Galicia itself is a hidden gem and still remains largely off the typical tourist trail, making it an ideal destination for an authentic Spanish retreat. Casa Kinkan is located in a quiet village, roughly a fifteen-minute drive from the Galician capital of Santiago de Compostela, a bustling and lively city full of culture and historical landmarks. Guests can walk to the local shops, restaurants, supermarkets, and shopping centre or take a day trip to the historic city of Santiago de Compostela.
The historic city has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which considers it one of the most beautiful urban areas in the world. There are many reasons to visit this city: history, nature, leisure, and gastronomy are some of the things that tourists can enjoy. Visit the famous cathedral and get lost in the narrow streets and squares that make up its historic quarter with centuries of history and majestic buildings, many of them from medieval times.
The Cathedral Museum spreads over four floors and incorporates the cathedral's large 16thcentury Gothic-Plateresque cloister. You'll see a sizeable 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, off the cloister, the Panteón de Reyes, with tombs of kings of medieval León.
Santiago's food market is a fascinating, always lively scene, very clean, with masses of fresh produce from the seas and countryside attractively displayed at 300-odd stalls. Stock up on Tetilla cheese, cured meats, sausage, fruit, empanada (pastry pie) or the tasty takeaway dishes of Cocina María for a picnic. Numerous bars and cafes line the street outside, and there are several more within the market itself, including a wine bar in the central alley.
Outside of Santiago, guests can visit The Fervenza do Toxa, one of the highest waterfalls in Spain. They are surrounded by a lush forest of oak, chestnut, birch and other native species that form a unique landscape that captivates the visitor. Guests can also take a trip to El Pazo de Oca, one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Other must-see cities like Pontevedra, and the quaint town of Noia, are close by too.
The coast of Rías Baixas, located just half an hour's drive away, is full of charming restaurants and cafes and is home to a beautiful beach. The nearest airport is Santiago de Compostela Airport, which is roughly a 20-minute drive from Casa Kinkan, so getting there couldn't be easier!
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.
