1. Baiona
Baiona is a coastal town located in the province of Pontevedra, and is one of the most popular places among tourists who come to Galicia, with only about 11,000 people during the winter, but in the summer this number is quadrupled if you consider the amount of tourists who come to the place. There is a charming old town with narrow alleys and squares, as well as stunning beaches, the most popular of which is Playa de Ladeira - a real paradise with calm waters that is a perfect place to rest and relax. Apart from that, there is also the Fort Montreal from the 16th century, which is located on a hill overlooking the sea, from where you can enjoy an impressive view of the Atlantic Ocean. In the harbor you can see a reconstruction of Pinta - one of Christopher Columbus's ships, which you can also board.
2. Vigo
Spain as a whole is a great place for anyone who wants to experience a raucous nightlife, and throughout Galicia, Vigo is the perfect place for that. It is also in the district of Pontevedra, and it has a large number of nightclubs, bars and entertainment attractions that can give you a fun night out. But not only those who like to party should come here, because there are also great beaches and recommended restaurants - most of them serve traditional Galician food, which mainly includes seafood. There is also a fortress from the 17th century - the Castro fortress - as well as a host of museums, including the MARCO Museum of Contemporary Art, which is considered one of the most important in all of Spain.
3. Cambados
If you like wine and seafood, Cambodia is the place for you. This city is part of the Rías Baixas region, where the finest wines of Spain come from, and this is the only place where wine is made from the Albrinho grape. In Cambodia you can tour local wineries and taste their wines, as well as enjoy them in the local restaurants that serve a variety of seafood. Many of these restaurants are in the historic center of the forest, which is beautiful in itself and displays traditional Galician architecture.
4. Sil Canyon
Seal Canyon is the deepest river channel in Galicia, and it is considered one of the places with the most spectacular views in all of Galicia. You can go there for a cruise down the river and enjoy the natural and magical scenery around you, or on the other hand you can simply take a walk on one of the many routes that offer spectacular views from all sides. There are also monasteries and churches there that can be toured, the most famous of which is the monastery of Santa Ristina de Rivas de Sil, founded in the 12th century
5. Tui
This town is on the banks of the Minho River, and is a historic Galician city with a long evening of traditions. It is mainly known for its medieval atmosphere and its old town, where you can spend hours walking between historic buildings and picturesque squares. Among the boutique shops and cafes you will also find a huge cathedral built in the Gothic-Romanesque style, which you can enter to admire the works of religious art in it.
6. Ourense
This city is also on the banks of the Minho River, but it is larger than Tui, and is known mainly for its hot springs and impressive architecture. Its springs have been enjoyed by residents for hundreds of years, and you can bathe in them and experience spa treatments as well. In terms of architecture, one of the buildings you'll want to see is the Ourense Cathedral, which is a Romanesque gem with a beautiful facade rich in detailed carvings. In the Orense Museum you can discover a large collection of items uncovered in archaeological excavations, as well as religious and contemporary works of art.
7. Cabo Finisterre
In the days of ancient Rome, this place was known as the end of the world, and when you reach it and see the dramatic view from the top of the lighthouse, you will understand why - especially when the sun sets in the sea. Throughout the area there are many secluded beaches where you can explore and swim, and there is also a fishing village with a bustling harbor and many restaurants serving fresh fish.
8. Lugo
This historic city is known for the preserved Roman wall that surrounds its center, and is among the only Roman walls in the world that remain completely intact. These fortifications were built in the 3rd century and stretch for 2 km, and you can walk on them and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from their heights. Of course, you should also tour the old city inside, where you can tour the Lugo Cathedral, which is built in Gothic-Romanesque style. The city is also known for its restaurants, which offer a variety of delicacies from the Galician cuisine, including empanadas which are considered a local specialty.
9. Cíes Islands
If you are mainly attracted to white beaches and are interested in a slightly different landscape, the Sias Islands are the perfect place to enjoy a little peace and quiet. There are 3 islands here that are considered protected nature reserves, and you can swim and sunbathe here with pleasure, while Rodas beach, which is about 700 meters long, is considered one of the most recommend
10. A Coruña
This city is on a picturesque peninsula, and if you come to Galicia, don't miss it. It has great beaches and impressive architecture, and it is a perfect place to travel and enjoy water sports attractions. In the historical center you can find a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, and all the buildings there are a feast for the eyes. One of the main sights of the city is the Tower of Hercules - a lighthouse from the Roman period that is considered a world heritage site, and you can climb to its height and see from there a great view towards the sea and the surrounding area.
11. Santiago de Compostela
It is the capital city of Galicia, and it is also considered an important pilgrimage site for Christianity, therefore tourists from all over the world regularly visit it. In 1985 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2000 it was the European City of Culture. Its city cathedral forms the end of the Way of Santiago - a pilgrimage route that has existed from the Middle Ages until today, and even non-Christians can enjoy the impressive architecture of its old city, full of squares, alleys and historic buildings with impressive facades. The atmosphere there is alive and vibrant, and there are lots of markets, cafes and street performances, as well as museums, galleries and cultural events that will make your stay there a perfect cultural experience.
12. Playa de las Catedrales
The unique landscape configuration of this beach makes it a must visit place for anyone who comes to Galicia. The beach is known for its "cathedrals" - a natural stone formation that looks like huge arches of cathedrals. These cliffs were carved by nature and are exposed at low tide, and you can spend whole hours there walking on the sands and passing between and under the arches and tunnels. The view is simply surreal and mesmerizing, and you'll get to come back with great memories and beautiful photos of a place you don't see every day.
