Although Galicia has experienced significant growth in tourism in recent years, there are still corners and small towns where it is possible to disconnect from the world. First of all, because of the immensity of the land of Galicia itself: this community of large dimensions is home to remote places. And also the truth offers the opportunity to reach nature, whether you choose the interior or the beach. In this case it can be more complicated, but we are here with the recommendation of the traveler.
An ideal holiday destination in the heart of Galicia
Mondoñedo
In the inland province of Lugo, this town remains beautiful, where you can enjoy both interesting monuments and a beautiful walk without hurrying and planning. Mondoñedo can boast that the cathedral is considered the oldest in Spain. Built and consecrated in the 13th century, it was declared national at the beginning of the 20th century. The Old Fountain, preserved in its original state since the 16th century, or the Plaza de Concello, the 18th-century city hall, are other places to discover.
There are many hiking trails around the town, such as those that follow the route of the river Validñadares. Mondoñedo is also more than twenty minutes from Las Catedrales beach, in the heart of Mariña Lucense. The natural monument is priceless, but it is better to avoid a place without crowds if you want to walk. Perhaps a good visit, however, when the time comes to reconnect with the world.
Bridge Maceira
Considered by many to be the most beautiful town in the interior of Galicia, A Ponte Maceira is just a group of houses scattered along the river Tambre that form the scene of this place. The cataracts follow each other through a medieval stone bridge, such as Ponte Vella, one of the most beautiful in Spain. It dates back to the 12th century and a legend surrounds it that brings it back to the Camino de Santiago, which it traverses here in the epilogue that leads the Fisterra pilgrim.
Ponte Maceira belongs to the parish of Portor, which in turn belongs to the municipality of Negreira. It has about five hundred inhabitants, is surrounded by woods and pines, and is surrounded by a most pleasant silence. There are no major monuments to visit, except the Pazo de Balandrón, from the last century, which is in harmony with nature.
Ribeira Sacra: paradise disconnection
to decorate
Something similar happened with Ponte Maceira with Belesar: it is a small village in a remote corner of the sacred inland Galicia that makes up the Ribeira Sacra. This region, full of Roman temples and a rich past, has also experienced a significant increase in tourism, but people have not yet heard of it. Belesar, located on the Ribeira side of Lugo, at the foot of the Miño bifurcated by its course, is the perfect place to disconnect.
There are numerous hiking trails around it. The tracks of the Camino de Santiago de Invierno will pass here, in fact, so that the pilgrims’ cards are put on for several kilometers. A fantastic plan is to go through the so-called Codos de Belesar, a cobbled path of about seven kilometers whose origins go back to the Romans. Moreover, there are many excursions around Belesar: here you can visit the spectacular Cabo do Mundo, the beach of A Cova or the charming church of Sant Paio de Diomondi.
if stop
From Lugo to Ourense, from the banks of the Minoans to the summit of Sil. This small and charming town is located in one of the most beautiful areas of the Ribeira Sacra. As in the case of Belesar, Parada de Sil is the best starting point for excursions that will allow you to discover the greatness of the place. Los Balcones de Madrid offer a beautiful view of the impressive Sil canyons and are only a fifteen minute walk from town.
Even if you take a vehicle, you should not miss the opportunity to go to the silent and isolated monastery of Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil, which has been standing since the 13th century. It is so far away that in a state of dilapidation, despite the obvious desolation, the structure of the main buildings has been preserved, which have also merged with the nature of Merilán’s light. Following the river to the north awaits the great monastery of Ribeira Sacra: the monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil.
Towns on the coast of Gallaecia fit to be separated
A boatman
Despite being on the busy coast of the province of A Coruña, O Barqueiro still doesn’t tend to get crowded with tourists, so it can be one of those Galician towns perfect for disconnecting. It is a typical fishing village, named after the boat that, until the beginning of the 20th century, moved people from one side of the estuary to the other, which gives the town its name. It is one of the smallest in Galicia, but it has the privilege of attending meetings between the Cantabrian and the Atlantic.
Clearly on the other hand, one of those beaches remains, the Arealonga beach, which explains why Gallecia is one of the delights of sea lovers. The small port of the town is located at the mouth of the Sor river and can be visited. Nor should we overlook the Estaca de Bares lighthouse, which is the most northerly on the peninsula.
to know you
In the municipality of Baiona, this small town was founded by the Suevi at the end of the 6th century. Its old quarter has been declared a Site of Historic-Artistic Interest. Monuments to highlight: the Renaissance fountain of Pombal, from the middle of the 16th century, or the Romanesque bridge that crosses the River Minor, the first of this beautiful valley.
Sabarís is also recognized as one of the last corners for birdwatching. It has this unique corner which, except in the purest summer or winter months, offers a great value environment. Nearby Baiona, on the other hand, is one of the most prestigious towns in the Rias Baixas, although tourism is more prominent here. In calmer conditions, one can visit the Outeiro dos Lameiros Petroglyphs Archaeological Complex, a memory of a time both ancient and modern. However, this is the main recommendation: to enjoy the good air and the tranquility of its beach, which opens clearly to the ultimate landscapes that make up the Rias Baixas.
