Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Galicia and Asturias A Seafood and Sightseeing Road Trip in Northwest Spain
Spain - Cangas de Onis – Ribadeo – A Coruna – Santiago de Compostela – Cambados
Your trip begins in the charming town of Cangas de Onis, a great base for exploring Picos de Europa National Park. This area is a captivating combination of nature and culture, home to the important parish of Covadonga, which you’ll visit with a private guide. Then it’s on to Ribadeo, where you can enjoy the coastline and visit the stunning Cathedral of the Sea nearby.
The beaches of A Coruna are your next stop, perfectly complemented by the city’s enchanting old town and the world’s oldest operating lighthouse. Then, head to Santiago de Compostela, where you’ll tour this sacred site with a private guide and visit the iconic cathedral.
Your final three nights will be spent in Cambados, an area known for its Albarino wine, historic buildings and wonderful seafood. Enjoy private walking and cycling tours to learn all about the region’s highlights before tucking into some Galician fare – ultra-fresh scallops, anyone?
Itinerary
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Your cultural adventure in northwest Spain begins with a two-hour flight to Oviedo, so head to the airport, speed through security and spend some time relaxing in the lounge before boarding.
When you arrive, pick up your hire car and head straight to your accommodation in Cangas de Onis. You’ll spend two nights in this peaceful town, so settle in and immerse yourself in the beauty of this historic region, home to the eighth-century Chapel of the Holy Cross and a 14th-century Roman Bridge.
Come evening, feel the fatigue from your journey ebb away as you sit down to a meal made from fresh, local ingredients.
Nature lovers, you’re in luck: part of Cangas de Onis is located within the Picos de Europa National Park. Known for its spectacular green landscape and dramatic rock formations, the park is also where you’ll find the Torre de Cerredo, the highest mountain in the Cantabrian range.
Today, you’ll have the chance to explore the area with a private guide. First, head to Covadonga, a cultural and spiritual sanctuary where King Pelagius the Conqueror emerged victorious over Umayyad invaders in 722. This battle is considered the start of the Reconquista (the Christian campaign to recapture Spanish states from Moorish control), and local legend says that the Virgin Mary aided King Pelagius in his quest for victory.
Then, head to Lake Enol and Lake Ercina to enjoy breathtaking views of blue water contrasting with deep green vegetation. While you’re here, keep your eyes peeled for Pyrenean chamois and griffon vultures flying overhead.
It’s time to take to the road this morning as you set off along the Galician coast for just over two hours to Ribadeo. Once you arrive, check in for two days of sparkling sea views and tasty Galician cuisine.
Keen to really make the most of this seaside spot? Try your hand at some of the watersports on offer before settling in for a quiet evening ahead of another day of exploring.
Ribadeo has been a popular holiday spot since the 19th century thanks to its mild climate, Galician gastronomy, beautiful forests and idyllic location on the Cantabrian Sea. Today, this small port at the mouth of the River Eo – located in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – has retained every ounce of its charm.
Spend your fourth day in northwest Spain strolling along the seafront or taking in the eclectic architecture of nearby Castropol and Naiva, whose ornate buildings were built by ‘Indianos’: Spanish men who emigrated to the Americas to make their fortune.
Not far from Ribadeo, the Playa de las Catedrales (Cathedral of the Sea) is a real natural wonder. These immense arches of hollowed-out rock rise up from the sand and, backdropped by the sparkling ocean, are as spectacular as any man-made cathedral.
It’s time to pack your bags and set the sat nav once again – but don’t worry, you’re not leaving the coast behind just yet.
You’ll be spending the next two nights in a charming hotel in A Coruna, a seaside town just an hour-and-a-half drive from Ribadeo. It’s no surprise that fish and seafood are the stars of the menu here, so after an afternoon of relaxing under the sun, head out to sample this ultra-fresh produce – with a glass or two of Galician wine, of course.
Today is all about exploring A Coruna. After a hearty breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Tower of Hercules, the only Roman lighthouse still in operation. Since the end of the first century AD, this 180ft tower has been guiding ships safely into harbour, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.
When you’ve finished marvelling at the architectural prowess of the Romans, head to the town’s beaches to experience some local life. Praias Riazor and Orzan comprise nearly 5,000ft of white sand in the town centre, while Las Lapas and San Amaro are both located close to the tower itself.
Fancy an afternoon stroll? Head to Old Coruna, a historic fortress city, to explore its alleys, small squares and grand old houses. Be sure to visit the Royal Galician Academy, dedicated to the study of Galician culture and language, and the Casa Museo Maria Pita, a museum commemorating the heroine who led the fight against the English Armada in the late 16th century.
Another day, another road trip. Your next stop is Santiago de Compostela, a 50-minute drive away. You have three nights to spend in this spiritual mecca, so check in, drop your bags and head out on a stroll through the town.
The culmination of Europe’s most famous pilgrimage route, Santiago de Compostela is brimming with Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, all as beautiful as it is cultural. After you’ve stretched your legs, return to your hotel to relax in the garden or take a dip in the pool before treating yourself to a delicious meal at the restaurant.
Rise and shine, today begins with a visit to Santiago de Compostela’s world-famous cathedral, one of the city’s most iconic sites. Venture past this spectacular structure’s Baroque façade to see the Portico de la Gloria, a stunning portico whose central arch features an ornate sculpture of Christ. Cameras at the ready…
Then, at the Cathedral Museum, learn more about this architectural masterpiece as you browse religious art, medieval tombs and tapestries. All explored out? The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please – we’d recommend grabbing a table at a street café and sampling a slice of tarta de Santiago, a sweet regional speciality.
Forget stumbling around in a huge crowd – today, you’ll have a private tour of the city.
After yesterday’s cathedral visit, you’ll be primed and ready to learn more about Santiago de Compostela’s special religious status as a symbol of the Spanish Christians’ historic struggle against Islam. The cobbled streets of its old town take you on a journey from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and Baroque era, and your guide will explain more about the area’s history, including Rua das Casas Reais, the Hospital of the Catholic Kings and Praza da Inmaculada.
When your stomach starts rumbling, duck into a nearby restaurant to enjoy a Galician feast – our clued-up Concierge is on hand to recommend some local hotspots.
Your next three nights will be spent in Cambados, around an hour’s drive away from Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy a lazy morning and a breakfast of pastries and cafe con leche before jumping in the car and heading to the final stop on your journey around northwest Spain.
When you arrive, spend some time settling in, perhaps with a sunbathing stint or a dip in the pool. The Albarino grape is indigenous to this region, so carve out some time today to sample a glass or two alongside some fresh seafood, whether in your hotel’s excellent restaurant or in one of the many local eateries dotted along the town’s cobbled streets.
It’s time for another private tour, this time around Cambados. Accompanied by a private guide, visit the area’s historic districts, where you can spot traditional Galician pazos: manor houses that served as a lively hub for the gentry between the 16th and 19th centuries. At Praza de Fefinans, discover the beautiful eponymous pazo and San Bieito church.
As you might have guessed by now, this city is known for its history – but, as you’ll learn after a short walk to the port, it’s just as renowned for its fishing culture and stellar seafood. The rest of the day can be spent eating your way around the area’s historic neighbourhoods, visiting a local winery or perhaps taking a Galician cooking class. The world is your oyster (sorry)…
On your final full day in Spain, we’ve arranged for you to explore the Galician paradise of Arousa, a small island connected to the mainland by road.
With a private guide leading the way, traverse the island by bike, pedalling along dedicated paths and discovering monuments such as the Punta Cabalo lighthouse, Porto do Xufre and the Mirador do Santo. You could also stop at the Parque Natural de Carreiron, home to a number of important bird species, including a colony of herons.
Of course, it would be a shame to visit Arousa without stopping to appreciate its beautiful beaches. The combination of white sand, green vegetation and sparkling sea encapsulates what Galicia is all about, so spend some time soaking up the sun or snapping some seaside shots. If you like, we can also arrange a private tour of a local shellfish farm, where you’ll learn all about how scallops and other shellfish are collected, sorted and sold.
Sadly, the time has come to pack your suitcase and head home. Drive back to Santiago de Compostela this morning to drop off your hire car at the airport before hopping on a flight back to the UK. It's a speedy two-hour journey, so once you’re on the plane, all that’s left to do is relax and reminisce about your wonderful trip.
Why visit Spain with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Spain
- Our local Concierges
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- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
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