Guarda Playa

Situated south of Asturias, Guarda Playa enjoys a peaceful, rural setting. It is just a short drive from the coast and less than 10km from the Portuguese border, making it a great base to explore the region's wonderful landscape and golden beaches.

The industrial port of Vigo is a short drive to the north, where the vibrant old town is rich in history to discover. Walk up to the top of Monte O Castro, where you can enjoy marvellous views across the city and out to the Illas Cies, or wander through the picturesque streets towards the O Berbes neighbourhood and browse the boutiques along Rúa dos Cesteiros with their assortment of local artisan goods. With its coastal position, the region's cuisine is dominated by seafood, and there are plenty of restaurants beside the port where you can enjoy delicious plates of fish, whilst the Rúa das Ostras is the perfect place to sample freshly caught oysters, which you can enjoy accompanied with a glass of traditional Albariño wine.

Enjoy a fun day trip across the water, taking a ferry ride from Vigo's harbour to discover the spectacular Cies Islands. With the largest colony of seagulls in Europe and over 200 species of flora and fauna, the protected reserve is an area of natural beauty. There are several trails that invite you to explore the islands, with a great route that leads up to the lighthouse, where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Baixo Miño. The islands also have lovely beaches where you can rest in the sheltered bays or swim in the clear, blue water.

There are also plenty of options to spend the day beside the sea on the mainland, with numerous hidden coves dotted up and down the coast. A Fontaíña features a stretch of fine white sand, while Praia do Camarido has a wilder appeal just across the border. Sitting at the mouth of the Minho River, the beach is surrounded by fragrant pines and is a great spot to spend Summer's day and share a picnic whilst enjoying splendid views out to the majestic Fort of Ínsua on the horizon.

Just 45 minutes to the north, where the Lerez River meets the sea, Pontevedra is a charming riverside city with lovely shaded plazas and winding lanes. Once a key port during the 16th century, the settlement has a strong maritime heritage, as well as being an essential stopover on the Portuguese path of the Camino de Santiago.

Spend the day wandering through the lively streets rich in history, pausing in the  Praza de Ferrería to admire the distinctive Church of Peregrina with its rounded form, or visit the impressive Basílica de Santa María a Maior with its three naves and mixture of Gothic, Plateresque and Portuguese styles. Head to the covered market to sample some of Galicia's famous tortilla cheese or 'Tarta de Santiago' or stop for a drink and some tapas in the central town square and enjoy the daily activity. Restaurante Santa Clara offers an informal affair, priding itself on homemade dishes of regional casseroles and traditional rice dishes whilst tucked beneath the pretty stone colonnades of Leña square; Eirado da Leña provides a more elaborate gastronomic experience.

Head over the border to enjoy Portugal's northern beaches or purchase some delicious pasteis de nata. Extending southwards from the Spanish border, the beautiful Peneda-Gerês National Park has much to offer, with numerous trails that invite you to explore the vibrant landscape. Well-surfaced roads make it easy to drive through the hills to see the vibrant patchwork of fields and pastures and delightful granite hamlets dot the hillside. Choose one of the well-marked paths and spend a day discovering the natural scenery, stumbling upon roman roads and bridges from the 12th century are still visible or walking through the shaded forest before stopping for a picnic on the rocks or enjoying a refreshing dip in the pretty natural pools.

Read more about Galicia

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.

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.