Casa Ames sits on the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela, just 7km from the historic centre of this breathtaking city. Although Galicia remains largely off the typical tourist trail of Spain, the many sights and wonders the area has to offer are truly awe-inspiring.
Awarded World Heritage Status by UNESCO, Santiago is considered one of the most beautiful urban areas in the world. From its historic centre to the architect-designed playgrounds and epic Cathedral, there is so much to see and do. History, nature, leisure, and gastronomy all work in unison to create the vibrant atmosphere Santiago is renowned for. Several of the majestic buildings date back to medieval times, with markets and world revered restaurants hidden among the narrow winding streets and squares.
The famous Cathedral, Saint Sign of Santiago, should be right at the top of your list, with a viewpoint at the top from which you can enjoy a panorama across the city rooftops. The Cathedral Museum stretches over four floors, incorporating the Cathedral's large 16th-century Gothic-Plateresque cloister. You can enjoy the large section of Maestro Mateo's original carved-stone choir (destroyed in 1604 but pieced back together in 1999), an impressive collection of religious art (including the Botafumeiros in the second-floor library), the lavishly decorated 18th-century sala capitular, a room of tapestries woven from designs by Goya, and, the Panteón de Reyes, with tombs of kings of medieval León.
Gastronomy must be one of our favourite aspects of any holiday, and Santiago's food market does not disappoint! With around 300-odd stalls displaying masses of fresh produce, you can pick up all your favourite ingredients and some snacks to keep you going through the day! Tetilla cheese, cured meats, sausage, fruit, and empanadas, are all classic local delicacies, so make sure they are on your lists. Tucked away around the market, you will also spot some intimate wine bars serving up wines from the region, perfect for tasting some local grapes and picking a bottle or two to take back to the villa to pair with your homecooked dinner.
A few more stops for your travel list, Fervenza do Toxa, one of the highest waterfalls in Spain, is a must-visit. We also highly recommend a trip to El Pazo de Oca, one of the most beautiful gardens in the world!
The Region
About Galicia
Like many parts of Spain, Galicia has its very own identity that has remained intact through its regional dialect and distinguishing culture. Although Galicia is recognised for its holy traditions, we urge budding tourists to also consider its astonishing green countryside & rivers and its UNESCO World Heritage sites. Occasionally you may even hear the gentle tootling of bagpipes, known locally as the Galician Gaita, along this northern corner of the Iberian Peninsula.
You're likely to fly into Santiago de Compostela, which is the capital of Galicia and is probably best known for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and its route. Many of the travellers embark on this journey by foot and are mesmerised by this fine city at the end of their trek. Casco Viejo, or the Old Town, is a good place to end or even start your holiday. This area of the city is full of markets, restaurants, bars and buildings from a bygone era. After exhausting yourself in the busyness of the city, take a day trip to Praia de Rodas, on the gorgeous Cíes Islands. These small islands, accessible by boat from Vigo, Baiona, or Cangas, have been noted as having some of the best beaches in the world. It has to be seen to be believed!
Galicia is divided into four key regions: A Coruña, Lugo, Ourense and our favourite – Pontevedra. A Galician proverb states that
'Pontevedra gives water to travellers'. We firmly believe this to be true, as this particular part of Galicia has everything a traveller could need for an unforgettable experience and it feels like this city is constantly giving back. Whilst you holiday in Pontevedra you will realise that days are structured around mealtime. And why wouldn't they be? With some of the best seafood you will experience in Spain and the noteworthy Albariño wine, you may notice your jeans feeling a little tighter toward the end of your holiday... but don't worry! Pontevedra is blessed with some of the best hiking trails, medieval monasteries, estuaries, and valleys in Spain to keep you active. Don't forget about the coastline either! Rarely you will you find so many empty beaches, so make the most of this privacy and just embrace the nature around you.
Galicia is still an unspoilt part of the world. It has everything a diverse group of friends & family need to have a glorious adventure.
Getting There
Galicia is served by either Santiago de Compostela Airport, A Coruña Airport, or Vigo Airport. Various train lines connect the main cities and towns of Galicia to other destinations in Northern and Central Spain (and even Portugal). There are also various coach routes that you can take throughout the region and to other cities in Spain.
From the UK:
Direct flights are available from London with easyJet, Ryanair, Vueling, and many others. Although, travellers should be aware that Vigo Airport only receives domestic flights, so a stopover is needed if you wish to travel to this airport. Chartered flights are also available from several other UK airports.
