Galicia

The northwest province of Spain known for its lush green landscapes, Celtic heritage and rugged coastline that encompasses many cities and towns. During our six days in Galicia, we split our time between Vigo (where Mark’s family is from) and the seaside town of Baiona.

WHERE WE STAYED

Pazo Los Escudos Hotel & Spa Resort, a five star exclusive seaside hotel in Vigo where luxury, history and nature come together. Located next to Do Carril Beach, it offers a unique setting surrounded by gardens and views of the Atlantic. The original hotel was built from a restored 15th century ancestral manor featuring traditional Galician stone architecture, historical heraldic shields, and beautiful gardens and have since added an additional contemporary building adding additional guest rooms, event space, etc. note: we stayed in the original part of the hotel, which may feel a bit outdated in terms of the look/decor of the room, but the bathrooms, amenities and views are five star.

✈ This hotel sits along part of the Camino de Santiago and has a beautiful oceanfront walking path

Parador de Baiona, a luxury four star historic hotel that sits south of the Rías Baixas, sheltered by the sea and overlooking the beautiful Bay of Baiona, on the Monterreal peninsula. Halfway between a medieval castle and a Galician manor house, the Parador boasts spectacular panoramic views of the ocean as well as regal and elegant rooms, whose meticulous decor will transport you to another era.

WHERE WE ATE & DRANK

Restaurante Porto Dos Barcos, a seaside restaurant where you’re greeted with a glass of wine and a menu of the day’s fresh catches, a wine list to match, and incredible views.

✈ Be sure to sit on the patio (weather permitting) and go during the day or early enough to watch the sunset.

Morrofino Taberna, a contemporary twist on traditional dishes, offered a la carte or through one of three tasting menus, in a modern open kitchen setting.

Asador Restaurante Mirador Do Cepudo, sitting high atop a Forest Park hill, with breathtaking views above the Vigo River, with 360 views of the entire city and surrounding areas. A quaint restaurant favored by locals and serving Galician cuisine.

Mauro Restaurante, a stilt-house over the sea offering panoramic views of the San Simón island featuring fresh daily catches, local shellfish, and Galician dishes.

A Finca Do Parrulo, a restaurant serving traditional rustic Galician cuisine with plenty of space indoor and outdoor making it perfect for large family get togethers.

Retiro da Costina, a two Michelin star restaurant, built from his grandparents original restaurant from 1939, it balances an elevated culinary experience with traditional Galician flavors and ingredients. The journey of the meal - from the champagne room, to the wine room, the bakery, the dining room and finally the lounge, there is not one detail missed.

✈ Possibly the best bread and coffee service that we have both ever experienced. Be aware that their hours change monthly, so check their website and make a reservation before planning your visit.

Regato De Valdecide, a traditional Galician restaurant and taperia located in Mondariz-Balneario known for its traditional cuisine and outdoor setting.

Elaine Tapas, a cute tapas style restaurant near many shops and businesses in downtown Vigo. Ideal for a quick lunch or sampling of tapas.

Restaurante El Olivo y Templario Lounge Bar, a restaurant, bar and private event space offering a menu from a Galician Michelin starred chef, craft cocktails and local wines and beers in a trendy and elegant space. We recommend going for a drink (or two) and sitting on the terrace or in the downstairs bar.

THINGS TO DO

Parque Monte del Castro, beautiful gardens and scenic landscapes surrounding the ruins of the Fortress Castro, built in the 17th century to protect the city from the attacks of the British Navy.

Monte Forestal Cepudo, a scenic park on a mountain top located in Valadares, Vigo with an adjacent restaurant to enjoy the views.

Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route believed to be the final resting place of Saint James the Great.

Palacio del Agua at the Balneario de Mondariz, a 19th century hydrotherapy center featuring a 3,000 square meter thermal spa center with indoor and outdoor hot-water pools, hydrotherapy, waterfalls, and saunas.

Rias Baixas Wine Tour - Gallego for “lower rivers”, this region is famous for it’s native white wine grape Albariño. The crisp, aromatic, and refreshing white wine is the perfect pairing for the seafood of the region. Many of the vineyards date back to the 16th and 17th century, in regal manor houses, and sprawling green valleys.

FIVE DAY ITINERARY

note: we stayed for six days visiting with Mark’s family - below we have curated our ideal five day warm weather itinerary.

DAY ONE (Vigo): Arrive in Vigo, sit down to enjoy a cortado and then walk around the city center to check out local boutiques on and around the main boulevard, Rúa Príncipe. Next, stop in for tapas at Elaine Tapas, on the western end of the shopping district. Afterwards, walk off lunch vino by heading to the Parque Monte del Castro and exploring the old fortress grounds and surrounding parks. Check-in at your hotel, shower and get ready for a contemporary Spanish dinner at Morrofino Taberna.

DAY TWO (Baiona): Have coffee or breakfast at the hotel and get ready for a beach day! Spend the morning/afternoon at the beaches in Baiona, stopping to have lunch at one of the local seaside tabernas on Avenida de Ramón y Cajal. Afterwards, walk around the grounds at the Parador (the full walk is 60 minutes) enjoying the views and ocean breeze. Head into the hotel, shower and get ready for dinner at Restaurante Porto Dos Barcos in the nearby town of Oia.

DAY THREE (Santiago de Compostela): Have coffee and a slow morning to start the day. Get ready and take the hour and a half drive to Retiro da Costina and enjoy a long and leisurely Michelin lunch, the Spanish way. On the way back stop by the Museo Catedral de Santiago to walk off lunch and enjoy the history of the Catedral de Santiago. Head home and finish the day with a glass of wine and light bites at your hotel or a nearby taberna.

DAY FOUR:‍ ‍Start the day early by taking a winery and mussels boat tour through Rias Baixas (these are anywhere from 6-10 hours with transportation included). Depending on the location of your hotel, you could end your day with dinner and a sunset at Mauro Restaurante.

DAY FIVE: Enjoy coffee or breakfast and move onto your next destination!