Galicia, north/west Spain - anyone been?/tips?

[Tootsweetrodders]

Hi everyone,

As the subject titles says really - we are planning a holiday with the kids to Spain and fancy something a diff from the standard ‘Costa’ holiday.

Have been looking at the coastline around NW Spain, which looks to have some absolutely beautiful beaches and I’m vaguely hoping is perhaps a bit less touristy..

Would probably fly into Santiagode Compostela and hire a car to
drive out to the coast somewhere, then stay for up to 2 weeks.

Looking for any first hand knowledge and experience of the area.🤞🏻🤞🏻

Airport: Santiago de Compostela

Yes, it's absolutely stunning there!!! I've only been pre kids tho

Islas Cies off the coast of Vigo are really beautiful. Santiago is a lovely city and if you are feeling energetic you can do the last part of the Camino de Santiago 😂

Beautiful but tends to be wetter and cooler, though that could be a plus! We went in campervan and there are some lovely sandy beaches.

It is stunningly beautiful round there. But even in last year's heatwave the sea was COLD! Amazing seafood and soft fruit, not a great deal of English speakers once you are away from Santiago de Compostela.

Beautiful coast and definitely go to Santiago. The sea can be quite rough and cold

I went last year and walked half the Camino dos faros. It's stunning. Unlike anywhere else I've been in Europe. Beautiful, huge empty white beaches and pristine forest. I would recommend muxia as a good place to stop for a while. It's really pretty. Some of the other towns along the coast may be a bit quiet. Also Lires for windsurfing.

It's lovely scenery and beaches are fab. More interesting than the south, I think. But the weather is bit like home -unpredictable, cooler and wetter. But maybe that's not a bad thing when you think of the temperatures in the south. I see more and more interest being expressed about the north so the sooner you visit, the better, I'd think.

No but would love to. Went to San Sebastian last year and the north coast is indeed gorgeous and a refreshing contrast to the Costas. Clean, green and cooler.

Thank you all so much for responses, that’s really helpful.

I was wondering about the weather and had assumed it would be more ‘British’ and as it’s ocean rather than med, the water will be rather chilly..

Those Ciel islands looks absolutely stunning in photos online, really fancy a trip there.

I’d love to do some of the Camino! Not sure the kids would (without moaning their way along..)

Bumping to see if anyone else has experiences to share 🧡

Yes, I've been to Galicia! Flew into Santiago. It's very green, much quieter than other parts of Spain. It felt very authentic, didn't see any 'English cafes' !! Hire a car. Beautiful region.

Santiago city is wonderful.

Thanks all.

Can I ask the time of year you all travelled there? Would be great to get a sense of the weather in June-Sept :)

I wouldn't go in July/august if you can avoid it - too hot! Although the north is a bit cooler and more humid than the south. There is a big beach party for San Juan in June I think? Like the 23rd or 24th? Also look up and see whether there are any fiestas happening (local festival celebrations). Galicia is also a Celtic region so if you go to a musical event you are quite likely to see bagpipes and fiddles 😂

Went pre DC and loved it! Amazing pinchos, wine and scenery. Weather happened to be glorious when we went as it coincided with a heatwave over most of UK, so not really damp at all. How old are DC? Would they enjoy Bilbao and the Guggenheim? Lots of stunning hikes, surfing opportunities and campsites. Carres Gorge was beautiful, but I wouldn't go with very young DC

I went to Ferrol with work. I would love to have visited further afield in the area.