THE 10 CURIOSITIES OF GALICIA

10 CURIOSITIES OF GALICIA AND ITS PROVINCES

The Galician lands are beautiful, they offer many tourist attractions to spend holidays in Galicia. But apart from the most remarkable and famous places there is much more! No matter how many times you come to Galicia, it will never cease to amaze you. But apart from the most remarkable and famous places there is much more!

It is home to many cultural sites or areas of nature that you will not find anywhere else in the world.

Today we have prepared the list with what stands out about this region, which you have to see in Galicia but also with curiosities about its history and culture. We will present you a list of the highest, largest or only… Everything that differentiates Galicia among other regions and forms its unique and magnificent atmosphere; we present the 10 curiosities of Galicia.

THE END OF THE EARTH

So sought after by all terraplanistas is located in Galicia. Specifically in A Coruña, in the Costa da Morte. It is one of the most visited sites in Galicia and is not overrated. We recommend that you stop by during your holidays in Galicia. What impresses most is the sunset seen from this corner of the Costa da Morte. Then on course to the cape of Fisterra!

SEAFOOD

Nowhere else will you find the octopus better prepared than in the provinces of Galicia. Of course not just the octopus. Galician cuisine delights the most demanding foodies. Their dishes are very rich and simple. Besides, we make sure you never go hungry. Rations are very generous 😉

GALICIAN LANGUAGE

Yes you have understood well. Galicia has its own language, it is not a dialect but an official language. If you are not Spanish maybe you are surprised by this, but in this country there are six official languages, apart from the Spanish spoken Catalan, Valencian, Galician (click on the link to get info on the Galician language), Basque and Aranese.

CUP ON FIRE

One of the traditional drinks of Galicia is the queimada. It is a cocktail of brandy liqueur, sugar, coffee beans, lemon peel and cinnamon sticks. However, what distinguishes it is not its ingredients, but the way of making it: to prepare the queimada you have to set fire. It must be said that the process is an impressive spectacle that you cannot miss in Galicia.

THE LARGEST LAUREL FOREST IN EUROPE

One of the treasures of the rias of Galicia, located on the island of Cortegada in the National Park of the Atlantic Islands

HIGHEST CHESTNUT TREES IN EUROPE

Another overwhelming forest of the provinces of Galicia, located in Ourense. Since 1954 it is recognized as the home of the highest chestnut trees in Europe. There you can walk among the trees that measure more than 30 meters. One can feel small and insignificant in such a company! A place that every person who loves nature has to see in Galicia.

BLACK BEACH OF NON-VOLCANIC ORIGIN

Perhaps it is one of the least known curiosities of Galicia. The only one in the whole world! There is a tour that will take you to the only beach with black sand of non-volcanic origin in the world. It is located is A Coruña and really worth a visit. The Atlantic waves, the cliffs, the coast… all that makes you feel Galicia. Just keep in mind that it is not an easy journey, so if you are not in shape we do not recommend it. In addition, it is not very well signposted, then better to do it in the company of an experienced guide.

HIGHEST CLIFFS IN CONTINENTAL EUROPE

They are in San Andrés de Teixido, bordering the only black beach we have mentioned in the previous paragraph. The Cliffs of the Vixía Hebreira measure 620 m. They form a beautiful and mythical landscape, along with the troubled waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

ÉZARO WATERFALL

The only waterfall in Europe that flows into the sea. The waterfall formed by the river Xallas at its mouth to the sea measures 40 meters and has below it a well of 16 meters deep. There you can see how the waters of the river flow down the impressive rocks. It is a remarkable point to see in Coruña . Especially if you pass the Costa da Morte. We also recommend visiting the viewpoint of Ézaro to enjoy beautiful views over the estuaries and the village of Ézaro.

TORRE DE HÉRCULES

It is the only Roman lighthouse in operation oldest in the world and, at the same time, the most recognizable lighthouse you have to see in Galicia. La Torre de Hércules is located at the end of the promenade of A Coruña, approaching from the city you can contemplate the lighthouse and sculptures that surround it on the seabed.

EGERIA

Finally, a historical curiosity: Egeria was the first woman to travel in history and yes, she was Galician! In 1884 an Italian historian discovered the 4th century manuscripts written in the first person by a woman who described her travels in a critical and interesting way. It was a great find for the Galicians!

what do you think? There’s a lot to learn about Galicia, isn’t there? We hope we’ve introduced you some curiosities of Galicia that you did not know about this region and that is an inspiration for your next holydays in Galicia.