Combarro Lodge

Combarro Lodge is right on the water in the time-stood-still fishing village of Combarro in Galicia, northern Spain. Thanks to its location, you won’t be surprised to hear that it’s the perfect place to try fresh seafood. Popular dishes include octopus, shellfish and mussels. You can spend afternoons here wandering along the cobbled streets or watching the world go by at a seafront restaurant. There’s also a sandy beach, a short five-minute walk away – it’s on the edge of the village.

The region of Galicia itself is known for its green valleys, rugged mountains and wild beaches. Think bagpipes playing and baroque cathedrals, too – so, you might feel more like you’re in Scotland than Spain. From Combarro, you can explore other must-see places like Sanxenxo and Pontevedra.

Pontevedra is beautiful and has a well-preserved old town. Stand in the shadows of the churches and wander through the charming squares here, before sampling local cuisine in one of the bars and restaurants. Fresh seafood like octopus, or other Galician specialities like empanada gallega – a large pie usually filled with meat – are on the menu. Then, wash it down with a glass of Albarino wine. 

More worth-exploring cities include Vilanova de Cerveira and Caminha. You could also make tracks for Vigo, Porto or Tui. The latter is a Romanesque and gothic village that’s steeped in history. Take in the cathedral and churches there, before heading to the mountain of Aloia nearby. If you climb to the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of Vigo estuary and the Louro valley below.

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.