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From Santiago de Compostela
To Rías Altas

Galicia Rías Altas, Santiago and Costa Da Morte

The spiritual and wild heart of Galicia

Ancient paths, untamed nature, and cities full of soul

Welcome to the spiritual and wild heart of Galicia

Travelling through the Rías Altas, Santiago de Compostela and the Costa da Morte is to delve into the depths of Galicia, where ancient history, the spirituality of the Camino and the most rugged nature intertwine to offer a unique experience. This region, located in the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula, is a land of contrasts: vibrant cities full of life and tradition, misty forests, cliffs overlooking the Atlantic abyss and fishing villages that preserve the essence of Galicia intact.

Santiago de Compostela, a pilgrimage destination and Galicia’s spiritual capital, is the natural starting point for exploring this territory. Its majestic cathedral, cobbled streets, and atmosphere steeped in symbolism turn every walk into a moving meditation. From there, the journey unfolds towards the coast and the inland, passing through cities like A Coruña and Betanzos, where historical heritage coexists with contemporary life, and Galician culture expresses itself through architecture, cuisine, and hospitality.

Here, nature is not just a backdrop; but a protagonist that imposes its presence: from the mysticism of San Andrés de Teixido to the lighthouses that watch over the Costa da Morte, passing through the Fragas do Eume or the breathtaking Playa de las Catedrales. Each place holds a story, a legend or an emotion. The coastal paths and inland routes are also a way to find yourself, in tune with the sound of the sea, the song of the wind or the silence of the forest.

Exploring this part of Galicia is an experience that touches all the senses: the taste of a tortilla in Betanzos, the feel of centuries-old stone, the scent of the sea crashing against cliffs, the sound of bagpipes, and the soul that beats in every corner. Here, every step leaves a mark, and every glance reveals something new. Welcome to the spiritual and wild heart of Galicia.

Santiago de Compostela

Top 10 of Rías Altas

Santiago de Compostela

The soul of the Camino

Santiago is not just the end of a pilgrimage; it is a city that pulsates with history, art, and spirituality. Its cathedral, a Romanesque gem and the destination of the Camino de Santiago, welcomes travellers from all over the world, drawn by faith, culture, or adventure. Walking through its UNESCO-listed old town reveals secluded squares, silent cloisters, and lively corners. Cuisine, music, and the university atmosphere give the city a unique vitality. It is a city that welcomes, moves, and transforms.

A Coruña

A city open to the sea

Modern, dynamic and cultural, A Coruña combines urban bustle with the power of the Atlantic Ocean. Its promenade is one of the longest in Europe and runs along urban beaches, cliffs and the imposing Roman lighthouse of the Tower of Hercules. The historic centre and the Old Town district are home to taverns, Gothic churches and charming squares. Museums, street art and innovative cuisine complete the experience. It is the perfect place to feel the modern pulse of Galicia without losing the essence of the Atlantic.

Costa da Morte

Where the ocean rules

Known for its wild beauty and legends of shipwrecks, the Costa da Morte is one of Galicia’s most breathtaking landscapes. Steep cliffs, secluded beaches and solitary lighthouses mark a coastline that seems to resist being tamed. Places such as Cape Fisterra, considered the ‘end of the world’ in ancient times, or Cape Vilán, impose a deep connection with nature. Here you can breathe in mysticism, memory and a beauty that leaves a lasting impression.

Betanzos

Cradle of history and flavour

This charming medieval town, located next to the estuary of the same name, is known for its well-preserved old town and its famous tortilla. Gothic churches, arcades, cosy squares, and palaces coexist with a lively culinary tradition. Betanzos is also home to traditional festivals such as Os Caneiros, celebrating popular culture on the water. It is an ideal stop for those seeking authenticity, history, and fine dining in one place.

Playa de las Catedrales

Natural art sculpted by the sea

Near Ribadeo, this beach is one of Galicia’s most photographed landscapes. Its impressive stone arches and rock formations, shaped by marine erosion, create an almost fantastical scene, especially at low tide. Declared a Natural Monument, visiting in peak season requires a reservation. Here, the Atlantic becomes a sculptor, and each visit offers a different perspective, depending on the light, wind, and tide.

San Andrés de Teixido

The sanctuary where those who did not go in life go in death

This remote sanctuary, perched on the cliffs of the Sierra de A Capelada, is one of the most mystical places in Galicia. Tradition says that ‘those who did not go in life go to San Andrés de Teixido in death’, and that is why, every year, thousands of pilgrims arrive in search of redemption or promises. The views from the surrounding area are spectacular, with cliffs that are among the highest in continental Europe. It is a place that combines landscape, legend and spirituality like few others.

Fragas do Eume

The last Atlantic forest

This natural park is one of the best-preserved riverside forests in Europe. Walking along its trails is like entering a world of intense greens, crystal-clear rivers and moss everywhere. The Monastery of Caaveiro, hidden among the vegetation, adds an air of mystery to this place. Ideal for hikers, nature lovers and families, the Fragas offer routes of varying difficulty and intimate contact with the wildest and most magical side of Galicia.

Muxía

Spirituality by the sea

Another endpoint of the Camino, Muxía is less known than Fisterra but equally powerful. Its sanctuary of A Barca sits on a rocky coast, where waves crash forcefully and stones are steeped in miraculous legends. The place exudes spirituality, melancholy, and serene beauty. The seaside atmosphere, the warmth of the locals, and the tranquillity of the surroundings make Muxía perfect for soul-rest and contemplation.

Ortigueira

Celtic music and serene landscape

This small coastal town is famous for its International Celtic World Festival, which draws thousands of Celtic music lovers every summer. Beyond the event, Ortigueira offers tranquil beaches, stunning estuaries, and the nearby Serra da Capelada as a dramatic backdrop. It is a destination that blends culture, tradition, and nature, ideal for families and for those seeking undiscovered corners.

Ría de Cedeira

Between cliffs and traditions

Cedeira is a charming spot where the estuary opens to the Atlantic between green hills and breathtaking cliffs. A lively fishing port, it is known for its barnacles, seafood cuisine, and local traditions. Nearby are some of Galicia’s most extreme landscapes, such as the San Andrés viewpoint or the cliffs of Vixía Herbeira. It is a place that encapsulates Galician identity: sea, hills, and soul.

“Santiago is not the end of the Camino, it is the beginning of a new life”

— Paulo Coelho, Brazilian writer

Author of The Pilgrimage of Compostela, inspired by his own journey along the Camino de Santiago

Santiago
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