Galicia is known in Spain
as the "land of the 1000 rivers". Those
rivers cross all the region from the
mountainous inland to the coast, where
they form the characteristic "Rias". The
coast itself offers great contrasts,
from the smooth beaches of As Mariñas to
the dangerous cliffs of Costa de la
Muerte, the "coast of death".
The climate of Galicia is
tempered, and specially in winter, with
minimal temperatures of about 5 deg C,
quite rainy. During the summer season,
maximum temperatures are around 20 deg
C. Galicia's richdom in water and
its Rias are characteristic for its
nature. At the area of Rias Altas
you will find magnificent beaches,
impressive towns and beautiful fishing
villages. Rías Baixas are worth a
visit for their natural preserves and
balnearies, as A Toxa. The inland
shows green landscapes and romantic
villages.
The first cultures which left their
tracks in Galicia were Celtic,
while Romans left as a legacy the walls
of Lugo, the bridge of Ourense,
and the Tower of Hercules. Middle Ages
were marked by the discovery of the tomb
of the Apostle Santiago (Saint James).
Thousands of pilgrims made their way to
the cathedral of the newly founded town
Santiago de Compostela, and the
world-famous Way of Santiago (also known
as Way of Saint James or Camino
Jacobeo), which is flanked with
numerous churches, monasteries and
chapels of high historical-artistical
value, was formed.
Galicia's folklore clearly shows
its Celtic and Gaelic origins, and the
most characteristic musical instrument
is the Gaita (bagpipe). Regional
gastronomy is of great reputation for
its excellent fish, Empanada Gallega
(a typical pie of fish or meat),
traditional sweets prepared in some
monasteries (where the recipes are kept
in secret jealously), and the Ribeiro
wine.
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Asturias |
Basque Country |
Cantabria |
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Valencian Community
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