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| Galicia Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Cies Islands Golden Beaches Cies Islands Golden Beaches Galicia looks out over the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Biscay with over two thousand years of history behind it. Largely undiscovered by foreigners, it is very picturesque and mostly unspoilt. It also offers some of the prettiest Spanish landscapes. To explore these lands in the north-west of Spain means a chance to live the adventure of a lifetime, full of tradition, lush landscapes and unique cities. In Galicia, the frontiers between sea and land cancel each other out. Both blend together along the 1,300 kilometres of coastline, 772 beaches, and five large rias (long sea lakes that stretch inland) where, tradition has it, the right hand of the Creator shaped the dramatic coastline that now defines part of this land. A traveller coming to Galicia soon discovers that, in this territory situated in the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula, over two thousand years of history have endured. Local history offers every visitor its enigmatic castros (Celtic dwellings) with their peculiar citadels; and in them, perhaps, discover the Celts, ancient occupants of an evocative granite world (the castros at Baroña -Porto do Son-, Viladonga -Castro do Rei- or Santa Tegra -A Guarda- are the best-preserved). The traveller can also see Gallaecia, the Roman Galicia. The great Roman Wall in Lugo is still standing, a unique fortified enclosure with a circular structure and a perimeter of 2,200 metres lasting since the 3rd century. Something different is immediately noticeable here. Clear connections with the Celtic peoples are to be seen in this fertile land. Galicia is also the land of a thousand rivers. Water runs into many of them off the mountains of Os Ancares, O Courel or Peña Trevinca (with altitudes over 1,800 metres). The father Miño crosses Galicia from north-east to south-west, to flow placidly out to sea at the Portuguese frontier. The river channels are as varied as the landscape: from the remarkable Sil Canyons (whose river is the Miño's main tributary, and which can be comfortably travelled by catamaran) and the Ribeira Sacra, an area of uneven contours, ideal for vine growing. The way out of Galicia by sea is through its rias. Altas (high) or Baixas (low) which nestle into the landscape making an incomparable backdrop for water tourism, with five blue flag ports in 1997 (A Coruña, Porto do Son, Ribadeo, Baiona and Vilagarcía de Arousa). Mountains, lush valleys and the most dramatic piece of coastline you are likely to find in Spain can be found in the four districts which make up the region. The district of Orense is by far the most mountainous with peaks reaching up to 1800m. __________Sights Edit This Corrubedo, with its lighthouse Corrubedo, with its lighthouse The cities are both monumental and welcoming. Santiago de Compostela (the administrative capital) is the medieval centre. It has been declared Cultural Heritage of Mankind, and is the finishing point of the Christian pilgrims' roads to the tomb of the Apostle St. James. A Coruña is the city of light and modern beauty, just as Ferrol, a traditional naval and military base, represents Neo-Classicism. We have referred to the Rías Baixas, which have two main centres of population: Vigo, looking out over the placid waters of the Atlantic, offering some of the best shellfish (such as oysters), and Pontevedra, the end point of a long tongue of sea that stretches inland and merges with the waters of the River Lérez. Pontevedra is striking for its historical quarter, one of the most interesting in the whole of Spain.Lugo and Ourense are the two main cities to visit inland. The former, as we have mentioned, is a living testament to its Roman past. Both are crossed by the mighty Miño which, as it passes, leaves behind autochthonous forests with centuries-old oaks and chestnuts, which have been an inspiration on countless occasions for artists all over the world. Ourense is interesting for its Roman bridge and the entrance portico to the Cathedral, known as the Portico of El Paraíso, by the Master-Sculptor Mateo. The land of Galicia leads us, in short, to the sea. And there, Fisterra, the finis terrae where the Romans & Celts located the end of their known world. From there a whole PORTICO OF GLORY opens up to the visitor. [Add Sight] Dolmen of Axeitos Edit This Dolmen of Axeitos Dolmen of Axeitos Walking through the small trail, you will see in the distance the Dolmen. A Dolmen is a Megalithic burial structure, also adapted and used by the Celts. It consists of large slabs of stone normally two or three standing stones to act as the support for the head stone placed on the top. There are many theories as to how the Huge Head stone is placed on top of the top lateral standing stone, but much still remains a mystery. Inside the Dolmens the Celts buried their warriors and Chieftains with all their arms, jewels etc… The Dolmen of Axeitos is a very good example of a burial more.. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] email: tours@euroadventures.net address: Galicia url: www.euroadventures.net tel: +34 986 22 13 99 Corrubedo Lighthouse Edit This Corrubedo, with its lighthouse Corrubedo, with its lighthouse Corrubedo, with its lighthouse, is the last point in the Atlantic Ocean, and Santa Uxía is the town with the biggest marine and economic life in the Barbanza and the first coastal fishing harbour in Spain. The fishing fleet constitutes its economical basis and its main activity, considered like the most important one in coastal fishing of the CEE. Gathering shellfish, the sea product transforming companies, and the services sector complement its economy. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] email: tours@euroadventures.net address: Galicia url: www.euroadventures.net tel: +34 986 22 13 99 Dunes of Corrubedo Edit This Dunes of Corrubedo Dunes of Corrubedo Dunes of Corrubedo, the most valued jewel without doubt in this areas is the natural park of Corrubedo and the lakes of Carregal and Vixán, which has witnesses of geology, hydrology and biology from the parish of Carreira to Corrubedo. It is situated in the Atlantic end of the Barbanza and its ecological unit is formed by a group of forests, fields, lakes, mudflats, rivers, beaches and dunes over which there is a very rich life. With this diversity and in its mild climate, more than 200 vegetal varieties grow and 35 species of water birds live there. The waters of the mudflats more.. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] email: tours@euroadventures.net address: Galicia url: www.euroadventures.net tel: +34 986 22 13 99 Celtic Hill-fort of Castro de Barona Edit This Celtic Hill-fort of Castro de Barona Celtic Hill-fort of Castro de Barona Celtic Hill-fort of Castro de Barona, which sits on its own spectacular peninsula jutting out into the wild sea. It is a very good example of a coastline hill-fort. There is a very interesting legend behind this site, it is said that anyone who sees the image or shape of a lions head in the hill-fort rock formations they will be selected to join the rebirth of the Celtic Clan of Baroña. Take a look around the hill-fort and keep your eyes peeled for the lions head your guide will not reveal the secret until the end of the visit. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] email: tours@euroadventures.ne address: Galicia url: www.euroadventures.net tel: +34 986 22 13 99 ___________Getting Around Edit This Getting around Galicia is quite hard using public transport. It seems as if there is no coordination between the different bus companies and they do not publish their timetables on any web site. You may be lucky and find sheets of A4 selo-taped to the doors of the bus stations with the times of departure, but no route! Trains are little better as the timetables can be found on http://horarios.renfe.es/hir/ingles.html Flying to Galicia from the U.K. can be done with Ryanair to Santiago. This airport also handles flights from Amsterdam and Madrid. Contributors June 25, 2005 new by the_doc [Add Local transport mode] gordon lang Edit This I wish to travel from Santander to Santiago de Compestela via Coruna by train. Fave? Please advise World66 rating: [rate it] address: Glasgow U.K. email: gordonlang@myrealbox.com ___________Getting There Edit This Flying into Galicia is getting easier by the day. In recent news Ryanair are scheduled to start flying into Santiago de Compostela as of April 11, 2005. Bargain hunters kind find some good deals with the proper research. Flights depart daily from London Stansted at 11:10AM and arrive into Santiago at 02:15PM. From Santiago flight depart to London at 02:40PM and arrive at 03:55PM. Another option is flying into Porto with Ryanair, its is only about 2 hours away from Vigo, the biggest city in Galicia. If you are travelling within Spain Spanair currently has cheap fares for as low as 19 euros on selected flights from Madrid and Barcelona. Contributors April 06, 2005 change by euroadventures [Add Global transport mode] Ryanair Edit This Low cost airline flying from London. Flights depart daily from London Stansted at 11:10AM and arrive into Santiago at 02:15PM. From Santiago flight depart to London at 02:40PM and arrive at 03:55PM. Another option is flying into Porto with Ryanair, its is only about 2 hours away from Vigo, the biggest city in Galicia. Vigo is not such a nice city as they is not a lot to do, try heading out for teh countrysidde to see the landscape type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.ryanair.com EasyJet Edit This Easyjet fly to an airport they call 'Asturias' it is just on the borders of Asturias and Galicia, so if you dont like Ryanair then they could be a good alternative. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.easyjet.com address: Europe/London Bus/Coach Edit This Eurolines have coach/bus routes from all over Europe to Galicia type: By Road World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.eurolines.com address: Europe AirEuropa Edit This This charter airline from Spain also has some good deals. Santiago - Madrid (round trip) Starting from Price: 55,44 euros (taxes included) type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.aireuropa.com Iberia Airlines Edit This Iberia is a Spanish airline and has direct flight from London and Amsterdam, Multiple cities within Spain and Europe, USA, and other inernational destinations. Santiago - Madrid (round trip) Starting from Price: 55,44 euros (taxes included) Iberia has just released 5.000.000 tickets on sale on their website. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.iberia.com Spanair Edit This For flights within Spain this Spanair is a good option. Santiago - Madrid (round trip) Starting from Price: 48,- euros (taxes not included) type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.spanair.com AirFrance Edit This Airfrance has direct flight to Vigo from Paris - type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.airfrance.com Trains to Galicia Edit This To see recent train fares and times check out www.renfe.com type: By Sea World66 rating: [rate it] url: horarios.renfe.es ______________Tours and Excursions Edit This If you would like to shatter all the usual stereotypical images of Spain, Galicia is the place to go. It is fresh and verdant, it has gushing rivers and a coastline more reminiscent of Scotland than Spain. The weather is cool often misty and the land is impregnated with an age-old magical atmosphere, which travelers can share in cathedrals, castles, Dolmens & Hill-forts. You may even hear Galician bagpipes (Gaitas) droning across the pasture. Galicia is in the north-western corner of Spain. It is the most forgotten of the seven Celtic nations. Even so, it has some of the oldest Celtic traditions, going back more that 2000 years. Ancient Galicia's borders were much different than today's, they stretched into neighboring provinces of Asturias, Leon, Zamora, Salamanca, Avila, and down into the Green Coast of Northern Portugal. The stone and water crazy Galicians have equals in their Celtic brothers of Brittany, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Isle of Man and Cornwall. Traveling in Galicia, one can sense this Celtic feeling coming back from the ancient times. One does not see the calm magic of Galicia, one breathes it in: in the genuine hospitality of the people; in the popular fiestas and carnivals. In the fruits which land and sea share out generously to locals and strangers: seafood, meat, fish and wine. Also in the restful pleasure of the parador hotels, or experience the rural beauty in accommodations like Monasteries, Castles, Convents, Manor Houses (Pazos) and Country B&B's converted into beautiful rural inns all with there own distinct character. That is the magic of Galicia. Always attractive. Always... Contributors February 01, 2005 new by euroadventures (1 point) June 25, 2005 new by the_doc June 27, 2005 change by giorgio [Add New] Galician Coastal Cooking Food and Wine Tour on the Atlantic Coast of Spain Edit This Cies Islands Golden Beaches Cies Islands Golden Beaches On this special culinary and cooking tour of Spain you will be based in Aldan ( Cangas), a small fishing village on the Atlantic coast of Galicia, Spain in the area called the Rias Baixas (Low Estuaries or Bays). You will get the chance to learn in-depth about the gastronomy of Galicia by cooking side-by-side with a Galician woman who owns/runs the small Charming Country Manor you will be staying at for the trip. Over the year Aurea has been handed down many traditional coastal cooking secrets of Galicia , which she will share with her guest on their cooking more.. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.euroadventures.net address: Vigo, Galicia tel: +34 986 22 13 99 email: tours@euroadventures.net Albarino Wine Tour of the Rias Baixas Galicia Spain a Land of Seafood and Fine White Wines Edit This Coast of Rias Biaxas Coast of Rias Biaxas On this deluxe food & wine tour of Spain you will explore Galicia's Rias Baixas (pronounced REE-as BUY-zhas) an exceptionally indented coastline, with creeks and hidden coves at every turn, a scattering of inlets lying close inshore, and an alternating pattern of cliffs and beaches. In this Forgotten Celtic region of Northwestern Spain nature alone is not at play however. There is much to be enjoyed including its famous Albariño wines accompanied by rich local cuisine most notably Seafood. On this tour you will discover the Galicia, Northwestern Spain with all more.. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.euroadventures.net tel: +34 986 22 13 99 email: tours@euroadventures.net Deluxe Food and Wine Tour in Misty Enchanting Celtic Galicia Green Spain Edit This Grape Harvest in Galicia Grape Harvest in Galicia If you would like to shatter all the usual stereotypical images of Spain, then this deluxe food, wine and cultural tour of Galicia is just for you! Galicia is in the north-western corner of Spain right above Portugal, it is a fresh and verdant land that has gushing rivers and a coastline more reminiscent of Scotland than Spain. The weather is cooler than other parts of Spain and often misty with an age-old magical atmosphere, which travelers can share in historic sites like; Cathedrals , Castles and Celtic Hill-forts . Galicia is the most forgotten of the more.. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.euroadventures.net tel: +34 976 22 13 99 email: tours@euroadventures.net Albarino Wines and Celtic Sites of the Salnes Valley Rias Baixas Edit This Albarino White Wine Albarino White Wine In this corner of North Western Spain can be found a rich cultural diversity with an important emphasis on the ancient Celtic ties of this land. Not forgetting to mention as well this region is famed for its fine seafood and wines, Albariño being one of the most popular and an excellent companion with seafood. On this private chauffeur-guided day tour visitors will be able to sample a small taste of what this region has to offer. The tour departure for Santiago, but can also start from other city and villages in Galicia upon request. We follow down the Rias Baixas more.. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.euroadventures.net tel: +34 986 22 13 99 email: tours@euroadventures.net Historic City Break in Santiago de Compostela Edit This On this short break you will be staying in a hotel within walking distance of the historic centre of Santiago de Compostela. Also included is a guided excursion on a fully equipped luxury motor coach. ABOUT SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA: Santiago de Compostela, World Heritage City and capital of Galicia, is the final landmark on the St. James pilgrimage route. Centuries of splendour and development have left us an urban layout in which the medieval heritage is mixed with monumental Baroque buildings. Restaurants in the Plaza del Obradoiro, welcomes guests and more.. World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.euroadventures.net tel: +34 986 22 13 99 email: tours@euroadventures.net The Ribeira Sacra Edit This The Casa Santo Estevo does not do organised tours in large groups, but they will accompany groups of up to four people on either walking or mountain bike journeys around the local area, if booked in advanced. The owners are an English/Dutch couple and they speak several languages. http://www.ribeirasacra.com World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 0034 - 982452734 url: www.ribeirasacra.com address: Ribas de Miño 4 email: casasantoestevo@ribeirasacra.com ______________People Edit This photo Aguardiente Aguardiente (also known as Orujo) is made by using the skins of the pressed grape (orujo or bagazo), which is distilled in farmhouses. It is commonly used in the famous queimadas, burning it after a meal. The queimador (burner) makes a spectacular blue flame in the Clay bowl while he recites the conxuro-the spell. In Galicia there is a tradition of the meiga, bruxa, or curandera, who is looked upon as a benign healer more than an evil witch. The meiga-which means docile-is always present in folklore and literature, and dolls or clay figures of these figures can be found in fairs and in shops. Gallegos are known in Spain for their superstitions, perhaps because of the inhospitable terrain and the usually foggy or rainy weather. Recipe for a Queimada - Aguardiente (Similar to Brandy) - 6 spoonfuls of sugar for each liter of Aguardiente - 1 lemon rind - Optional: coffee grains, wine, oranges, apples In a clay bowl pour the Aguardiente, the sugar, and the lemon rinds. With a wide cooking spoon stir the brandy and the little sugar on the bottom, and then set fire to it; when it starts to burn add the rest little by little until it burns also. Once the flame is blue, put it out and serve it in clay cups. The Conxuro spell recided when burning Conxuro Spell-to be said by the "burner" of the Aguardiente Owls, toads and witches, evil demons and devils Spirits of the snowy valleys Crows, salamanders and witches, spells from the healers. Rotten reeds filled with holes, home to worms and pests. Fire of the souls in torment, black spells, smell of the dead, thunder and lightning. A dog's bark, announcing death. Grimace of the satyr and rabbit's foot. Sinning tongue of the bad woman married to an old man. Hell of Satan and Belzebub, fire of the cadavers in flames, bodies mutilated by the indecent farts of the infernal asses, roar of the raging sea. Useless womb of a single woman, screeching of cats in heat, the evil and dirty fur of a badly born goat. With this cup I will raise the flames of this fire that resembles the fires of hell, and witches will flee on their brooms, going to bathe at the beach of the fat sands. Listen, listen! The roars made by those who cannot escape being burned in the brandy and becoming purified. And when this brew goes down our throats, we will be free of the evil of our soul and from every spell. Forces of the air, land, sea, and fire, to you I make this call: if it is true that you have more power than humans, here and now, if it is true that you have more power than humans, here and now, make the spirits of the friends who are outside join in with us in this queimada. _____________Things to do Edit This Delicious Shellfish in Galicia Delicious Shellfish in Galicia The obligatory finishing touch to a trip to Galicia is its Gastronomy. More than eighty types of sea-fish and over half a dozen river varieties can be found in its restaurants and taverns. There are also nearly fifty different kinds of shellfish, fifteen meats (or more, if we count game), one and a half dozen different vegetables and pulses, and a wide range of delicious cheeses, fruit and desserts. The local wines are the perfect accompaniment to all this. The Ribeiro, Rías Baixas, Valdeorras, Monterrei or Ribeira Sacra varieties top the list in a wide range of exquisite wines. In fact, the list would only end depending on the inclination of the diner. __________Beaches Edit This Bento Novo country house, it is a new place of Rural Tourism, located in the Green Coast of Portugal, close to Viana do Castelo and near the beach. It is a centennial house recently recovered, with characteristic architecture of the North of Portugal, rounded with pretty gardens outside. For more information, please check our website: http://www.quintabentonovo.pt/ ::::::::::A Lanzada beach Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see A Lanzada beach A Lanzada beach A Lanzada beach, Galicia, with the remains of a tower & a small hermitage which was erected in mid-14th century. However, some of its elements are clearly Romanesque: it only has one nave, the semicircular apse, the rosette-shaped window and trusses with animal figures. Once inside, the archs have an ogival influence. On the last Sunday in August, a festival is celebrated round the temple, ending up with the tradition of the "Bath of the nine waves". :::::: Arbo Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Lamprey Eel Festival Lamprey Eel Festival Arbo, is situated to the south west of the province of Pontevedra, on the right side of the river Miño, which separates it from Portugal. Agriculture is the foundation of its economy, based mainly upon corn and wine. The element which defines Arbo's wine is the "aguja" (a certain sharp, rough taste), there being different varieties of white and red wine. The fishing of salmon, shad, lamprey, carp and trout in river Miño are of relative importance. Its industries include wood factories and recently created poultry farms. The whole municipality is dotted with large houses and pazos, in an area where the remnants of prehistoric times are completely unknown due to the lack of data and materials. An axe found in Cabeiras is the only piece, which has been catalogued as Neolithic in the Archaeological Charter of the province of Pontevedra. The oldest historical document about Arbo is the sole right by which king Alfonso VII donated the land to the Monastery of Melón. In 1021, Alfonso IX bestowed on Melón half of the church of Santa María de Arbo. Years later, another king, Fernando II, ratified his ancestors' sole right to the monastery and added Coto and Granxa de Arbo in 1184. Since this used to be an important area in terms of history and strategy, feudal lords -in order to be better protected- erected fortresses on both sides of river Miño, such as those of Melgaço, Lanhoso, Fornelos, Salvaterra and Tui. :::::::::Baiona Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Replica of Columbus' Pinta at Baiona Replica of Columbus' Pinta at Baiona Hugh McCully Baiona is a coastal town in SW Galicia Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: baiona guide :::::::::Bierzo Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see BIERZO BIERZO The production region, the Lower Bierzo, is located in the northwestern part of the León province, on the natural border to Galicia. Bierzo got its official recognition as a wine producing area in 1985, at a time when its wines tended to be made from a combination of locally-grown grapes and wines from elsewhere. Obviously, the "elsewhere" wines had to go, and when it achieved the full D.O. status in 1989, the winemakers had already discovered the virtues of modern equipment. The production area amounts to about 5,500 hectares (21 square miles) although only 3,400 ha. (13 sq. mi.) are registered under the Denomination of Origin. The vine grows on the slopes formed by the mountains, which encircle the region, with its own moderate, humid microclimate, difficult to classify. The grape variety Mencía reigns supreme here where it occupies 62% of the vineyard and is the main red grape both here and over the border in Valdeorras. Other permitted red grape is garnacha, mainly used to help colour mencía wines. In the white arena, DO Bierzo allows for use of palomino (in decline and remnant of the old heavy-cropping days), doña blanca, malvasia and, as of late, stunning local godello. But more and more producers are introducing new not-yet permitted plantings of tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and gewürztraminer, which are proving to yield excellent results. Wines that use these varities do not bear for the time being, the Appellation's official seal. ::::::::Cambados Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Cambados village Cambados village Cambados village, the heart of Albariño wine country. This town offers a lot of possibilities of knowing and contacting with its past and its tradition. Following the scheme of the three primitive nuclei and beginning by Fefiñáns we find the group of the square, open to the sea until two centuries ago, framed by the noble stately home of Figueroa, with several shields and original balconies in the tower, and the neo-classical church of San Bieito. In Cambados we can see a wide variety of manors and stately homes, spread on streets and narrow squares: the house of the Fajardo's or Salgado's, the big house of the Couto's or the Royal Hospital, without forgetting the Tourism National Parador of the Albariño, rebuilt on the remains of the old stately home of Bazán, from the 17th century. In this Plaza every July the Festa del vino Albarino (Albarino wine festival) is held. One of the most heavily attended gastronomic dates in Galicia, sometimes reaching 40,000 people. The festival consists of wine tasting and sales of the prestigious Albariño wines from the different sub-zones of the Rias Baixas. ::::::::Cangas Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Cangas Cangas Cangas, sea and mountains blend in this municipality where different natural landscapes are portrayed. Fishing and agriculture, and several industries related to both sectors, are the main sources of income for Cangas' inhabitants, who have the privilege to possess some unsurpassable locations, such as beaches, soft hills and an uneven coastline. The village was founded by the Hellenes, and it is situated at an inlet at the bottom of the ría bearing its name. As centuries have gone by, numerous peoples have left their trace on its streets. The visitor who gets to Cangas looking for beaches will be surprised because of having discovered this landscape with beaches for everybody. There are almost 40 beaches only in the council, each of them with a singular beauty. Depending on the visitor's demand, he can choose, at the entrance of Cangas coming from Vigo, the beach of Rodeira, one of the biggest ones and with the best access. In Hío we have the sandy areas of Nerga and Barra, with transparent water and beautiful views of the Cíes Islands. The beach of Barra is the paradise for the nudists in the northern coast of Galicia, with total calmness, because cars cannot get there, so you have to walk for about a kilometre across a pinewood. But if you prefer to enjoy the wild water you will have to get to the beach of Melide, in the area of Cabo Home, surrounded by two lighthouses and with the Cíes Islands very close to it. ::::::::::Chantada Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Chantada Chantada Chantada is the agricultural capital of the Miño. From the 'Serra do Faro' the lands of Chantada lie crossing the deep rivers up to the vineyards of the 'Ribeiras do Miño'. The village of Chantada, the stately home of the Counts of Lemos in the past is the centre of a strong wine producing, agricultural and livestock region. The lands of Chantada receive the Miño making the most of its strength and energy thanks to the Embalse de Belesar (river dam), the largest in Galicia. The wide margins and the deep flow make the Miño an ideal place for practising various water sports. The landscapes are of great interest and walking through the different hamlets such as Belesar, A Sarinha and Nogueira de Miño. A beautiful roman roadway goes through Lincora and continues along a bridge (at Belesar) that was submerged during the construction of the hydroelectric power station. The typical landscapes of sculptured riverbanks by the mountain terraces dyed by the different colours of the vineyards obliges admiration and delight. Here is where they collect Chantada's variety of Ribeira Sacra Wines, of great quality and increasing prestige. Chantada is on ‘ok’ village. It has a few shops of no significant note. The old quarter is worth a visit with its colonnaded shops, typical of the region, old church and ‘cultural house’. In the surrounding countryside are also places on note to visit, like the old village of Belesar, where some streets are so narrow a car cannot drive down them. From Belesar you can take a catamaran down the river Miño to O Peares. The places of worship like the ‘Ermita de Faro’ and the abandoned church at Pesqueiras. You can follow the walking route of the old Roman road from Chantada to Monforte de Lemos. A local market is held on every 5 th and 21 st of every month. Two local fiestas of note are one for the local wine ‘Ribeira Sacra’ held on the second weekend of March and the ‘VIRXE DO CARME’, in which cows pull carts, which depict events from local history. This is on the 3rd weekend of August. :::::Combarro village Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Combarro village Combarro village Combarro village, considered as a National Monument. In Combarro the visitor has the feeling of walking through a sort of natural museum, where all the components that have shaped the Galician landscape are on display. Within a reduced space, the homes of fishermen and peasants, small boats and carts are harmoniously combined. Houses are erected on rock and copious hórreos (stone granaries in which to store corn) - from which some artists have derived their inspiration - can be seen mingled amidst its narrow streets, as suspended above the sea. ::::::::::Las Medulas Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Las Medulas Las Medulas Las Medulas , the Roman Empire's Largest Gold mines. In the 1st century AD the Roman Imperial authorities began to exploit the gold deposits of this region in north-west Spain, using a technique based on the utilization of hydraulic power. After two centuries of working the deposits, the Romans withdrew, leaving a devastated landscape. Since there was no subsequent industrial activity, the dramatic traces of this remarkable ancient technology are everywhere visible, in the form of sheer faces in the mountainsides and vast areas of tailings, now in use for agriculture. :::::::::Melide Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The town of melide The region known as Terra de Melide lies in the middle of Galicia at a level of 454 metres above sea level, at the foot of the Serra do Bocelo mountain range. This range includes the Coto do Pilar, the highest point in the province of A Coruña, at a height of 803 metres. The town centre lies over a flat area, with its parishes stretching as far as the valley of the Ulla River, at the point where it meets the Furelos River. The council covers a total of 101 square kilometres, and its position as a crossroads between Santiago, Lalín, A Coruña and Lugo make it accessible to Galicia’s most dynamic areas of social and economic growth. With a demographic volume of close to 8000 inhabitants living in 26 parishes, two of the routes of the Way of St. James cross through the area: the ‘Primitive Way’ and the ‘French Way’. Economy Trade forms a solid cornerstone of Melide’s economy, and includes all of the sectors of buying and selling. Agriculture and livestock have decreased in importance over the last decade, giving way to commercial activity. However, the livestock fair held on the last Sunday of each month continues to be an event of major importance and interest in the region. Hostelry and restaurants play an important role in the development of the town, due to its important position along the Way of St. James. Special mention should also be made of advances in the building sector and the proliferation of small businesses, which continue to make Melide a dynamic centre of economic activity. History The region of Terra de Melide contains a large number of archaeological remains, confirming the presence of settlements in the area since prehistoric times. There are abundant remains from the Neolithic period and the hill fort culture, which may be seen in the area and in the Terra de Melide Museum. One of the most important remains from this period is the Castro da Graña, a hill fort that was occupied from the seventh century BC onwards, or the dolmen of Forno dos Mouros, situated in the neighbouring Council of Toques. In mediaeval times, Melide and other towns in the region are mentioned on various occasions. In 1212, King Afonso IX granted the territory of Abeancos or Terra de Melide to the Archbishop of Santiago Don Pedro Muñiz. Thanks to the document witnessing this event, it has been possible to reconstruct the ancient boundaries of Terra de Melide. Melide was the centre of the Irmandiña Revolts that took place in the fifteenth century, against the power of the local barons. During these revolts, the town’s walls were demolished and part of its castle was destroyed, whose stones were later used for the construction of the Convent of Sancti Spiritus. Melide became an important point again in the nineteenth century for its fight against the French during the War of Independence, and as the scene of fighting during the Carlist Wars. Tourism The first thing that visitors notice on reaching the town’s historic centre is its delicious smell. The traditional ovens in the centre of the town are filled each day with melindres (sugar-topped pastries), amendoados (almond cakes) and ricos, a butter-based pastry flavoured with aniseed made exclusively in the town. One of the most important events in the year is held on the second Sunday in May: the Festa do Melindre e da Repostaría Tradicional, the Melindre and Traditional Pastry Festival, which includes displays of the traditional ware of blacksmiths, cobblers and tinsmiths. One of the best-known dishes served in Melide is its octopus, as it is one of the interior areas of Galicia that offers the most delicious portions in the entire region. Visitors should not leave the town without exploring spots such as the recreational area of the Furelos River, the streets in the area where the castle formerly stood, the Convent Square or some of the parishes that lie alongside the Way of St. James, with outstanding heritage features such as the mediaeval bridges of Furelos and Leboreiro, or the Church of Santa María de Melide, with murals dating from the sixteenth century. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: www.concellodemelide.org One of the best-known dishes served in Melide is its octopus, as it is one of the interior areas of Galicia that offers the most delicious portions in the entire region. Visitors should not leave the town without exploring spots such as the recreational area of the Furelos River, the streets in the area where the castle formerly stood, the Convent Square or some of the parishes that lie alongside the Way of St. James, with outstanding heritage features such as the mediaeval bridges of Furelos and Leboreiro, or the Church of Santa María de Melide, with murals dating from the sixteenth century. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: www.concellodemelide.org :::::::::::::La Coruna Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo La Coru?a is located in the North West of Spain, close to the border with Portugal. Land of seamen and countrymen, La Coru?a has known how to become a city of the future, a nice place to live and a great destination to spend the holidays. No other city in the northwest of Spain has such a mix of relax and high standard cultural activities. The old center is definitely worth a visit. It contains most of the historical monuments built before the 19th century. Even more important probably are the buildings dating from the Modernist period. La Coru?a blosomed during the progressive wave at the end of the nineteenth and beginning of the twentieth centuries. Picasso lived in La Coru?a during that time and there are many reminders of the great painter. Near the city, the Rias Altas, the Costa da Morte (Death Coast), the shires of As Mari?as, Os Berganti?os, and a little bit further away, the rest of Galicia, make the city of La Coru?a an ideal base for hiking in a beautiful natural area. :::::::::::::Mount Santa Tecla Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see i Mount Santa Tecla, half way up, one of the first Celtic castros discovered in Galicia comes into view, and distributed along the mountain one can also find various rupestrian carvings. Once we reach the summit, there is a museum where personal adornments, ceramic and other objects found in the sites are kept. From the vantage point, one can actually enjoy the feeling of catching a glimpse of other continents :::::::::Monterrei Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see MONTERREI WINE MONTERREI WINE The area of production for these wines lies in the Valley of Monterrei covering territory of the towns of Verín, Monterrei, Oímbra and Castrelo do Val, all in the south-east of the province of Ourense, on the Portuguese frontier. The vineyards spread over the hillsides and valleys, irrigated by the River Tamega and its tributaries. They occupy a surface area of 3,000 hectares, and the predominant variety is white from the Verdello, Dona Brance and verdello Louro vines; and, among the reds, Bastardo, Tinta Fina, Mencía and Arauxa. The whites of O Val de Monterrei are light, aromatic, golden or straw yellow in colour and with an average alcohol content of approximately 11 degrees. The reds are purple in colour, pleasant fruity bouquet, light, well-balanced acidity/alcohol and one degree less than the whites. :::::::::::Ons Islands Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Ons Islands Ons Islands Ons Islands, has just recently been declared part of "The Archipelago Atlantic Islands National Park". These island acts as a natural shield for the Ria of Pontevedra against the Ocean, and thus the Ons islands are in the vanguard, the ideal place for summer relaxation, with splendid beaches and interesting flora and fauna. According to Father Sarmiento, it is possible that the Compostelan Chapter - to whom the island was donated- had built a monastery here in the Middle Ages. In the 18th century, the island was fortified in order to prevent the attack of French troops. It was then when Ons was inhabited by a population which has stayed there until not many years ago. The island had several owners during the 19th century, but only the last one of them was able to make the economy grow by building a salting plant. In 1943 it was expropriated by the State and in 1981 became the property of the Xunta of Galicia. |