More and more people decide to take advantage of their holidays to visit the north of Spain, an option that seems to us to be the most successful. If you are one of them, you cannot miss Galicia , an autonomous community full of amazing landscapes, impressive beaches, charming fishing villages, a rich historical heritage … In addition, here you can enjoy tasty cuisine, one of its strengths.
Galicia only has 22 municipalities with more than 20,000 inhabitants. Today at Vuela Viajes we want to tell you about its 7 main cities, all of them over 60,000 inhabitants. Would you like to join us?
Vigo
We are going to start by talking about Vigo, the most populated city in Galicia. Many people do not know it, but in the Vigo estuary there are dozens of sunken galleons with treasures that have not yet come to light. Of course, this city has much more to offer the traveler: its Casco Vello, Samil beach, Castrelos Park.
On the other hand, you should know that the inhabitants of Vigo have the opportunity to get close to the Cies Islands , three virgin islands located at the entrance to the Ría de Vigo. They are part of the Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands.
A Coruña
The second most populated city in Galicia is A Coruña. One of the best things about this corner is that there is always atmosphere . Therefore, it is a fantastic city to walk around. In addition, you can find wonderful beaches in the center. Special mention should be made of the long Paseo Marítimo that almost completely surrounds it and which is presided over by the Tower of Hercules.
In addition to the Tower of Hercules, the Old City of A Coruña is home to an interesting Romanesque set of streets, squares and churches. Also, you should know that the city has excellent museums.
Ourense
Known as the city of water, Ourense has eight bridges that cross the river Miño. It is important that you bear in mind that throughout the city you can find hot springs , some of which are free, such as those of A Chavasqueira.
You will love its Old City, which preserves some important monuments . Among all of them the Cathedral stands out.
Lugo
Lugo is a city with a splendid Roman past. This is demonstrated by the Wall that surrounds it and which is a World Heritage Site, the Thermal Baths and the Roman Bridge. Also, if you have the opportunity to visit this city, you will not be able to miss the Cathedral and the Virgen de los Ojos Grandes.
We must highlight the Fiestas de San Froilán, or what is the same, the fiestas of Lugo, which are the busiest in Galicia. They are celebrated the first fortnight of October.
Santiago de Compostela
How could it be otherwise, we are also going to talk about Santiago de Compostela, the Galician capital, although it is the fifth most populated. A World Heritage Site since 1985, the city has been attracting pilgrims from around the world for centuries. Its historic center stands out, which houses the Cathedral and the Pórtico de la Gloria.
We must also highlight its emblematic squares : Obradoiro, O Toural, Quintana …
Pontevedra
The sixth most populated city in Galicia is Pontevedra, with a long maritime and commercial tradition . It conserves one of the most important historical centers of the autonomous community.
One of the best things about Pontevedra is that everything is one step away. In addition, there is much to see, such as the collection of gold work in the Pontevedra Museum, the Basilica of Santa María, the Church of San Bartolomé or the Ruins of Santo Domingo.
Ferrol
Finally, we must talk about Ferrol, where culture, urban elegance and military power are mixed. One of the things you will have to do when visiting this city is to walk through the Magdalena neighborhood, which is drawn with a chocolate bar. The Castillo de San Felipe, the Fortresses and the Arsenal are also worth discovering.
Although visiting Ferrol is worthwhile at any time of the year, we must highlight its Holy Week , which is the oldest and most spectacular in the entire autonomous community.
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