10 Things You Didn’t Know About Galicia
Galicia is in the top-west of Spain, right above Portugal. A unique part of the country with its own customs, culture, food and even language. Here are 10 things you didn't know about Galicia.
Things you didn't know about Galicia
Some of Spain's most beautiful beaches are here
Forget the Costa del Sol or the Costa Dorada — Galicia is home to some of Spain's best beaches. With the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Biscay around 1,200 km of coast, and many spectacular beaches. La Playa de Rodas in the Cíes Islands is one of the most picturesque.
The end of the world is here
In A Coruña province, on the Coast of Death, lies Finisterre — "the end of the world". Once thought to be Spain's westernmost point, but the Azores in Portugal are actually Europe's westernmost point.
Home to many thermal baths
Galicia is dotted with natural pools heated by thermal waters, mostly in Ourense province — perfect to stay warm during Galicia's cold winters. One of the best open-air spas is Termas Prexigueiro with a thermal circuit of five different hot pools.
A paradise for food lovers
Galicia may not be globally known for its food like Valencia for paella or the Basque Country for pintxos, but it has a unique, savoury cuisine. Galician octopus, Santiago almond cake — portions here are huge, you won't go hungry.
It has its own language
Many parts of Spain have their own language. Galicia speaks Galician — official alongside Spanish, spoken by about 2.4 million people. A Romance language with much in common with Spanish and Portuguese.
Much in common with Celtic regions
Galicia shares much with Brittany, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. Galicians even have their own local bagpipes, played at special occasions like festivals.
They set fire to their drinks
Galicia's most famous drink is queimada, often served at parties and special events. Made with aguardiente, sugar, coffee beans, lemon peel and cinnamon sticks, set on fire and stirred until all the sugar melts. Often called "witches' brew".
Some of the best seafood in Spain
Bordering both the Atlantic and the Bay of Biscay, Galicia is one of Spain's leading seafaring regions — many famous dishes are fish or seafood. The famous Festival do Marisco in O Grove celebrates seafood. Find oysters, mussels, octopus, spider crabs and goose barnacles.
Home to unique festivals
Galicia celebrates many festivals. The Carnival of Os Peliqueiros in Laza is unique — characters in huge masks and colourful uniforms parade with whips. Another highlight is Rapa das Bestas in Sabucedo, capturing wild mountain horses.
The climate differs from the rest of Spain
Galicia is famous for its rainy, cold climate — unpredictable even in summer. Bring layers and a raincoat plus your swimwear. The wet climate is exactly what makes it so beautiful — part of "Green Spain", full of rolling hills and lush forests.
