With its windswept beaches, forested mountains and temperate climate, Galicia isn’t the Spain that immediately springs to mind.
It has a real off-the-beaten track appeal for travelers who prefer to escape the crowds—whether that’s hiking through emerald valleys, exploring cobblestone fishing towns or learning to surf on the Atlantic coast.
We’ve put together a quick snapshot guide to exploring this underrated region by train.
Where is Galicia in Spain?
Tucked away in Spain’s northwestern corner, Galicia is famously remote. It’s hemmed in by 6,500ft-high mountains that separate it from the rest of the country, while its rugged coast faces onto the Atlantic Ocean. It used to take nearly five hours by car to reach Galicia from Madrid. Nowadays, however, the latest high-speed rail links means getting to and around the region has never been easier.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Xurxo Lobato. Image Location: A Coruña, Galicia, Spain
What is Galicia, Spain, known for?
Galicia is famed for its wild natural beauty. Jagged, sea-pummeled cliffs give way to pristine salt-white beaches and windswept bluffs, speckled with lighthouses and shipwrecks. It’s a paradise for hikers and watersports enthusiasts.
That’s not to say that Galicia is devoid of cultural gems. Santiago de Compostela’s cathedral towers over the city’s ancient streets, marking the end of the world-famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Fanning out from here are dozens of other highlights—from Picasso’s childhood home in A Coruña to the Roman walls at Lugo.
Seafood is another major draw to visiting Galicia. Fishing is deeply ingrained in the culture. Make sure you dig into a bowl of caldeirada de pescado, a seafood stew made with the catch of the day.
Which is the main city in Galicia, Spain?
Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia. It’s likely the first place you’ll head when visiting Galicia as it’s home to an international airport, as well as a large train station with direct links to Madrid.
However, don’t let Santiago de Compostela hog all of your attention. Catch a high-speed train to A Coruña, Ourense and Vigo, three slightly smaller cities in Galicia that are well worth visiting.
Polbo á feira. Image Credit: Getty Images, Carol Yepes
Santiago de Compostela
You can’t visit the Galician capital without peeking inside its namesake cathedral. First opened in 1211, it's a phenomenally beautiful piece of Romanesque architecture with Gothic and Baroque flourishes. Legend has it that Saint James, one of Jesus’ apostles, was buried underneath it.
Ready for lunch? Head to Taberna O Gato Negro for polbo á feira, boiled octopus sprinkled with sea salt and paprika. Trust us, it’s delicious.
A Coruña
Perched on a craggy peninsula, A Coruña charms visitors with its golden beaches, like Praia de Riazor and Orzán. Take a surf lesson here with Galisurf or cycle along the 8 mi promenade.
Afterwards, walk out to the Tower of Hercules, a lighthouse that was built by the Romans in the 1st Century CE. Climb to the top for inspiring views across the bay. If you’ve got time, peek inside Casa Museo Picasso, home to the artist during his childhood years.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Santiago Urquijo. Image Location: Public Thermal Baths, Ourense, Galicia, Spain
Ourense
Natural thermal springs bubble out of the ground in the medieval spa town of Ourense. Soak in one of the open-air pools dotted around the city (entry is free to most spots). As Burgas, built next to the remains of a Roman bathhouse, is a favorite.
From here, you can also embark on a hiking trip into the Pena Trevinca mountains. Don’t leave Ourense without trying their famous local tipple, licor café, a coffee liqueur best sampled at the lively Bar Paris.
Vigo
Love seafood? Head to the coastal city of Vigo, one of the biggest fishing ports in the world. Slurp down fresh-off-the-boat oysters at the Rúa da Pescadería market or tuck into a huge mariscos platter at Restaurant Casa Vella in the old town.
Vigo is also the jumping off point for exploring the undeveloped Cíes Islands. Only 2,200 visitors are allowed here by ferry each day. Expect empty beaches, Caribbean-style water and zero traffic as cars aren’t permitted.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Juan Maria Coy Vergara. Image Location: Cíes Islands, Galicia, Spain
How do I get around Galicia by train?
Galicia used to be fairly inaccessible, unless you had a car. However, since 2021, you can take a high-speed train from Madrid to Ourense in just 2 hours and 13 minutes. Ten trains leave the capital every day, embarking on the 254-mile journey to Ourense.
They’ve also recently extended the high-speed railway line, so you can get a direct train from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela (in as fast as 3 hours 4 minutes) and A Coruña (from 3 hrs 34 min). Vigo is also easily accessible by train; it’s just an hour from Santiago de Compostela.
Trains in Spain
First time in Spain? Looking for some help with booking train tickets online? Download the Trainline app and check out our Trainline guide to train travel in Spain.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, © Marco Bottigelli. Image Location: Cariño, Galicia, Spain