 Galicia is known in Spain as the "land of the 1000 rivers". Those rivers
cross all the region from the mountainous inland to the coast, where they
form the characteristic "Rias". The coast itself offers great contrasts,
from the smooth beaches of As Mariñas to the dangerous cliffs of Costa de la
Muerte, the "coast of death".
The climate of Galicia is tempered, and specially in winter, with minimal
temperatures of about 5 degC, quite rainy. During the summer season, maximum
temperatures are around 20 degC. Galicia's richdom in water and its Rias are
characteristic for its nature. At the area of Rias Altas you will find
magnific beaches, impressive towns and beautiful fishing villages. Rías
Baixas are worth a visit for their natural preserves and balnearies, as A
Toxa. The inland shows green landscapes and romantic villages.
The first cultures which left their tracks in Galicia were Celtic, while
Romans left as a legacy the walls of Lugo, the bridge of Ourense, and the
Tower of Hercules. Middle Ages were marked by the discovery of the tomb of
the Apostle Santiago (Saint James). Thousands of pilgrims made their way to
the cathedral of the newly founded town Santiago de Compostela, and the
world-famous Way of Santiago (also known as Way of Saint James or Camino
Jacobeo), which is flanked with numerous churches, monasteries and chapels
of high historical-artistical value, was formed.
Galicia's folklore clearly shows its Celtic and Gaelic origins, and the
most characteristic musical instrument is the Gaita (bagpipe). Regional
gastronomy is of great reputation for its excellent fish, Empanada Gallega
(a typical pie of fish or meat), traditional sweets prepared in some
monasteries (where the recipes are kept in secret jealously), and the Ribeiro
wine.
Major attractions:
Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela, known as the 'Town of the apostle' is the capital
of the region of Galicia. The city has over 89,000 inhabitants and is
located at an altitude of 260m above sea level. The city is just 76km from
LaCoruña, 111km from Ourense and 117km from Pontevedra. Lugo is just 107km
away. Santiago de Compostela is probably best known as the final destination
of the legendary medieval way of pilgrimship Camino de Santiago (Way of
Saint James), now considered by Unesco, a World Heritage Site. Today the
city attracts visitors from all over the world thanks to its fantastic
monuments. The city is named after the Apostle Saint James ("Santiago"), who
is buried here. Santiago is certainly one of Spain's most monumental cities,
with a particular architectural style all of its own. The city also has one
of the most famous universities in Europe and a large number of students
give the city a unique ambience.
The legend tells that the appearance of the remains of the Apostle Saint
James were the origin of this city (9th C.), which soon became a centre for
pilgrimages and a holy city on a par with Jerusalem and Rome. Medieval
Santiago experienced centuries of scientific, artistic and literary
interchange thanks to the large numbers of pilgrims arriving from all over
Europe. The Pilgrim's Road to Santiago, together with the city of Santiago
of Compostela, is today a World Heritage Site because of the historic and
artistic nature of the route. With the Catholic Monarchs and Archbishop
Fonseca, the University arrived in the city and, in the centuries that
followed, several religious orders established monasteries and churches in
its streets, contributing to the rich Renaissance and Baroque appearance of
the Galician capital.
The Galician capital offers a summary of the whole region's cuisine.
Soups and stews, excellent fish, shellfish from the nearby rias, gorgeous
pasties, tasty Galician meat, very interesting pastries and varied wines
from the different Galician Denominations of Origin.
The cathedral
Construction of the Cathedral started in 1075, when the city reached its
peak of importance. The second phase, after the wedding of Doña Urraca and
Raimundo of Bourgogne, shows influences of French Romanesque style, as well
as a style that is all Santiago's own, the so-called Románico Compostelano.
The Obradoiro Facade (to which later on were added Barroque elements) and
the towers Torre de las Campanas and Torre de la Carraca were made at this
time. Through the Obradoiro Door you enter the so called Old Cathedral, a
Romanesque crypt with the first vaults of groined arches that were ever
built in Spain. The sculptures of the Portico de la Gloria, another entrance
door, are considered some of the most important works of medieval art.
A Coruña
 One
of the provinces of Galicia is Lacoruña which takes its name from its
capital city, Acoruña. The province occupies the far north-western corner of
Spain. Within the capital city stands one of the oldest light-houses in
Spain. Acoruña is one of Europe's most important ports and the second
largest in Spain. The claim to fame here is that this is the port from which
the Armada sailed in 1588, only half of them returning. Despite the fact
that this is an ancient city, it lacks a wealth of monuments. Within the
museums there are some fine artefacts representing the history of the city.
Some museums are dedicated to practical themes such as the science museum or
the famous Domus Museum or even the only museum in Spain dedicated to the
history of electricity. One of the major museums is located within a 16th
century fort.
This city, of high economical importance, is located at a peninsula.
Major attractions include the Romanesque churches, the synagogue and the old
quarter which offers an interesting contrast between almost fragile
buildings and massive stone palaces.
 Porto Cobo Hotel A Coruna 
Located on the waterfront by Santa Cruz beach just 10 minutes away from La
Coruna centre, Porto Cobo Hotel A Coruna is just 7 minutes from the train
station. The hotel is just 15 minutes from the airport and 35 minutes from
Santiago de Compostela. This is a traditional beach hotel with large windows
overlooking the sea and the surrounding beautiful landscape. The hotel has a
total of 58 rooms some of them are single rooms. The decoration and furnishing
are quite functional and traditional in style. The hotel restaurant offers
traditional and international specialities. It is medium in size and traditional
in decoration. This is a nice and comfortable hotel for those wanting to explore
the wonderful surrounding area and villages as well as enjoying the beach.
>> click here for last minute offers
-
Click here for more information and Booking Details »
|
|
Hotels A Coruna & Province -
Last Minute Hotels A Coruna |
Vigo
 The
city of Vigo is to be found within Galicia. Vigo has a magnificent port
which looks out to the Atlantic. Vigo also has a good communication network
of motorways and railways. The Autovia Noroeste connects directly with
Madrid at a distance of 667km. The Autopista del Atlantico heads into
northern Galicia, passing through Santiago, Pontevedra and Acoruña. The rail
station is located within the heart of the city and has daily links to most
major cities.
The port of Vigo offers several pleasure crafts that call in at local
harbours and each year, hundreds of passenger cruisers call at the port.
Just 10km away from the city is the airport at Peinador. It links with all
the major Spanish airports and there are several charter flights operating.
Vigo has approximately 300,000 inhabitants but this figure can rise to
half a million if you include the visitors to the city. Vigo benefits from
its own microclimate within Galicia, which is a great attraction. It is
generally warm here and more often than not, sunny.
Vigo has much to offer the visitor, including many parks and gardens,
beautiful squares and historical buildings. The Porta del Sol is officially
the centre of the city and here you can see the tall sculpture named Sireno.
The gilded figure is the work of Paco Leiro and represents a figure that is
half man and half sea creature.
The old part of the city, 'Casco Vello' is certainly worth exploration
with its tiny streets and little shops that sell all manner of local goods.
Every Sunday a lively stamp and collectors market is held in the Plaza de la
Constitucion.
Lugo
Lugo is surrounded by Roman walls which are perfectly preserved, and has
a beautiful Romanesque cathedral.
Ourense
Located inland, also has a beautiful Romanesque cathedral.
Pontevedra
 The
old town of Pontevedra is quite small with picturesque winding streets,
little squares, fountains and old houses with balconies. The church of Santa
Maria at the far end of the Calle Izabel II, was built in the 16th century.
Because of the narrow alleyways and one-way street system it is much easier
to walk around Pontevedra rather than try to drive. In the Plaza de Lena is
the provincial museum, located in two 18th century houses, joined together
by an arch. The museum contains something of interest to everyone including
collectables, pottery and items of days gone by.
Although there are plenty of hotels along the coastline, you could do no
better than to stay at the Parador in Pontevedra. There are also plenty of
campsites in the area.
Pontevedra means 'old bridge' and the town is situated at the top of the
Ria of the same name. The whole region of Galicia would be an ideal place to
holiday if it wasn't for the unpredictable weather. Here it is wetter than
anywhere else in Spain and the wind blows directly from America.
|
High Estuaries
Puerta
del Camino Hotel Santiago de Compostela