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. Villa Arousa is located in a quiet village in A Aldea Da Bouza, otherwise known as the Arousa estuary, where guests can walk to local restaurants and wineries or venture further afield to Pontevedra, just a thirty-minute drive away. Santiago de Compostela is under an hour's drive and offers a fantastic array of things to do and see. The closest airport is in Vigo but only offers domestic flights, so guests from the UK might be better off travelling to the slightly further airport in Santiago de Compostela, which has direct connections via Easyjet, Ryanair, and Vueling from the UK.
A Aldea Da Bouza is just one of its many little villages set amongst vineyards and woods and is known as where some of Spain's best white wines are produced within the Rías Baixas region, meaning wine tours are plentiful here! It is a very peaceful spot, and the nearest restaurant is only a 15-minute walk away. The church, originally Romanesque, is definitely worth a look. The delightful old town and port of Cambados, the capital of the Albariño area, is roughly seven kilometres away. With a covered market, it should provide all you need in the way of shopping. The fish market at the busy resort of Sanxenxo is also highly recommended.
The city of Pontevedra is a mix of old and new, with several museums and historical sites to visit. Enjoy the restaurants and tapas bars located in the old and newer parts of the city, where traditional and delicious cuisine can be found. Pontevedra has been awarded many international prizes for its urban development. The paved streets have been mostly pedestrianised, and the buildings of the historic centre are not only beautiful but full of life every day of the year.
Santiago de Compostela has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is considered 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.
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.
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.
