Galician Retreat

Well-situated in a renovated manor house originally built in 1767 and nestled between mountains and sea, Galician Retreat is located in the Rias Baixas, on the inner tip of the Ria de Arousa. The villa offers no shortage of tranquil spaces, from manicured lawns to the tiered garden, bamboo cove and mountain spring. What is more, many activities are available to explore the local area, taking in its eucalyptus forests, secret lagoons, beautiful beaches, and ocean bays.

Santiago de Compostela (a 40-minute drive) is one of the most beautiful and historical cities in Spain (it is also the end point of the famous Camino de Santiago). With its stone streets, Baroque buildings, and wonderful cuisine, there's no shortage of things to experience. Check out the charming Casco Antiguo (Old Town), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that extends from the Cathedral to the Plaza de las Platerias and be sure to stop in at one of the cafes and try some of the city's famous pastries de tarta de santiago.

In the nearby Vilagarcia de Arousa (20-minute drive), a port town renowned for its extensive beaches and delicious seafood, visitors can experience a bright mix of old and new. There's also a great range of leisure pursuits available, including golf, tennis, fishing, and cycling. The best-known beach is Compostela Beach, with its soft sand and clean waters that are a sight to see!

Pontevedra (40-minute drive) is another must-visit locale, especially if you're a fan of seafood. A Galician proverb states that "Pontevedra gives water to travellers" because it is believed that Pontevedra always gives back. The town boasts some of the best seafood in Spain and is particularly noteworthy for its Albariño wine.

Read more about Galicia

About Galicia

Like many parts of Spain, Galicia has its very own identity that has remained intact through its regional dialect and distinguishing culture. Although Galicia is recognised for its holy traditions, we urge budding tourists to also consider its astonishing green countryside & rivers and its UNESCO World Heritage sites. Occasionally you may even hear the gentle tootling of bagpipes, known locally as the Galician Gaita, along this northern corner of the Iberian Peninsula.

You're likely to fly into Santiago de Compostela, which is the capital of Galicia and is probably best known for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and its route. Many of the travellers embark on this journey by foot and tend to be mesmerised by this fine city at the end of their trek. Casco Viejo, or the Old Town, is a good place to end or even start your holiday. This area of the city is blessed with markets, restaurants, bars and buildings from a bygone era. After exhausting yourself in the busyness of the city, take a day trip to Praia de Rodas, on the gorgeous Cíes Islands. These small islands, accessible by boat from Vigo, Baiona, or Cangas, have been noted as having some of the best beaches in the world. It has to be seen to be believed!

Galicia is divided into four key regions: A Coruña, Lugo, Ourense and our favourite – Pontevedra. A Galician proverb states that 'Pontevedra gives water to travellers'. We firmly believe this to be true, as this particular part of Galicia has everything a traveller could need for an unforgettable experience and it almost feels like this city is constantly giving back. Whilst you holiday in Pontevedra you will realise that days are structured around mealtime. And why wouldn't they be? With some of the best seafood you will experience in Spain and the noteworthy Albariño wine, you may notice your jeans feeling a little tighter toward the end of your holiday. You will be glad to know that your waistline need not be a cause for concern though! Pontevedra is blessed with some of the best hiking trails, medieval monasteries, estuaries, and valleys within Spain. Don't forget about the coastline either! Rarely you will you find so many empty beaches, so make the most of this privacy and just embrace the nature around you.

Galicia is still an unspoilt part of the world. It has everything a diverse group of friends & family need to have a glorious adventure.

Getting There

Galicia is served by either Santiago de Compostela Airport, A Coruña Airport, or Vigo Airport. Various train lines connect the main cities and towns of Galicia to other destinations in Northern and Central Spain (and even Portugal). There are also vairous coach routes that you can take throughout the region and to other cities in Spain.

From the UK:
Direct flights are available from London with easyJet, Ryanair, Vueling, and many others. Although, travellers should be aware that Vigo Airport only receives domestic flights, so a stopover is needed if you wish to travel to this airport. Chartered flights are also available from several other UK airports.