Advice for Galicia
 

My family is planning a trip to Galicia next summer and I have no idea of the best cities to visit. We want to head west, not into Basque country. I'd like to go to Santiago and then drive down the coast to Pontevedre or Vigo. Any suggestions of must see places along the way? Would anyone suggest Sanxenxo or O Grove? What about a trip to an island?

We like to taste the food and the wines, and to wander the areas and enjoy the unique character of the region. Also, any suggestions on inexpensive logding with character would be appreciated.

Try http://www.galinor.es for a lot of good info on Galicia, also Asturias and Cantabria.
My last visit (pilgrimage) to Santiago was July, 2004. I stayed 2-nights in a coastal town: VilaGarcia de Arousa, and 2-nights in Santiago at a hostal called 'a'Nosa Casa,' just inside the Historic District from the Plaza de Galicia. There's an underground Parking garage beneath the Plaza.

I like Vigo: la Pedra outdoor shopping area up the hill across from the Port; and an indoor fish market nearby.

Take the Coastal road to Baiona, where Columbus made landfall and the Castillo del Conde de Gondomar now houses a Parador Nacional then down the coast to La Guardia and Monte Santa Tecla where you will find a Celtic (Castreño) village from about 300 BC.

Hi Goof:

I have just returned from 6 days in Galicia - it was sonderful.

If you click on my name, you will find the thread where I asked for advice. I received excellent guidance. I will start my trip report soon and should have it finished before you leave.

Driving the Ribera Sacra was the highlight of the trip for me as were the smaller towns in the region.

I'll check back later with more.

regards ger

goof,
While we await Ger's recent trip report, I'll just pass on some of what I would consider the highlights of Galicia, beyond the obvious Santiago:

In Baiona, walking the 2 km. of ramparts high atop the city on Monte Real, where the Parador is located, and visiting the replica of Columbus's La Pinta in the harbour.

A boat trip out to the Cíes Islands. Boats leave from Vigo or Baiona in summer.

The drive from Baiona to A Guarda and having lobster (bogavante) on the harbor in A Guarda.

A visit to the celtic settlement of Santa Tegra, as NED has mentioned.

Walking the Old Quarter of Tui and visiting the cathedral.

The spa island of A Toxa.

The collection of hórreos (granite granaries on stilts) in Combarro.

The delightful Albariño wine town of Cambados.

The Ribeiro wine town of Ribadavia.

The wine towns of O Rosal and Salvaterra de Miño

A drive around the Rías Baixas, from Padrón (the little green pepper town), to Noia, to Muros, to Cabo Fisterra ("end of the earth") to Muxía to Camariñas (the lace town).

The Pontedeume area from Betanzos to the Fraguas do Eume forest-park.

The Cantabrian coast from Cedeiro to Viveiro to Cervo, almost to the Asturian border.

I'm not a fan of the overbuilt Sangenjo resort. It gets jammed in summer, but Lanzada beach is very nice in June before the crowds arrive.

The medieval walls of Lugo.

The Ribeira Sacra, as Ger well knows! Monasteries and more monasteries!

An excursion into Portugal, as far as the wonderfully atmospheric town of Viana do Castelo (everyone's favorite). Charming, charming. Views from the lovely, immaculately cared for Basilica atop Monte de Santa Luzia are spectacular.
And a stop at the beach of Afife, above Viana.

Monday market in Ponte de Lima, on the way to Viana do Castelo.

On the Camino de Santiago, the palloza huts at Piornedo and O'Cebreiro in the Ancares.


As NED mentions, you can find delightful and inexpensive lodging in the Pazos de Galicia (manor homes) group on the Turgalicia site.

Inexpensive lodgings of character to consider:

in the Ribeiro wine region-
Viña Mein, winery and inn
www.vinamein.com

In the Fragas do Eume-
Casa do Castelo
www.casteloandrade.com
Casa Grande Fontao
www.casagrandefontao.com

On northern coast
Pazo da Trave
www.pazodatrave.com
Casa Doñano
www.casadonano.com

East of Santiago on the Camino-
Pazo de Andeade (enthusiastic rec. of a friend who runs Camino bike tours)
www.pazodeandeade.com

On the Camino btw. Samos and Sarria
Casa de Díaz
www.secretplaces.com

On Costa da Morte-
Casa Cordobelas
www.cordobelas.com

In Ribeira Sacra-
Casa Grande de Rosende
www.casagrandederosende.com
Pazo do Piñeiro
www.pazodopineiro.com

Hope this helps.

Perfect!! Just what I needed. My husband's family was originally from the Galicia region and now I am very excited about exploring the area. I will definitely follow up on all suggestions.

I knew I could count on you!!

Bookmarking this post for future reference.

Maribel, as usual thank you for your comments!

topping for cp who's planning a Galicia trip.