Spain’s most north-westerly region, Galicia is also its greenest, experiencing considerably more rainfall, and cooler temperatures than most of Spain. Galicia is still a poor region and most of its inhabitants are involved in either agriculture or fishing, with 3 of its 4 provinces having an Atlantic coastline. Visiting Galicia is like stepping back in time and many of its farm are too small for tractors, still using horses to pull ploughs and work the land. Its coastline is indented with fjord-like “rias” the best known example being the Rias Baixas (Lower Rias) in the south-west bordering Portugal. Galicia’s best known city is the holy city of Santiago de Compostela, built on the reputed site of the burial place of Saint James the Apostle, Santiago de Compostela is Europe’s second most important place of pilgrimage after Saint Peter’s Rome. The fishing industry is of very important for the region and the port and city of Vigo is the main supplier to Spain’s fish trade. Galicia weather is different from much of Spain with cooler summers and wetter winters, the coastal resorts are popular and the region has some excellent beaches. Galicia comprises 4 provinces, Ourense, A Coruña, Lugo and Pontevedra. Galicia Map.
Other interesting towns in Galicia include Betanzos, Mondonedo and Pontevedra.