Galicia, Spain - Travel Guide

Galicia offers a unique blend of rugged Atlantic coastline, lush green landscapes, and rich Celtic-Roman heritage. It's famous for its delicious seafood, historic pilgrimage routes like the Camino de Santiago, and charming ancient towns. You'll find a more authentic Spanish experience with a distinct culture and cuisine.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$60/day

Mid-range$70/day

Luxury$400/day

Known For

GalicianIberian PeninsulaSantiago de CompostelaA CoruñaVigo

🇪🇸 Country Information: Spain

CapitalMadrid

CurrencyEuro (€)

Language Spanish , Catalan, Galician, Basque, Valencian

Phone Code+34

Electricity230V (Type C, F)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is generally not obligatory but appreciated for good service; 5
10% in restaurants is common for good service, rounding up taxi fares, small change for baristas

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and tourist areas, but smaller establishments might prefer cash
It's good to have some cash for small purchases and less urban areas
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Meal times are typically later than in many other countries, with dinner often starting at 9 PM or later
Siesta is less common in major cities but still observed in smaller towns
Personal space can be closer than in some other cultures
Dress codes are generally casual but respectful, especially when visiting religious sites

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Spain is very LGBTQ+ friendly with comprehensive anti-discrimination laws and legal same-sex marriage since 2005. There is strong societal acceptance.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are complex: private use and cultivation of cannabis are decriminalized, but public consumption and trafficking are illegal and carry severe penalties

Special Laws

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public spaces outside of designated areas
Smoking is prohibited in many public indoor spaces
Nudity and topless sunbathing are allowed on some beaches but can be restricted in others

Common Phrases

HelloHola (OH-lah) Hola

PleasePor favor (por fah-VOR) Por favor

Excuse mePerdón (per-DOHN) Perdón

Thank youGracias (GRAH-see-ahs) Gracias

Climate

Generalized climate for the region of Galicia.

Climate Zone: Marine Oceanic

Best Time to Visit

* Galicia experiences heavy rainfall, especially from Oct to Apr.

Getting There

Fly into Santiago de Compostela (SCQ), A Coruña (LCG), or Vigo (VGO) airports
High
speed trains connect major Spanish cities to Galicia (e
g
, Madrid to Santiago: \~3
4h, €40
80)
Extensive bus network throughout Spain and within Galicia
Ferry services to some coastal islands

Getting Around

Local buses are available in cities and towns
Taxis are widely available
Car rental is recommended for exploring rural areas
Ride
sharing apps like Uber and Cabify are available in larger cities like Santiago and A Coruña

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended
No specific altitude sickness concerns
Probiotics are generally not needed unless prone to digestive issues
Motion sickness remedies if prone to seasickness on coastal trips
No malaria risk

Staying Connected

eSIMs are widely available
Major Spanish providers like Orange, Vodafone, Movistar offer eSIMs
Global eSIM providers like Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly work well

Local Cuisine

Polbo á feira must_try

This is a quintessential Galician dish made from octopus, boiled and served simply with olive oil, paprika, and sea salt. It is traditionally served o

Empanada galega regional_speciality

A savory baked pastry, similar to a large, enclosed pie, typically filled with tuna, sardines, cod, or pork, along with a sofrito of onions and pepper

Caldo gallego regional_speciality

A traditional, warming soup that is a staple of Galician cuisine, especially in colder months. It typically contains white beans, potatoes, 'grelos' (

Lacón con grelos regional_speciality

A hearty dish featuring cured pork shoulder ('lacón') boiled with 'grelos' (turnip greens), potatoes, and chorizo. It is an iconic winter dish celebra

Queixo de Tetilla snack

A distinctive, soft cow's milk cheese easily recognizable by its conical or 'nipple' shape, for which it is named. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavo

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Camino de Santiago Accommodations (especially in peak season) Accommodation

Book 2–6 months in advance, particularly for popular legs like the French Way.

Accommodation along the Camino routes, especially the last 100km leading to Santiago, can be extremely limited, particularly during the high-demand summer months.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Michelin Star Dining Reservations (e.g., Culler de Pau) Dining

Book 1–3 months in advance.

High-demand restaurants, especially those with Michelin stars or those known for local Galician seafood, have very limited seating and book out quickly.

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral/Portico de la Gloria Tour Tickets Attraction

Book 1–4 weeks in advance.

Timed-entry tours to restricted areas, such as the Portico de la Gloria, have limited capacity and are very popular, especially with pilgrims completing the Camino.

Fun Facts

1. Galicia has strong Celtic roots and heritage, standing out from the rest of Spain due to its history.
2. The region is home to the largest laurel forest in Europe, located on the island of Cortegada in the National Park of the Atlantic Islands.
3. The Tomb of Saint James, one of the three primary Christian pilgrimage locations, is secretly located in Galicia, drawing pilgrims for centuries.
4. Galicia's mountainous interior is better suited for raising animals than farming, leading to many people historically moving away for economic reasons.

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