedral is of roman-gothic style. You must visit the historic center of town and taste some of the tasty food. Rei Cintolo Cave, located near Mondo\u00f1edo, is also a place worth visiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

18. Loiba Bench, one of the best viewpoints in Galicia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Loiba
Source: amaianos \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Loiba Bench is known as one of the most beautiful benches in the world. It is located in Coitelo Viewpoint, on the Loiba cliff (Ortigueira). You can enjoy wonderful views of the entire area, which extends from Cabo Estaca de Bares to Cabo Ortegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

19. San Andres de Teixido, a well known place among pilgrims<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"San
Source: Juan J. H. \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

San Andr\u00e9s de Teixido is a village located east of Cedeira region, in A Coru\u00f1a. The sanctuary of San Andr\u00e9s de Teixido is located in this village. The sanctuary is a famous pilgrimage site. I recommend visiting this sanctuary as it has historic importance. The sanctuary is also beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a legend in this place that says “vai de morto quen non foi de vivo” (they who did not visit alive will visit when they are dead), so if you don’t go now, don’t worry. You will visit this town regardless!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20. Os Ancares, a unique place to visit in Galicia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"one
Source: Fernando Garc\u00eda \/ CC BY-NC 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you want to get lost in nature, I recommend visiting Sierra de Os Ancares, located east of Lugo. You can hike several trails that cross valleys and peaks of up to 2,000 meters. Some of the most beautiful places in Os Ancares are Doiras castle, the Palloza Museo Casa do Sesto, the village of Piornedo, O Cebreiro and Balboa castle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

21. Cape Ortegal, one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Galicia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"what
Source: Carlos C. \/ CC BY-NC-ND<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you are interested in visiting some nice cliffs, you don’t want to miss Cabo Ortegal which is located in the province of A Coru\u00f1a. There are two visiting points: Punta dos Aguill\u00f3ns, where Cape Ortegal Lighthouse is located, and Punta do Limo. The sea of Cantabria and the Atlantic Ocean meet in Punta dos Aguill\u00f3n. Near Cape Ortegal, I recommend visiting Ortigueira and Cari\u00f1o. Da Miranda viewpoint is also worth visiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

22. Muros (A Coru\u00f1a), a charming town in Galicia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"muros
Source: James Stringer \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Muros is one of the best places to visit in A Coru\u00f1a, Galicia. It\u2019s a fishing town located in A Coru\u00f1a, north of Rias Baixas. Aside from being able to enjoy its rich gastronomy, you\u2019ll be able to walk along its old streets and its amazing boardwalk along the coast. I recommend visiting Area Mayor Beach (Louro) and Carnota Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

23. Visiting Corrubedo Dunes, one of the top things to do in Galicia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Corrubedo
Source: Bernt R. \/ CC BY-NC-ND<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Corrubedo Natural Park is a must-visit place in Galicia, especially if you’ve never visited sand dunes in the past. The dune of Corrubedo is 1 km long, 250 meters wide and 20 meters high. The national park is home to Corrubedo beach, Vix\u00e1n lagoon (fresh water) and Carregal lagoon (salt water).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Around 3,000 aquatic birds live in this natural space. There is a network of paths and walkways in the park. There is also an interpretation center of Galicia’s litoral ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

24. Vixia de Herbeira Cliff, an incredible landscape in Galicia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Vix\u00eda
Source: Septem Trionis<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Vixia de Herbeira cliffs are amongst the most beautiful cliffs in Galicia. They are located in A Capelda mountain range, near Cari\u00f1o (A Coru\u00f1a). The cliffs are about 615 meters above sea level. They are amongst the highest cliffs in Europe which provide an amazing view. I highly recommend visiting Vixia de Herbeira Cliff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

25. Allariz (Ourense), don\u2019t forget to visit this bridge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"allariz
Allariz, Galicia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We continue with this compilation of places to visit in Galicia with Allariz, located near Arnoia River. The old part of town and the nature in it have made this little town one of the most beautiful towns in Galicia. The most interesting places to visit in Allariz are Church of Santiago de Allariz, Church of Santa Mar\u00eda de Vilanova and the Convent of Santa Clara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most picturesque places in Allariz is the Romanesque Bridge of Vilanova, which was once the entrance to Allariz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

26. Fragas de Eume, a perfect place for nature lovers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"best
Fragas do Eume<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you like nature, you must visit Fragas do Eume<\/a> (A Coru\u00f1a). It is one of the best preserved riverside Atlantic forests in Europe. It has a total of 9,000 hectares where you\u2019ll be able to walk and visit. You will be able to see poplars, oaks, alders, ash trees, around 28 species of ferns and about 200 species of lichens. Insane!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside the reserve, you can visit Caaveiro Monastery, a place worth visiting. It is, without a doubt, one of the most incredible landscapes in Galicia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

27. Ezaro Waterfall (A Coru\u00f1a), a unique place in Galicia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"what
Ezaro Waterfall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although I have named this popular waterfall in the Costa da Morte section, I think it deserves its own section. Ezaro Waterfall, located in A Coru\u00f1a, has become one of the most visited places in Galicia for being one of the few river mouths in the form of a waterfall in Europe. It has a 80-meter drop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the best ways to visit this place is taking a kayak tour around the waterfall<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

28. Pedra Negras, one of the best beaches in Galicia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"
Source: Luis M. B. \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you want to take a walk along a beautiful wooden walkway that will take your breath away, you have to visit San Vicente do Mar, located in Pontevedra. Pedras Negras route will only take about 30 minutes to complete. You will discover some of the most beautiful beaches in Galicia during the hike. The hike is from Porto Deportivo San Vicente do Mar to Con Negro area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

29. Betanzos, Galicia (Spain)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"betanzos\"
Source: xindilo<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you wish to visit more charming villages, I recommend visiting Betanzos, located in A Coru\u00f1a, approximately 25 minutes away from the province’s capital. The old part of town, which was the capital of one of the 7 provinces that made up the Kingdom of Galicia, was declared a Historic-Artistic Site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t miss Pasatempo Park, Santa Mar\u00eda del Azogue church and Pazo de Mari\u00f1\u00e1n. If you visit during lunch or dinner time, let me remind you that potato-omelette tapas are very popular and tasty in this part of Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

30. Ribadavia (Ourense), a town with plenty of history<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"best
Sorce: sergei.gussev<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The last place on the this list of the best places to visit in Galicia is Ribadavia. It is one of the most beautiful towns in Ourense. I recommend visiting Castelo de Ribadavia (residence of the Counts of Ribadavia until the seventeenth century), the Ethnological Museum of Ribadavia, the Ribadavia Jewish medieval quarter and Plaza Mayor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udcb3 To get cash in the local currency of your destination or pay by card, I recommend getting the N26 card<\/a>. With the free version you can withdraw cash from ATMs with a very low commission and pay in another currency with the best exchange rate and no commissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Map of places to visit in Galicia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the following map of Galicia you can find the 30 must-see places in Galicia. It will be easier for you to plan your visit and know what to do in Galicia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n