The northwest of the peninsula is known for its abundance of rural landscapes, a multitude of historic cities and an infinite number of spots where you are unlikely to cross paths with anyone. Here’s our road trip through inland Galicia.
Discover the charms of Galicia
Galicia is known for being closely linked to the Atlantic. This is especially true in terms of its gastronomy, which never lacks seafood. However, it's not all about the coastline; when you head inland, there is another side to Galicia that is just as fascinating.
The region is full of gentle mountains, river valleys and stone-built villages which seemingly refuse to give up their old customs. This rural identity is especially notable in the provinces of Lugo and Ourense, with villages that preserve Romanesque monasteries, ancient walls and natural hot springs. Nature also has its say, with native forests and canyons that the rivers, such as the Sil, have been digging with the passage of time.
But precisely because many areas are not so touristy, accessing them can be difficult. However, everything has a solution, and it involves getting your hands on a rental car. As a result, you can create a completely flexible itinerary and avoid the headache of trying to find public transport. At OK Mobility, you can get yours at Santiago de Compostela airport. What’s more, you don’t even need to return them to the same place with our OneWay service.
Road trip through Galicia
The Galician hinterland makes for a leisurely tour, linking historical heritage and nature in manageable distances. This route through inland Galicia by car will take you through seven stops. The route has a fairly relaxed pace and combines historical heritage with nature.
Lugo and its Roman walls
Lugo is one of the most unique cities in northern Spain thanks to its Roman walls. It is the only one in the world with its entire perimeter intact. It was declared a World Heritage Site, and fortunately, it is still possible to walk along the top of it for more than two kilometres. In the historic city centre, highlights include the cathedral of Santa Maria and the squares and bars that give you a tapa with every drink. A deep-rooted tradition in the city that is much appreciated when travelling.
Ribeira Sacra and Sil Canyon
The Ribeira Sacra extends between the provinces of Lugo and Ourense. It is famous for its vineyards and hidden monasteries. Along the Sil Canyon there are viewpoints offering spectacular views, such as Cabezoas or Balcones de Madrid. By car, you can drive along the scenic roads that wind along the river. And if you like fine wine, there are small family wineries here.
Ourense and its thermal baths
Ourense is synonymous with thermal waters. On the banks of the Miño river, there are public pools where you can bathe in warm water, such as As Burgas or the Outariz thermal baths. In the old town, the points of interest are the squares and the historic churches. However, the atmosphere here is more local and less touristy than in other Galician capitals. For this reason, it cannot be missed in this road trip through Galicia.
Monforte de Lemos
In the heart of the Ribeira Sacra is the monumental complex of San Vicente do Pino in Monforte de Lemos. At the top of a hill, there is an ancient monastery and the keep, with beautiful views of the surrounding area. It is also a good place to explore the vineyards and the Sil's wharfs.
Allariz
Allariz is a small town, but very well maintained. Just as in the previous ones, it offers heritage and nature along the Arnoia river. The streets are cobblestone, the squares are arcaded, and the houses are restored. Together they make for one of the best preserved historical sites in the province of Ourense.
O Cebreiro
On the border between Galicia and Castilla y León lies O Cebreiro, a mountain village linked to the Camino de Santiago. The pallozas, traditional buildings of pre-Roman origin with vegetation coverings, stand out here. They are one of Galicia’s ethnographic icons. You can also enjoy views of the Ancares mountain range.
A Fonsagrada
North of Lugo, we reach the final stop of this road trip through Galicia. A Fonsagrada is one of the highest towns in Galicia, so it has mountains and forests that you can discover while hiking.
Inland Galicia is quite easy to explore aboard a rental car. Get yours with the best conditions at OK Mobility and don't miss out on the tranquility that this region offers.
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