If you are not from Spain or Galicia and want to visit this region, you should know that it blends nature, history, and culture in a wonderful setting. While well-known places like Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, and the Rías Baixas exemplify Galician culture, there are also hidden gems that reflect its genuine spirit. Beyond the well-known tourist circuits, we’ve rounded up some of Galicia’s best hidden gems, as recommended by locals.
Corrubedo’s dunes and beach, as well as Vixán and Carregal lagoons, formed this area. The enormous shifting dune is one of its key attractions. Its vast expanse of white sand will transport you to a desert, only to be replaced by the blue of the ocean. The beach and lagoons, one with fresh and the other on with salt water, round out the charms of this park and give habitat for animals that make up a fascinating ecosystem.
Local Recommendation:
Visit Castro de Baroña, situated on a seaside isthmus. Some of the remnants discovered there appear to be from a Galician sanctuary. The sights and sound of the sea from the remains of the Castro are breathtaking. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most hidden gems in Galicia that a native would recommend you.
Cape Ortegal (Cariño, A Coruña)
It is the symbolic boundary between the Cantabrian Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, bordered by two spectacular rocky outcrops: O Limo and Os Aguillóns. The Herbeira cliffs are the highest above sea level in continental Europe. The shoreline between Cabo Ortegal and the town of Cedeira is breathtaking, and this lovely municipality will provide you with an intriguing heritage ensemble.
Local recommendation: visit San Andrés de Teixido, one of Galicia’s important pilgrimage destinations. A truly unique location with breathtaking natural beauty and rituals. According to folklore, ” via de morto o que non foi de vivo” which means; To San Andrés de Teixido goes when dead who did not go when alive.
Fuciño do Porco (O Vicedo, Lugo)
It’s an outstanding route with a moderate difficulty level. Get into it through a forest until you reach the wooden walkways between the cliffs of the Cantabrian Sea. In the summer, make a reservation to take the route, and at any time of year, verify the walkways’ condition. However, any effort is worthwhile because the views to the coves and islets are stunning.
Local recommendation: visit Viveiro, which has an amazing urban centre and delicious gastronomy. Furthermore, the San Pedro viewpoint provides the best views of the Viveiro estuary and the San Roque cave.
Mariña lucense (Lugo)
This location is another of Galicia’s hidden gems that a local could recommend you. It provides a pleasant and less congested environment where the contrast between the crystal-clear beaches and the cliffs and woodlands will astound you. We also propose a visit to Rinlo, a picturesque fishing village with stone cottages and small lanes, where they serve a delectable lobster rice that tastes even better with the sound of the sea in the background. Visit Mondoñedo’s ancient cathedral, which holds significant historical and cultural value.
Local recommendation: a walk through this region’s woodlands, which are home to mythical entities, will connect you with nature and Galician mythology. Try visiting Illa Pancha, which is connected to the mainland via a bridge. Access is not always attainable, but if it does, you will be thrilled.
Thermal Ourense
Ourense’s features include a historic centre, cathedral, and bridges. But today, we’d like to highlight its excellent thermal offerings, whose waters have been used for generations. There are several sites along the Miño River to enjoy the waters, and there is a route to follow. You can explore it on foot, on bike, or by taking a tiny tourist train. The Outariz hot springs stand out in a peaceful location surrounded by nature, but those in A Chavasqueira are inspired by Japanese culture.
Local recommendation: its waters’ healing powers and a sense of well-being will accompany you on your journey. Also, go to As Burgas in the city centre, which is free to access.
Allariz (Ourense)
This villa in the province of Ourense seamlessly integrates tradition, culture, and nature. Its old centre, designated as a Historical Artistic Ensemble, is remarkably well conserved and will transport you back in time with its mediaeval architecture. The Arnoia River runs through Allariz, and there is a beautiful riverfront promenade with leisure spots and a small dock. The Roman bridge is a prominent icon of the town. You will also be able to tour museums such as the Leather, Toy, and Fashion Museum. Its superb gastronomic offer, as well as festivals and fairs, round out the town’s many attractions.
Local recommendation: the Museum of Sacred Art in Santa Clara has a really unique piece, the Virgen Abrideira. Doña Violante, wife of Alfonso X, the Wise, owned a little and exquisite piece with hidden secrets.
Cabo Home (Donón, Pontevedra)
This spectacular cape on the Morrazo peninsula, Cangas, is a must-see for nature lovers, archaeologists, hikers, and photographers. From Mount Facho, you may see one of the most beautiful views of the Atlantic coast. Its peak contains the remains of an ancient hillfort village. In addition, a trail goes along the shore, connecting three spectacular lighthouses. On this path, you will come across the stunning Melide beach, which has crystal-clear seas, beautiful sand, and a gorgeous forest in the background.
Local recommendation: the sunset from Cabo Home’s Caracola is breathtaking. This sculpture nicely captures the relationship between humans and the sea. The photographs from this must-see visit are stunning. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most hidden gems in Galicia that a native would recommend to you.
Tui (Pontevedra)
Tui is a border town in Spain and Portugal. Its Historic Ensemble is a Cultural Heritage Asset, the second most important in Galicia after Santiago. The fortifications, the San Telmo church, and Plaza de San Fernando are some of the sites to see in this town. The Cathedral of Tui deserves special notice for its unique façade, interior, cloister, and chapels.
Local tip: in less than twenty minutes, you’ll be across the border in Valença de Minho, Portugal, where you may explore an impressive fortress that surrounds a charming shopping and restaurants district.
Escape to one or more of these locations to gain a more real grasp of Galician history, traditions, and way of life through local expertise. You will be able to completely enjoy them as they are not overcrowded tourist spots, but rather areas where the interaction of nature and people has resulted in spectacular scenes.