Castelo de Doiras

The Doiras Castle is located in the town of Cervantes in the middle of the mountains and is a must-see. Built in the 15th century with the goal of protecting Galicia from invaders in mind, this medieval castle stands in exceptional condition to this day and can be observed after a short hike.

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Una publicación compartida de Tamara (@reviravoltas_)

Pallozas

These circular stone structures protected with hay roofs are the traditional style of dwelling in the region, and they can be seen and visited in many places. My top two towns to see pallozas in the Ancares are O Cebreiro and Piornedo.

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Pico Tres Bispos

The Tres Bispos Mountain serves as one of the highest mountains separating Galicia and Leon, and at nearly 6,000 feet high offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountainous terrain. An 11-mile loop trail that is accessible for most hikers is the best way to reach the top. 

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The post 3 Must-See Sights in the Galician Ancares appeared first on Traveler Master.

Check out the region’s best thermal baths that you should definitely visit the next time you’re there!

Prexigueiro (Ribadavia)

Located in a hilly, forested area just outside of the town of Ribadavia and only 45 minutes west of the city of Vigo, the Prexigueiro thermal baths are heaven on Earth. Located next to the Cerves River, you’ll find outdoor baths ranging from 37 to 41 C in a relaxing natural setting.

Outariz (Ourense)

Just outside of the city of Ourense are the Outariz baths located along the banks of the Minho River. Arguably the most famous baths in the province, you will find Japanese-inspired warm water pools that overlook the majestic river.

As Burgas (Ourense)

Would you believe that there are thermal baths inside the center of a city? That’s the case in Ourense, where As Burgas has stood for thousands of years. Opened by the Romans, these baths are still accessible and provide an urban oasis.

The post Ourense, Spain’s Best Thermal Baths appeared first on Traveler Master.

Coast and mountains come together in a verdant setting in Galicia, offering up a wide range of treasures to see and enjoy. If you are planning a trip to Galicia, these are the three locations that you absolutely must not miss.

Cies Islands

Located at the mouth of the Ria de Vigo and only a 45-minute boat ride from Vigo, the region’s biggest city, the Cies Islands are often called the “Galician Caribbean” thanks to their pure, clean, white sand beaches. You will also find hiking routes and curious animals like octopus and otters.

Ribeira Sacra

Did you know that Galicia has a “Grand Canyon” of its own? The Ribeira Sacra region is home to the Sil Canyon, which is split between the interior provinces of Ourense and Lugo and contains a deep gorge where you will find the Sil River at the bottom. Boat rides, hiking, and even vineyards can be found in this unique slice of Galicia. 

Cathedrals Beach

In the extreme northeast of the region, just next to the border with Asturias, you will find Cathedrals Beach. This spot is remote and contains a natural, wild beach which is the home of several natural arches that tower above the Bay of Biscay. Go at low tide, as it’s the only time of day you will be able to walk on the beach!

The post Discover Galicia’s Natural Marvels appeared first on Traveler Master.

What to Do

One of the most famous festivities that Vigo celebrates every year is called La Reconquista, or the Reconquest of Vigo. This happened in the early 19th century when Vigo’s army fought against Napolean’s and was ultimately victorious. This celebration only happens in Vigo because no other cities were involved, and it usually takes place in March. There are historical reenactments, tons of food and drinking, Galician music, and more!

San Blas is another festival that you should definitely participate in if you’re around! It happens in the winter, usually late January or early February, and it celebrates the local winemakers around Vigo. During this time, they usually have a lot of wine and local cider that they can’t sell, so they give it to you for a very cheap price. What’s most fun is that the drinks are drunk out of a traditional bowl!

Another really fun and unique festival that happens in Vigo is called San Juan. The night of San Juan celebrates the summer solstice, and in order to do so, people cleanse themselves of their sins by writing down bad things that have happened and throwing them into huge bonfires that the city creates in the center. The other famous thing that happens during this celebration is the eating of sardines, so if you’re there, you definitely have to get a grilled one!

If you’re in Vigo in the summer, you’re in for a real treat since there are so many beaches in and surrounding the city! If you want to keep it local go to either Praia Samil or Praia do Vao. Both of these beaches are super easily accessed through public transportation and are very beautiful!

If you want to take your beach experience to the next level, take a ferry across the bay and go to the small town of Cangas and experience a totally serene, stunning, beach. There is a pathway that you walk alongside the sea from the ferry to the gorgeous beach, and it’s just such a great environment to truly relax.

What to Eat

There are so many bakeries to eat at in Vigo, but one of the absolute best is called El Atelier de Diego Caride. This authentic French bakery has so many incredible Galician twists that give you a real feel for the patisserie history of Vigo.

Something that you should definitely try to eat wherever you go to in Vigo is octopus. Spanish octopus originated in Vigo, and because it’s caught fresh, the flavor is amazing! Whether you see it on the street, on a menu, or in an empanada, get it!

The post Join the Celebration in Vigo, Spain appeared first on Traveler Master.

The Atlantic Islands National Park is one of Galicia’s main treasures, a sanctuary of nearly untouched coastal islands on Galicia’s southwestern coast in the Rias Baixas region. The Cies Islands, located just a short ferry ride from the region’s biggest city of Vigo, are the most-visited part of this park.

Camping is one of the top things to do here, as you can spend the night in a virgin, untouched landscape and be rocked to sleep by the sounds of crashing waves as you relax in a dreamlike environment.

800 spots in the Cies camping area give those who reserve in advance a great opportunity to live a “glamping” experience in an unforgettable setting. After a long day of exploring the islands’ beaches, including Rodas, named the best in the world by The Guardian newspaper, there’s nothing like laying out under the stars and being rocked to sleep.

If you are lucky enough to plan a vacation to Galicia, be sure to add camping at the Cies islands to your list of things to do. You certainly won’t regret this one-in-a-lifetime experience.

The post Camping at the Cies Islands is One of Galicia’s Top Attractions appeared first on Traveler Master.

While you might not think of this part of Europe as being a hot spot for Roman relics, the Roman Wall which surrounds Lugo’s old city is, in fact, the oldest still-standing Roman-built wall that is left in existence.

This impressive wall was built in the 3rd century and stretches in an ovular pattern around the city. It stands an impressive 30 meters tall in most places and was an effective defense against various invaders that tried to assault the city.

Today, the Roman Wall can be visited for free by tourists and can even be walked on! A gravel path on top of the wall allows visitors to retrace a path that was once walked by Roman soldiers.

A collection of towers is still embedded into the wall, a system of lookout spots from which weapons could be fired at invading tribes.

If you find yourself in Galicia, a visit to Lugo’s Roman Wall is an absolute must if you are interested in seeing one of the most impressive pieces of the Roman Empire still left in existence.

The post Looking to See a Roman Wall? Lugo, Spain is Your Destination! appeared first on Traveler Master.

If so, you might be ready to start branching out and looking for more undiscovered wine regions to visit. Fortunately, there are plenty of places that host spectacular vineyards that are still largely untouched by most tourists.

Here are our recommendations for some top wine regions that are worth a trip.

Ribeira Sacra: Galicia, Spain

Located in northwestern Spain is one of the most beautiful and unique wine regions in the world. Here, complex red wines are produced using the native Mencia grape which is grown and harvested by hand in the canyons created by the Sil River.

Mendoza Province: Argentina

Argentina is an underrated wine destination, and the Mendoza province is the heart of it all. The stunning backdrop of the Andes provides the setting for vineyards that produce excellent red wines such as Malbec.

Virginia: United States

Believe it or not, there’s good wine from the US that doesn’t come from California. Throughout the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, there are picturesque vineyards that make a variety of red and white wines that are worth your attention.

Marlborough: South Island, New Zealand

New Zealand is a stunning destination for the views alone, but when you travel to Marlborough, you’ll feel like you’ve landed in paradise. The white wines produced here are delicious, and the wild landscape is truly one-of-a-kind.

The post 4 Underrated Wine Regions that You Must Visit appeared first on Traveler Master.

Within Galicia is the small, charming town of Combarro, which definitely has my vote as Spain’s most beautiful coastal village. 

This tiny village of only 1,768 residents is known as the capital of the horreo. This word refers to a type of elevated granary that is found throughout Galicia. These granite constructions were built in the olden days to serve as storage units for grains and crops. 

Protected by law, Combarro is home to over thirty horreos that are perched just above the ocean in an incredibly picturesque setting.

The small houses that are found in the center of Combarro were once the homes of fishermen and sailors that lived in this town and used the sea as their source of income. Now, they are still populated by some of these workers as well as their descendants, who beautifully decorate the exteriors of their homes with flowers and other adornments.

If you find yourself in Galicia, be sure to take the time to visit this beautiful and magical village.

The post Combarro is Spain’s Most Beautiful Coastal Town appeared first on Traveler Master.

Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in rainy Galicia, this city might be more famous for its stunning beaches and delicious seafood than Christmas. However, in recent years, Vigo has become one of the centers of Christmas spirit in all of Europe.

Every year in late November, the city illuminates over 10,000,000 LED Christmas lights in the city’s streets and squares to ring in the holiday season. This turns Vigo into a “city of lights” that must be seen in order to be believed.

In addition to the stunning number of lights, the city also features a 110-foot tall electronic Christmas tree that displays a variety of interesting light patterns and designs in the Porta do Sol area.

This year, Vigo will also debut a 200-foot tall ferris wheel that will allow visitors to ride up to see the lights from above. In addition, a Christmas market featuring artificial snow cannons and artisanal crafts will help revelers get into the holiday spirit.

So, if you are looking for a unique and stunning Christmas destination, put Vigo, Spain at the top of your list!

The post Vigo, Spain is a Stunning Christmas Destination appeared first on Traveler Master.

This description might not make San Andrés de Teixido sound like much, but it is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain due to its cult of devotion to Saint Andrew and its spectacular and remote setting.

The current chapel, which was built in the 17th century, is very bare-bones, but it has several interesting art elements that refer to the sea, as well as a shrine to Saint Andrew.

Various myths surround the town and the cathedral. One famous saying in the native Galician language about San Andrés de Teixido is “quen non vai de vivo, vai de morto,” which roughly means that if you don’t go while you’re still alive, you’ll visit in the afterlife.

Other traditions include a drinking fountain, which has three spouts. If you drink from all three, legend has it that your wishes will come true.

This unique chapel and town is a must-visit for those that enjoy religious history and beautiful ocean views. You’ll certainly never forget your trip to this hauntingly beautiful place.

The post San Andrés de Teixido: The World’s Most Unique Chapel appeared first on Traveler Master.

Castelo de Doiras

The Doiras Castle is located in the town of Cervantes in the middle of the mountains and is a must-see. Built in the 15th century with the goal of protecting Galicia from invaders in mind, this medieval castle stands in exceptional condition to this day and can be observed after a short hike.

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Una publicación compartida de Tamara (@reviravoltas_)

Pallozas

These circular stone structures protected with hay roofs are the traditional style of dwelling in the region, and they can be seen and visited in many places. My top two towns to see pallozas in the Ancares are O Cebreiro and Piornedo.

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Una publicación compartida de Onde imos? (@onde_imos)

Pico Tres Bispos

The Tres Bispos Mountain serves as one of the highest mountains separating Galicia and Leon, and at nearly 6,000 feet high offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountainous terrain. An 11-mile loop trail that is accessible for most hikers is the best way to reach the top. 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Una publicación compartida de Mvd_Sae (@mvd_sae)

The post 3 Must-See Sights in the Galician Ancares appeared first on Traveler Master.

Check out the region’s best thermal baths that you should definitely visit the next time you’re there!

Prexigueiro (Ribadavia)

Located in a hilly, forested area just outside of the town of Ribadavia and only 45 minutes west of the city of Vigo, the Prexigueiro thermal baths are heaven on Earth. Located next to the Cerves River, you’ll find outdoor baths ranging from 37 to 41 C in a relaxing natural setting.

Outariz (Ourense)

Just outside of the city of Ourense are the Outariz baths located along the banks of the Minho River. Arguably the most famous baths in the province, you will find Japanese-inspired warm water pools that overlook the majestic river.

As Burgas (Ourense)

Would you believe that there are thermal baths inside the center of a city? That’s the case in Ourense, where As Burgas has stood for thousands of years. Opened by the Romans, these baths are still accessible and provide an urban oasis.

The post Ourense, Spain’s Best Thermal Baths appeared first on Traveler Master.

Coast and mountains come together in a verdant setting in Galicia, offering up a wide range of treasures to see and enjoy. If you are planning a trip to Galicia, these are the three locations that you absolutely must not miss.

Cies Islands

Located at the mouth of the Ria de Vigo and only a 45-minute boat ride from Vigo, the region’s biggest city, the Cies Islands are often called the “Galician Caribbean” thanks to their pure, clean, white sand beaches. You will also find hiking routes and curious animals like octopus and otters.

Ribeira Sacra

Did you know that Galicia has a “Grand Canyon” of its own? The Ribeira Sacra region is home to the Sil Canyon, which is split between the interior provinces of Ourense and Lugo and contains a deep gorge where you will find the Sil River at the bottom. Boat rides, hiking, and even vineyards can be found in this unique slice of Galicia. 

Cathedrals Beach

In the extreme northeast of the region, just next to the border with Asturias, you will find Cathedrals Beach. This spot is remote and contains a natural, wild beach which is the home of several natural arches that tower above the Bay of Biscay. Go at low tide, as it’s the only time of day you will be able to walk on the beach!

The post Discover Galicia’s Natural Marvels appeared first on Traveler Master.

What to Do

One of the most famous festivities that Vigo celebrates every year is called La Reconquista, or the Reconquest of Vigo. This happened in the early 19th century when Vigo’s army fought against Napolean’s and was ultimately victorious. This celebration only happens in Vigo because no other cities were involved, and it usually takes place in March. There are historical reenactments, tons of food and drinking, Galician music, and more!

San Blas is another festival that you should definitely participate in if you’re around! It happens in the winter, usually late January or early February, and it celebrates the local winemakers around Vigo. During this time, they usually have a lot of wine and local cider that they can’t sell, so they give it to you for a very cheap price. What’s most fun is that the drinks are drunk out of a traditional bowl!

Another really fun and unique festival that happens in Vigo is called San Juan. The night of San Juan celebrates the summer solstice, and in order to do so, people cleanse themselves of their sins by writing down bad things that have happened and throwing them into huge bonfires that the city creates in the center. The other famous thing that happens during this celebration is the eating of sardines, so if you’re there, you definitely have to get a grilled one!

If you’re in Vigo in the summer, you’re in for a real treat since there are so many beaches in and surrounding the city! If you want to keep it local go to either Praia Samil or Praia do Vao. Both of these beaches are super easily accessed through public transportation and are very beautiful!

If you want to take your beach experience to the next level, take a ferry across the bay and go to the small town of Cangas and experience a totally serene, stunning, beach. There is a pathway that you walk alongside the sea from the ferry to the gorgeous beach, and it’s just such a great environment to truly relax.

What to Eat

There are so many bakeries to eat at in Vigo, but one of the absolute best is called El Atelier de Diego Caride. This authentic French bakery has so many incredible Galician twists that give you a real feel for the patisserie history of Vigo.

Something that you should definitely try to eat wherever you go to in Vigo is octopus. Spanish octopus originated in Vigo, and because it’s caught fresh, the flavor is amazing! Whether you see it on the street, on a menu, or in an empanada, get it!

The post Join the Celebration in Vigo, Spain appeared first on Traveler Master.

The Atlantic Islands National Park is one of Galicia’s main treasures, a sanctuary of nearly untouched coastal islands on Galicia’s southwestern coast in the Rias Baixas region. The Cies Islands, located just a short ferry ride from the region’s biggest city of Vigo, are the most-visited part of this park.

Camping is one of the top things to do here, as you can spend the night in a virgin, untouched landscape and be rocked to sleep by the sounds of crashing waves as you relax in a dreamlike environment.

800 spots in the Cies camping area give those who reserve in advance a great opportunity to live a “glamping” experience in an unforgettable setting. After a long day of exploring the islands’ beaches, including Rodas, named the best in the world by The Guardian newspaper, there’s nothing like laying out under the stars and being rocked to sleep.

If you are lucky enough to plan a vacation to Galicia, be sure to add camping at the Cies islands to your list of things to do. You certainly won’t regret this one-in-a-lifetime experience.

The post Camping at the Cies Islands is One of Galicia’s Top Attractions appeared first on Traveler Master.

While you might not think of this part of Europe as being a hot spot for Roman relics, the Roman Wall which surrounds Lugo’s old city is, in fact, the oldest still-standing Roman-built wall that is left in existence.

This impressive wall was built in the 3rd century and stretches in an ovular pattern around the city. It stands an impressive 30 meters tall in most places and was an effective defense against various invaders that tried to assault the city.

Today, the Roman Wall can be visited for free by tourists and can even be walked on! A gravel path on top of the wall allows visitors to retrace a path that was once walked by Roman soldiers.

A collection of towers is still embedded into the wall, a system of lookout spots from which weapons could be fired at invading tribes.

If you find yourself in Galicia, a visit to Lugo’s Roman Wall is an absolute must if you are interested in seeing one of the most impressive pieces of the Roman Empire still left in existence.

The post Looking to See a Roman Wall? Lugo, Spain is Your Destination! appeared first on Traveler Master.

If so, you might be ready to start branching out and looking for more undiscovered wine regions to visit. Fortunately, there are plenty of places that host spectacular vineyards that are still largely untouched by most tourists.

Here are our recommendations for some top wine regions that are worth a trip.

Ribeira Sacra: Galicia, Spain

Located in northwestern Spain is one of the most beautiful and unique wine regions in the world. Here, complex red wines are produced using the native Mencia grape which is grown and harvested by hand in the canyons created by the Sil River.

Mendoza Province: Argentina

Argentina is an underrated wine destination, and the Mendoza province is the heart of it all. The stunning backdrop of the Andes provides the setting for vineyards that produce excellent red wines such as Malbec.

Virginia: United States

Believe it or not, there’s good wine from the US that doesn’t come from California. Throughout the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, there are picturesque vineyards that make a variety of red and white wines that are worth your attention.

Marlborough: South Island, New Zealand

New Zealand is a stunning destination for the views alone, but when you travel to Marlborough, you’ll feel like you’ve landed in paradise. The white wines produced here are delicious, and the wild landscape is truly one-of-a-kind.

The post 4 Underrated Wine Regions that You Must Visit appeared first on Traveler Master.

Within Galicia is the small, charming town of Combarro, which definitely has my vote as Spain’s most beautiful coastal village. 

This tiny village of only 1,768 residents is known as the capital of the horreo. This word refers to a type of elevated granary that is found throughout Galicia. These granite constructions were built in the olden days to serve as storage units for grains and crops. 

Protected by law, Combarro is home to over thirty horreos that are perched just above the ocean in an incredibly picturesque setting.

The small houses that are found in the center of Combarro were once the homes of fishermen and sailors that lived in this town and used the sea as their source of income. Now, they are still populated by some of these workers as well as their descendants, who beautifully decorate the exteriors of their homes with flowers and other adornments.

If you find yourself in Galicia, be sure to take the time to visit this beautiful and magical village.

The post Combarro is Spain’s Most Beautiful Coastal Town appeared first on Traveler Master.

Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in rainy Galicia, this city might be more famous for its stunning beaches and delicious seafood than Christmas. However, in recent years, Vigo has become one of the centers of Christmas spirit in all of Europe.

Every year in late November, the city illuminates over 10,000,000 LED Christmas lights in the city’s streets and squares to ring in the holiday season. This turns Vigo into a “city of lights” that must be seen in order to be believed.

In addition to the stunning number of lights, the city also features a 110-foot tall electronic Christmas tree that displays a variety of interesting light patterns and designs in the Porta do Sol area.

This year, Vigo will also debut a 200-foot tall ferris wheel that will allow visitors to ride up to see the lights from above. In addition, a Christmas market featuring artificial snow cannons and artisanal crafts will help revelers get into the holiday spirit.

So, if you are looking for a unique and stunning Christmas destination, put Vigo, Spain at the top of your list!

The post Vigo, Spain is a Stunning Christmas Destination appeared first on Traveler Master.

This description might not make San Andrés de Teixido sound like much, but it is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain due to its cult of devotion to Saint Andrew and its spectacular and remote setting.

The current chapel, which was built in the 17th century, is very bare-bones, but it has several interesting art elements that refer to the sea, as well as a shrine to Saint Andrew.

Various myths surround the town and the cathedral. One famous saying in the native Galician language about San Andrés de Teixido is “quen non vai de vivo, vai de morto,” which roughly means that if you don’t go while you’re still alive, you’ll visit in the afterlife.

Other traditions include a drinking fountain, which has three spouts. If you drink from all three, legend has it that your wishes will come true.

This unique chapel and town is a must-visit for those that enjoy religious history and beautiful ocean views. You’ll certainly never forget your trip to this hauntingly beautiful place.

The post San Andrés de Teixido: The World’s Most Unique Chapel appeared first on Traveler Master.