Compared to Malaga in Andalusia, where the temperature regularly exceeds 30°C, Galicia is downright cold.
And with heatwaves hitting Spain almost every summer – last August the temperature reached a record 46.8C in Valencia – the pleasant ocean breezes of this northwest region are more alluring than ever .
Galicia stretches approximately 274 km from north to south and 225 km wide, with a distinct culture that incorporates ancient Celtic roots (bagpipes are played at traditional gatherings) and its own indigenous language, Galego.
Its capital, the pilgrimage town of Santiago de Compostela, is the supposed resting place of the remains of Saint James. It’s the big regional draw, but Galicia’s vast sandy beaches, inviting coves, vineyards and fascinating ports hold plenty of interest. Fortunately, few high-rise hotels spoil the scenery, so the best way to enjoy Galicia is to stay in one of its many top-rated villas. Here is our selection of the best.
CHARMING COAST
Baiona (pictured) is home to a ‘beautiful medieval castle, excellent seafood restaurants and stunning beaches’
Villa O Eido das Presas, near Baiona, is a three-bedroom, 19th-century cottage with a plunge pool.
South of the city of Vigo, not far from the Portuguese border, the Galician coastline exudes a secret atmosphere. One of the most interesting places is the small, colorful port of Baiona, which was the first place in Europe to hear about the discovery of the New World, when Columbus’ Pinta returned to Spain. There is a beautiful medieval castle, excellent seafood restaurants and great beaches.
Where to stay: Ten minutes from Baiona, Villa O Eido das Presas is a three-bedroom 19th-century cottage with a plunge pool that has been modernized with a sleek, minimalist interior.
Details: Seven nights from £2,898, for six people, or £69 per person, per night (travel vintage.co.uk). Fly to Vigo from £47 return from Stansted (vueling.com).
RURAL HAPPINESS
About 70 miles northeast of Santiago de Compostela, the village of Abeledo is pleasantly off the beaten track and in the countryside. This is good hiking territory and is home to vineyards. Albarino wine is a lively white introduced by monks from the Rhine region on pilgrimage in the 12th century.
Where to stay: Villa Abeledo is a traditional three bedroom stone building in the village and has a ten meter swimming pool and a large garden. Expect exposed stone walls, a large fireplace and peace and quiet.
Details: Seven nights from £2,181, for eight people, or £39 per person, per night (olivertravels.com). Fly to A Coruña from £66 return (ryanair.com).
CITY AND SEA
Above is the town of Padron, where the small green Padron peppers of Spain originate.
The famous Padron peppers
Jutting out into the Atlantic, three jagged headlands surrounded by huge bays are known as the Rias Baixas.
This is where the town of Padron is located – where Saint James is said to have landed on his miraculous posthumous journey to Santiago – and also where the small green Padron peppers of Spain originate.
Where to stay: About six kilometers from the coastal village of Cambados and the same distance north of the charming town of Pontevedra (where Columbus’ ship Santa Maria was built), Villa AG44 is a stylish, contemporary stone property offering comfortable rooms , a swimming pool and a barbecue terrace. .
Details: Seven nights from £3,179, sleeping 14, or £32 per person per night (rustictrip.com). Fly to Vigo from £47 return from Stansted (vueling.com).
DREAM DUNES
Pictured is the Hercules Tower, a landmark at the entrance to the port of La Coruña.
The beach near the town of Carballo has beautiful rolling dunes and is known for its crashing waves which attract surfers. Meanwhile, the town of La Coruna lies about ten miles to the east, famous for its glass-fronted buildings, old Roman lighthouse, Picasso museum and history from where the Spanish Armada sailed in 1588.
Where to stay: The three-bedroom Beach Dune Villa features exposed stone walls, a plunge pool and stunning ocean views.
Details: Seven nights from £1,200, for five people, or £34 per person, per night (unique places.co.uk). Fly to A Coruña from £66 return (ryanair.com).
HIDDEN AT THE TOP OF A POLE
Above, the Cies Islands, which you can visit by taking a ferry from Baiona or Vigo.
The rolling countryside inland from the seaside resort of Nigran seems a step away from the tourist crowds.
This rolling landscape peaks at 396m, but makes a great base for admiring the golden sands, as well as taking a ferry from Baiona or Vigo to see the three pretty Cies Islands which were once used by Sir Francis Drake to ambush. passing ships.
Where to stay: Settle into Villa Nandin, a stunning three-bedroom country house with swimming pool set in a lush terraced garden. The stylish interior is decorated with modern art and the living room offers sublime ocean views.
Details: Seven nights from £1,875, for six people, or £45 per person, per night (galiciavavacations.com). Fly to Vigo from £47 return from Stansted (vueling.com).
PERFECT PILGRIMAGE
The capital of Galicia, Santiago de Compostela, is dominated by its ornate cathedral (photo)
Santiago de Compostela is a magnificent city, dominated by its ornate cathedral. Charming little lanes are lined with seafood restaurants, cafes and bars. The atmosphere is generally good, with so many pilgrims at the end of their journey.
Where to stay: A 15-minute walk from the center of Muino de Parente is the five-bedroom villa Muino de Parente, set on wooded slopes. There is a swimming pool, a pretty terraced garden and a nice, hidden atmosphere.
Details: Seven nights from £1,698, for eight people, or £30 per person, per night (vintagetravel.co.uk). Fly to A Coruña from £66 return (ryanair.com).
VIEWS OF PORTUGAL
The border between Spain and Portugal is marked by the Minho River and is a particularly hidden place. The port of A Guarda – famous for its lobster restaurants – is on the Spanish side of the river, on the Atlantic, and is home to interesting pre-Roman ruins including a large stone circle.
Where to stay: Facing the Minho River, the Vrbo-listed “Attractive Cottage” features two bedrooms, a charming pool, pretty gardens, and a simple, traditional interior. A sandy river beach is nearby.
Details: Seven nights from £1,237, for five people, or £35 per person, per night (vrbo.com). Fly to Vigo from £47 return from Stansted (vueling.com).
PEACEFUL COUNTRYSIDE
Villa Fragras, a four-bedroom property, is located near the port of Ferrol in A Coruña (pictured)
Inland A Coruña is peaceful with little tourist development and many quiet hamlets, as well as the hiking trails of the Fragas do Eume nature reserve to explore.
Where to stay: Near the pretty port of Ferrol, Villa Fragras is on a quiet country road and has four bedrooms, a swimming pool and a stylish interior with a large open fireplace.
Details: Seven nights from £4,233, for eight people, or £76 per person, per night (olivertravels.com). Fly to A Coruña from £66 return (ryanair.com).