Galicia`s North West Road Trip

Galicia's North West Road Trip is a 452 km journey through some of Spain's most beautiful towns and countryside. Starting in Santiago de Compostela, the route takes you through Ferrol, Ribadeo, and Lugo, offering stunning views of the lush green hills, dramatic coastlines and vibrant towns. The best time to take the trip is during the warmer months, from May to September, when you can enjoy the beaches and crystal clear waters. The roads are in good condition, though some of them are a bit curvy and narrow, so be sure to take your time and drive safely. With a moderate budget, this road trip provides a high level of experiences and memories. Whether you're an experienced driver or a rookie, this is a great way to explore the beauty of Galicia.

Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful Spanish city situated in the northwest of the country and is the starting point for the Galicia’s North West Road Trip. It is a city rich in history, culture, and architecture, and is a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Spain. The city boasts a wealth of attractions, including the stunningly beautiful Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, which is the official end of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. The Praza do Obradoiro and the Praza da Quintana are two of the most picturesque squares in the city and are great places to take in some stunning architecture and soak up the atmosphere. The old town is full of quaint cobbled streets and historic buildings, and the Alameda Park is a great place to take a stroll and admire the views. For those traveling to Santiago de Compostela by air, the closest international airport is Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ), located just 4 kilometers from the city center. Car rental services are available at the airport, making it easy to explore the city and the surrounding areas. Santiago de Compostela is an ideal starting point for the Galicia’s North West Road Trip. Its rich culture, stunning architecture and beautiful scenery make it a must-see destination for anyone looking to explore the best of Spain.

Are you ready for an incredible road trip from Santiago de Compostela to Ferrol? This 94km drive will take you less than 2 hours and will take you through some of the most interesting places in Spain. Your first stop should be Betanzos, a beautiful town with a rich history. Here you can visit the Church of San Francisco, the Town Hall, Santiago de la Peña, and the Church of Santa María. The second stop is Ferrol, an old port city with a long naval tradition. Here you can visit the Church of San Francisco, the Museum of the Navy, and the Castle of San Felipe. This is just one of the stages of the larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Let's get on the road!

Are you ready for the most exciting road trip of your life? Start your journey in Ferrol, Spain and get ready to be amazed by the 174 kilometers of winding roads that will take you to Ribadeo! This trip will take you less than 3 hours, so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Spanish countryside. As you drive, be sure to pay attention to the scenic roads that will lead you to some of the most interesting places in Ferrol and Ribadeo. In Ferrol, you can visit the Castle of San Felipe, a fortress built by the Spanish Navy in the 18th century. Then, you can explore the nearby beaches of San Andres and Esteiro, where you can take a dip in the crystal clear waters. When you arrive in Ribadeo, you can visit the Church of Santa Maria, a Romanesque-style church from the 12th century. Then, you can take a stroll through the historic center and explore the many shops, restaurants, and bars. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for the road trip of a lifetime!

Are you ready for a spectacular road trip from Ribadeo to Lugo? This 88 km journey will take you less than two hours, but you will want to take your time to explore the amazing sights along the way. Start your journey in Ribadeo, a beautiful coastal town with a stunning beach and a picturesque old town. From there, drive along the scenic road to visit the Castle of Monterroso, a stunning medieval castle located on a hilltop. Next, you'll reach the town of Viveiro, with its beautiful beaches and picturesque old town. Continue your journey to the town of Foz, where you'll find the stunning Catedral de Santa María de Foz, a beautiful Romanesque cathedral. Then, drive to the town of Lourenzá, where you'll find the ruins of the Castillo de San Pedro, a medieval castle. Finally, you'll reach the city of Lugo, home to the ancient Roman Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you'll find the Cathedral of Santa María de Lugo, an impressive Romanesque cathedral. This is just one of the stages of your road trip, so don't forget to check out the "Itinerary" to find out more about the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!

Welcome to the Lugo-Santiago de Compostela road trip stage! This is a journey of 96km that can be covered in less than 2 hours. Start your journey in Lugo, a city in Galicia renowned for its ancient Roman walls. Explore the old city and its surrounding areas, where you can find historic churches, monuments, and parks. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the iconic Tower of Hercules, the oldest Roman lighthouse in the world. Continue your trip to Santiago de Compostela, the end of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Here, you can visit the iconic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. Spend some time exploring the city's cobbled streets and admire the beautiful architecture. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route can be found in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy the journey!

The final destination of the “Galicia’s North West Road Trip” is Santiago de Compostela. It is a city filled with history and culture, and is the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia in Spain. As the final resting place of Saint James the Apostle, Santiago de Compostela has been a major Christian pilgrimage destination since the Middle Ages. The city is divided into two parts: the old town, where you will find the monuments and streets full of history, and the new town, which is the modern part of the city. The old town is the main attraction in Santiago de Compostela, and it is home to the striking Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. It is the end of the pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago and its interior is filled with a mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque art. Other attractions in the city include the Praza do Obradoiro, a large square located at the front of the cathedral, and the Praza das Praterías, a square lined with arcades and home to the Church of San Martiño. In the new town, the Casa de las Roelas, the former residence of the counts of Gelves, is a must-see. The closest international airport to Santiago de Compostela is the A Coruña Airport (LCG), located roughly 70 kilometers away. It is a small airport that services domestic and international flights. However, if you are traveling by car, Santiago de Compostela is easily accessible by the N-550 highway, which runs along the Atlantic coast of Galicia. Santiago de Compostela is the perfect place to end your road trip through Galicia’s North West. Its rich history and cultural attractions make it a rewarding destination for visitors.

Before you set off

Embark on the enchanting Galicia's North West Road Trip, a 452 km voyage through the heart of the verdant Spanish region renowned for its cultural heritage, Celtic history, and gastronomic delights. Starting from the hallowed city of Santiago de Compostela and winding through the coastal beauty of Ferrol, the enchanting landscapes of Ribadeo, and the Roman legacy of Lugo, this journey is a tapestry of lush green valleys, rugged coastlines, and charming towns steeped in history.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Santiago de Compostela: Not only famous for the majestic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the pulsating heart of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also for its vibrant old town filled with historic buildings and traditional Galician eateries.
• Ferrol: A city with a storied naval history, it offers visitors a glimpse into its maritime past through well-preserved shipyards and the formidable Castle of San Felipe, guarding the entrance to its ria or estuary.
• Ribadeo: A gateway to the awe-inspiring Playa de las Catedrales, a beach celebrated for its towering natural arches and mystical caves that can be explored at low tide. Ribadeo itself is a charming town with a rich architectural heritage.
• Lugo: Esteemed for its impeccably preserved Roman walls, Lugo's ancient fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, completely encircling the historic center and offering a unique walkable vantage point over the city.

Best Time to Go:

The ideal time to embark on this Road Trip is from late spring to early autumn, specifically from May to September, when the climate is temperate, and the region's natural beauty is in full bloom. This period provides an excellent opportunity for coastal activities and outdoor exploration without the excessive heat of high summer.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

• The entire region of Galicia is known for its distinct culture, which includes a unique Galician language, traditional music, and dance.
• Galician cuisine is a highlight, with seafood being a staple, including the famous pulpo a la gallega (octopus Galician style).
• The Road Trip offers a chance to experience a range of landscapes, from the rugged Costa da Morte (Coast of Death) to the serene Rías Baixas estuaries.

A good choice for:

Galicia's North West Road Trip is a mosaic of natural splendor and cultural wealth, a journey through Spain's lesser-known northwest corner that promises to enchant Roadtrippers with a blend of coastal panoramas and historical intrigue. It's a soul-stirring adventure that caters to those who cherish the fusion of sea, sky, and stone—making it a must-do itinerary for avid travelers and cultural enthusiasts alike.