Tips: Excursions
If you’re spending a little extra time in Galicia and the surrounding areas, there are some charming nearby places that are well worth exploring.
A Coruña
We’re getting married in A Coruña, a coastal city at the northernmost point of Spain that is very dear to us. Antonio studied here and has family and friends in the city, and it’s also very convenient for traveling, with an airport close by.
In A Coruña, the Torre de Hércules stands out. It is the oldest lighthouse in the world still in operation and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic center and Plaza María Pita are lovely places to explore or to relax with a drink. The city is nicknamed the Glass City because of its beautiful glass-fronted balconies along the marina. If the sun is shining, head to the beach for a swim.
Did you know Picasso lived here? He studied art in A Coruña and held his first exhibition at the age of 13. There’s even a small museum in his former home, if you’re curious.
Lugo
Just nearby is Lugo, Antonio’s hometown. It’s known for its complete Roman wall that surrounds the historic center — so well preserved that it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can walk along the top of the wall and enjoy spectacular views.
Lugo is also synonymous with tapas, especially in its charming old town. When you order a drink, many bars serve a small plate of food on the house, each with its own specialty. The best part is that you can sample many different bites just by walking from one place to the next. The wine district — with streets such as Plaza del Campo, Rúa da Cruz, Rúa Bispo Basulto, and Rúa Nova — is perfect for this: among arcades, historic façades, and the impressive backdrop of the cathedral, going for tapas becomes a true gastronomic stroll. And if you let yourself wander, you’ll end up passing through Rúa da Tinería and Rúa do Miño, part of what’s popularly known as Lugo’s “Chinatown” — a nickname rooted in the area’s past, once associated with nightlife and hostess bars. Today, thanks to an urban renewal plan, many of the buildings have been restored, and the area is now home to wine and cocktail bars, keeping its lively spirit but with a more refined and welcoming atmosphere.
Beaches and the art of doing nothing
In Galicia, there are beaches for every taste. Right in the heart of A Coruña, Riazor and Orzán beaches are very easy to reach and perfect for a hassle-free swim.
If you’re up for going a bit farther, it’s well worth visiting Praia das Catedrais (~150 km) — with giant rock formations that become even more impressive at low tide. A natural wonder that makes you appreciate the silent yet undeniable passage of time.
And if you want something truly special, there are the Islas Cíes, which many consider to be the most beautiful beaches in Spain. This one does require a bit more planning: you’ll need to drive to Vigo, take a ferry, and book in advance, as the number of visitors is limited.
Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is a must-stop on our list. It’s the final destination of the Camino de Santiago, and you’ll often see pilgrims arriving at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela — watching them arrive on foot at the end of a journey that may have started more than 700 km away can be quietly moving.
The historic center is beautiful and perfect for wandering, full of life and little craft shops and, as always, bodegas where you can sit back and watch time go by.
Right next to the cathedral, there’s a food market surrounded by a few small restaurants — more like street restaurants, really. Menus change daily depending on what’s fresh at the market — seasonal, unfussy, and always flavorful, just like everything in Spain.
Albariño Wine Festival and Rías Baixas
All of Galicia is enchanting, but the Rías Baixas have a special glow. There’s so much to enjoy — beautiful beaches, charming towns, and it’s the land of Albariño — one of our favorite wines. If you’re traveling to Portugal, this region is absolutely worth exploring along the way.
And to make it even better, the Festa do Albariño takes place the same week as our wedding! Held in Cambados, the whole town turns into a celebration, with wine tastings, food stalls, concerts, and parades. You’ll see people walking around with wine glasses hanging from strings, hopping from one bodega to another.
On top of that, every August Pontevedra hosts bullfights during the Feria de la Peregrina — a historic and very local experience. Definitely something to keep an eye on.
Ribeira Sacra and Terroir
Ribeira Sacra is a wine region and a breathtaking landscape in Galicia, famous for its deep canyons, terraced vineyards, and ancient historic monasteries. It’s a place where nature, history, and wine production come together, offering a unique experience for visitors.
It’s about 150 km from A Coruña, and every minute of the journey is worth it. There, you’ll find peaceful riverside trails, serene boat rides, and ancient monasteries tucked into the hillsides — plenty to explore.
As everywhere in Spain, wine is always present here. At Regina Viarum, you can taste local wines (Mencía, Godello, and Albariño) while admiring the steep, dramatic vineyards and feeling the same cool breeze that refreshes the grapes. The views are breathtaking, and the respect for the terroir is truly impressive.
This is one of the regions where so-called heroic viticulture is practiced — farming on slopes so steep that everything is done by hand, with almost acrobatic dedication. The effort behind each bottle makes the experience even more special.
Stop by Porto and open a bottle of port wine
Porto is another place we reaaaaally recommend. It’s full of color and energy — walking around feels a bit like being back in Salvador, Brazil. The bright tiles, lively streets, and music everywhere create a fun, vibrant atmosphere.
The historic center stretches along the Douro River and looks especially beautiful at night, when everything lights up.
And yesss, here comes another wine recommendation — port wine is a winner. Cross the bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia and check out the wine cellars. It’s absolutely worth it.