Summer in Galicia

Looking to reconnect with nature, explore some of Spain’s most historic cities, and indulge in world-class wines and cuisine? Look no further than Galicia—Spain's lush, green corner in the northwest, where the land meets the wild Atlantic.

A Base in Pontevedra

Start your journey in the charming, pedestrian-friendly city of Pontevedra, tucked between Vigo and Santiago de Compostela. Known for its high quality of life, Pontevedra offers a perfect blend of urban charm and small-town serenity.

During siesta, the city slows to a whisper, only to come alive again in the early evening. Locals and visitors alike stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, sipping wine and sharing tapas in the glow of golden-hour sunshine. It’s here that Spain’s most majestic cultural rituals are on full display.

Coastal Escapes & Seafood Feasts

No trip to Galicia is complete without exploring its rugged coastline and fresh Atlantic bounty. Spend a day in Cambados, the unofficial capital of Albariño wine and home to some of Galicia’s best seafood:

  • Gambas a la plancha (grilled prawns)

  • Pulpo a feira (Galician-style octopus with paprika)

  • Navajas (razor clams)

  • Chipirones en su tinta (baby squid in their ink)

Post-lunch options:

  • Nature Lover’s Choice: Head to A Illa de Arousa, a tranquil island where the Praia de Area Secada lets you bask in sun-dappled waters where fresh mountain streams meet the sea.

  • Wine Enthusiast’s Dream: Visit the nearby vineyards of Rías Baixas D.O. including:

    • Palacios de Fefiñanes

    • Pazo de Señorans

    • Bodegas Granbazán

Day Trip to Santiago de Compostela

Make time for a pilgrimage of your own to Santiago de Compostela, where centuries of spiritual journeys culminate at the awe-inspiring Catedral de Santiago—a UNESCO World Heritage site and the endpoint of the famous Camino de Santiago.

Wander the city’s historic pedestrian streets, soak in its layered history, and grab lunch at Vino - A Taberna for an authentic Galician meal. Afterward, walk off the feast through charming stone alleyways and leafy plazas.

What to Eat in Galicia

  • Tapas & Traditional Dishes:

    • Pimientos de Padrón – some spicy, some not!

    • San Simón & Tetilla cheeses

    • Empanadas stuffed with cod, bonito (tuna), or mussels

    • Galician beef & veal – grass-fed and grilled over open flame

  • Seafood – Try everything. Galicia is arguably Spain’s seafood capital.

What to Drink

  • White Wines:

    • Albariño (Rías Baixas)

    • Godello (Valdeorras)

    • Treixadura (Ribeiro)

  • Red Wines:

    • Mencía (Ribeira Sacra, Valdeorras)

    • Sousón (Ribeiro)

  • Local Spirits:

    • Gin Nordés – a premium Galician gin

    • Orujo de Hierbas – herbal digestif

  • Beer:

    • Estrella Galicia – local pride and joy

Where to Eat

  • In Pontevedra:

    • Bar Restaurante Lourido

    • O Souto Bar Restaurante

    • Bar Restaurante Ultramar

  • In Santiago de Compostela:

    • Vino - A Taberna

Galicia Wine Regions & Must-Visit Wineries

Rías Baixas D.O.

  • Palacios de Fefiñanes

  • Pazo de Señorans

  • Bodegas Granbazán

Ribeiro D.O.

  • Bodegas Viña Mein

  • Luis Anxo Rodríguez Vázquez

  • Bodega Manuel Formigo

Monterrei D.O.

  • Quinta da Muradella

  • Bodegas Ladairo

  • Bodegas Pazo del Rey

Ribeira Sacra D.O.

  • Dominio do Bibei

  • Finca Millara

  • Guímaro

Valdeorras D.O.

  • A Coroa

  • Rafael Palacios

  • Telmo Rodríguez

Galicia is a feast for the senses—lush forests, granite coastlines, legendary wines, and culinary treasures. Whether you're a pilgrim, a gastronome, or a traveler seeking the road less trodden, Galicia in the summer is a transformative escape.

Grand Cata, A Latino Wine Co.