Travel to Inland Spain

If your idea of Spain is Costas lined with high-rise buildings, British pubs and swirling flamenco dancers, then think again. For inland Spain this is a very different country: a green, rural, Celtic land of fishermen and farmers, where the rain in Spain falls, mainly-hence the verdant landscape.






Galicia Spain

The ancient kingdom of Galicia, in the northwestern comer of the Iberian peninsula, is rugged and isolated, its coastline characterized by narrow, rocky crags (sea inlets) battered by the Atlantic. It was Galicia, not sunny Andalusia, that attracted Spain's first tourists; millions of sandal-shod medieval pilgrims hiked here from all over Europe to the shrine of St. James at Santiago de Compostela.

Galicia's scalloped coastline is perfect for boating, fishing, and, when the sun does shine, swimming. Although the Atlantic coast south from La Coruna has the more spectacular views, the northern indentations, the Rias Altas, are home to several unspoiled resort towns and quiet beaches.

The medieval village of Pontedeume is an old-fashioned resort with a long sandy beach. Ortigueira is noted for its fine beach and lush hills. EI Barqueiro, a picture-postcard fishing village, has a white sand beach and Viveiro's monuments offer some fascinating sights for visitors.


La Coruña Spain

Very built-up nowadays but worth a visit for its historic port and old town, La Coruña possesses Spain's oldest lighthouse, the Torre de Hercules, said to be the only Roman lighthouse still in operation. Now clad in an 18th-century shell, it affords splendid Atlantic vistas from the lookout 242 steps above ground.
The Spanish Armada sailed for England (and disaster) from La Corona's busy port in 1588. Behind the port, Avenida de la Marina curves east to the old town, dense with historic churches and monasteries. The 16th-century Castillo de San Anton, guarding the harbour approaches, serves as an archaeological museum.


Santiago de Compostela Spain

The one major town of the region and the terminus of the Pilgrim Way, Santiago is the third holiest shrine in Christendom (after Jerusalem and Rome). It is also a lively and attractive place with beautiful buildings, colourful cafe-filled plazas, and a largely pedestrianised heart ideal for sightseeing and relaxing.

The best-known view in Santiago is of the main facade of the cathedral, looming high above the plaza with Baroque adornments and twin towers - all its surfaces stained with rust­coloured moss. Historically, this is supposed to be the spot where the ninth-century Asturian kings built churches over the tomb of St. James (Santiago). The present largely Romanesque edifice was undertaken after the Reconquest.

Just inside the main entrance, the 800-year-old Portico de la Gloria (Door of Glory) is a marvel of Romanesque sculpture by the artist known as Master Mateo. A 13th-century poly­chrome statue of St. James takes the spotlight on the main altar, standing above the crypt; it is said to contain St. James's remains. Pilgrims pass behind the statue and touch its shoulders through special holes.

At a right angle to the cathedral's main entrance on Plaza del Obradoiro, the Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos has a stupendous facade. Founded by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1499 (hence the name), the former pilgrim hostel is now a luxurious parador.

Wherever you wander in Santiago de Compostela, you will be in sight of a historic church or monastery. There are plenty of bars and restaurants serving seafood fresh from the rias. For an added insight into local customs, crafts, and folklore, visit the Museo do Pobo Gallego housed in the old convent of Santo Domingo.