The beautiful area of Galicia in the northwest of Spain contrasts perfectly from the Mediterranean coast and life in the Costa Blanca with its lush landscapes and rugged coastline which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Cantabrian Sea.
The natural beauty of this region of Spain is definitely worth seeing with its dramatic cliffs, rolling green hills and beautiful cities. Here you will find many traditions from this areas Celtic heritage with music, dance and cuisine reflecting their ancestry. The region also has a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere providing a wonderful contrast and pace of life from our lively home in the Costa Blanca.
Travelling at your own pace by car is so easy in Spain and you can reach Galicia from where you live in the Costa Blanca in approximately 7-10 hours depending which part of the region you are visiting. However, the scenery you will pass through en-route is well worth it. There are also possibilities to find coach trips locally or to take a bus or the train but, this will take longer, and many walkers and cyclists also enjoy taking their time following the pilgrimage routes which take them to this region.
It is well worth selecting several places to spend time while you are visiting Galicia and there is a wide range of accommodation available, you will certainly want to include visits to Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña and Vigo as well as exploring smaller traditional villages and towns in the area. Make the most of your visit from your home in the Costa Blanca and see as much of this beautiful region as you can.
Rías Baixas on the Atlantic Ocean is known for its wonderful coastline, pretty fishing villages and secluded beaches, a boat tour can take you to the islands of Ons and Sálvora. This sea trip will also give you the opportunity to admire the dramatic cliffs and sea caves of the area. Meanwhile, inland the Galician National Parks which include Fragas do Eume and Monte Aloia are great places to explore on foot or by bike while spotting wildlife including boar, deer, otters, red foxes and wildcats as well as various birds of prey including Golden Eagles and Peregrine Falcons. The cliffs of the area are home to the colourful Atlantic Puffin. The diversity of both the coastal and inland regions will delight those visiting from their home in the Costa Blanca and being further north the cooler weather might be a welcome relief as well.
Top of the list when visiting this area from life in the Costa Blanca is the ultimate pilgrim destination of the city of Santiago de Compostela with its historic centre full of fascinating architecture including the magnificent Cathedral. A Coruña is a busy coastal city with stunning beaches and attractions which include the Torre de Hércules and the Finisterrae Aquarium. Vigo is the largest city in Galicia with a major port, many historical attractions as well as modern amenities and beautiful surroundings. Well worth seeing is the Celtic settlement of Castro de Vigo and the Islas Cíes National Park. If you fancy a little pampering, why not visit the Roman Ruins and hot springs of Ourense and take advantage of the thermal waters and wine lovers will enjoy a trip to Ribeira Sacra with its terraced vineyards and monasteries.
Those of us who live in the Costa Blanca but have Celtic ancestry will be interested in Galicia because this region of Spain’s language and culture have been influenced by their Celtic heritage, the presence of the Celts since the Iron Age have left a lasting impression on the region. The local language and dialect shares similarities with Irish, Welsh and Scottish even thought there is also a Latin and Spanish influence incorporated into the Galician language. Many Celtic traditions and symbols can also be seen in modern culture despite Christianity supplanting ancient beliefs. Music and dancing also reflect the Celtic lifestyle with bagpipes, fiddles and tambourines music providing the rhythms and melodies for folk dances. We are so used to the Moorish influence to be seen in towns at home in the Costa Blanca that the alternative history of this northern part of Spain is truly fascinating. Local cuisine is also influenced by history with simple but quality ingredients and delicious flavours. The sea provides plenty of fish and seafood and hearty meat stews are extremely tasty.
Taking a break from your home in the Costa Blanca means experiencing something different and Galicia offers this in abundance including a less predictable climate so make sure you are prepared for cooler temperatures and rain. Galicia is an area that really should be on your list of places to visit so plan your trip soon.
A 2025 guide from the Hamiltons Real Estate team
