Casa Riba Dos

Surrounded by vineyards, Casa Riba Dos has located a brief ten-minute drive from the beautiful town of Cambados in Galicia. Galicia, which remains mostly off the typical tourist trails of Spain, offers an authentic Spanish retreat and an escape from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. Restaurants, cafes, and shops can all be found within walking distance, as well as handy supermarkets for picking up your daily provisions. Santiago de Compostela is a forty-five-minute drive away, offering a seemingly endless list of things to see and do.

The seaside town of Cambados is located in the 'Ría de Arousa' with cobbled streets which guide you around the historic centre of this seafaring town. Known for its rich architectural wealth, including the 'Plaza de Fefiñáns', the ruins of Santa Mariña Dozo, San Sadurniño's tower, and Pastora's viewpoint, all of which are well worth a visit. One of our favourite stops in the town is the covered market. There are two weekly markets where you can gather all the products you could need in the way of shopping, choosing fresh, local ingredients to enhance the flavours of your stay!  
 
 Santiago de Compostela, easily reached within a forty-five-minute drive, has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is well known to be one of the most beautiful urban areas in the world. A whole day or two can easily be passed exploring the many sights and wonders of this fascinating city. History, nature, leisure, and gastronomy all add to the vibrancy of this picturesque city, with plenty for visitors to fall in love with. The famous cathedral, Saint Sign of Santiago, should be top of your list. With much of the architecture dating back to medieval times, afternoons are best spent ambling the narrow streets and squares that make up the historic quarter with centuries of history to absorb.

We always consider gastronomy to be an important part of any holiday, and the food markets in Santiago will not disappoint. Masses of fresh produce from both the sea and the land is beautifully displayed at the 300-odd stalls. With intimate wine bars surrounding the market, you can try some of the best wines of the region, alongside the best food!

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 tend to be 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 blessed with 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 almost 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. You will be glad to know that your waistline need not be a cause for concern though! Pontevedra is blessed with some of the best hiking trails, medieval monasteries, estuaries, and valleys within Spain. 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.

2022 Local Public Holidays

January 1^st- New Year’s day
January 6^th- Epiphany
April 15^th- Good Friday
May 11^th- Labour Day
May 17^th- Galician Literature Day
July 25^th- National Day of Galicia/Saint James
August 15^th- Assumption of Mary
October 12^th- National Day of Spain
November 1^st- All Saints' Day
December 6^th- Constitution Day
December 8^th- Immaculate Conception
December 25^th- Christmas

Xacobeo (Holy Year)

2022 is a great year to visit Galicia because it's the Holy Year! The Xacobeo year (pronounced sa-co-bay-oh) celebrates the time when the last stone of Santiago's original cathedral was placed, and an important priest decided on a feast to celebrate. When it is the Holy Year, the Puerta Santa (holy door) of the Santiago Cathedral remains open for pilgrims for the whole year, and its closing marks the end of the Holy Year. The Xacobeo year only happens every 5,6, or 11 years, whenever July 25^th occurs on a Sunday, which is also the National Day of Galicia and Saint James. The Xacobeo year means that the Camino trail is busier than ever, and there are plenty of festivities to enjoy, so it's a perfect time to visit the region and explore what it has to offer! Check out the official website here to learn more.

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. Hop on and enjoy the view from your comfy seat; there's even a Galician Tourist Train pass! This discounted rail pass gives you access to various rail routes created by the Galician Regional Government and based on key elements of the region. Follow the Lighthouse Route along the northern coastline and stop to admire the lighthouses and gorgeous sea views, or hop on and follow one of the Ribeira Sacra Wine Routes to visit the lovely towns and wineries where acclaimed Galician wines are made and enjoyed. Check out the government website to grab your pass and plan your trip!

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.