Forgotten Villages of Galicia

Galicia treasures much history and memory — much of it abandoned and forgotten. Discover Galicia's forgotten villages — fascinating for the history and magic kept in their spaces, structures and ruins.

We're used to touring the busiest places, but there are hidden corners full of magic that interest many.

These villages hold charm and history to discover. Although most are uninhabited, you can see the ruins of what was left behind. Part of Galicia's tourism offer.

Forgotten villages of Galicia to visit

Finca do Frendoal

Known as the Enchanted Forest — a magical place built for a noble family as a leisure space. A great family walk to enjoy a series of flour mills on the site. In Pontevedra, with beautiful historic gardens to imagine the place years ago.

Sona

A village in Ourense province. Forgotten after old legends; no one lives there now. Also in Ourense:

• Aldea da Barca: abandoned after the Frieira reservoir was built.
• Salgueiro: needs prior authorisation; lovely limestone houses.

Hórreos

In Lugo, you can also visit Hórreos — one of the few abandoned villages recovered over the years. A natural setting where you can enjoy a quiet life, according to its only four inhabitants.

Also in Ourense — the monastery of Santa Comba de Naves, vacated long ago though its stones were nearly sold. Visit also the unfinished Sanctuary of Fátima — a priest's project.

Vichouteín

One of the forgotten villages reclaimed by nature. A few kilometres from Pontevedra by road. Diverse vegetation, great for exploring. You can see what remains of homes that stood there years ago.

2,000 forgotten villages

According to specialists, Galicia has around 2,000 forgotten villages. Many are protected and need special permission to enter.

Others were abandoned by inhabitants for various reasons — most recently young people moving to big cities. These places can still be destinations for tourism — many hold history, magic, nature and much more typical of Galicia. People go back during holidays to escape the city; buying small villages has also become popular.

Many people still bet on small ecotourism ideas like hiking and adventure sports, plus thermal waters and other projects developed in these forgotten villages of Galicia.