Have you completed your Camino and still want to learn more about Galicia and its landscapes?
If there is something that characterizes our land, it is its diversity: white sand beaches, steep cliffs, green mountains, dunes, rivers… Many travelers are looking to soak up the beauty, tradition and culture of all these places. Why stop in Santiago then? Why not take advantage of the moment and let yourself be carried away by the curiosity to discover all that Galicia has to offer?
Discover with Galiwonders all the excursions you can do from Santiago de Compostela in just one day, with the comfort of the transfer included so you don’t have to worry about anything but enjoying the experience.
Finisterre Tour
Undoubtedly the one that stands out among our offers is none other than the tour to Finisterre. Located in the heart of the region known as A Costa da Morte (the Coast of Death), Finisterre was considered during Roman times as the End of the World. For many centuries it was erroneously thought to be the westernmost point of Europe. The truth is that this point is found in Portugal, it is none other than Cabo de la Roca. Even in Galicia itself there is a westernmost cape, Touriñán (very close to Finisterre).
Leaving from Santiago, the first stop on our tour is the fishing village of Muros, where you can admire the architecture so characteristic of the Rias Baixas in all its splendor. Small houses with arcades and galleries that imperturbably face the tides of the estuary of Muros and Noia.
Following our itinerary, we will pass by Ézaro, where the Xallas river flows into the Atlantic Ocean in the form of a waterfall, a unique phenomenon in Europe. Let us guide you to its viewpoint and admire the incredible panoramic view of the village and its coast.
Our third stop is the main attraction of this excursion. We will arrive at Finisterre. In this beautiful fishing village, we can stroll through its port or taste its delicious seafood – the famous goose barnacles of the area stand out. But nothing like going up to the tip of Cape Fisterra and admire the immensity of the ocean from the viewpoint, very close to the historic lighthouse that proudly welcomes pilgrims and locals alike. Many myths and stories surround this region: some relate it to the idea of the end of the world, while others believe that the border between life and de
ath is located here. Be that as it may, it is true that there is a mystical aura that surrounds it and that is not understood until you set foot in this symbolic Galician enclave.
Muxía will be our next stop. The fishing village has great importance in the legends of the Camino. They say that at the point of A Barca, the place we will visit, a virgin approached in a stone boat to comfort the Apostle Santiago. The remains of the boat were stranded on the coast, and today, according to legends, you can still see: the Pedra de Abalar, the Pedra de Os Cadrís, the Pedra dos Namorados and the Pedra de O Temón. All of them have healing properties. Ask the locals, they will tell you all about their history.
And our last stop before turning back to Santiago de Compostela: Pontemaceira. An enclave of great importance for pilgrims, as it is a place of passage for those heading to the end of the world. Its medieval bridge over the Tambre river and the abundant vegetation of the area will make you evoke past times.
Traveling to Finisterre to spend the day is very simple. Being such a popular excursion we can find daily departures from Santiago from April to October. The excursion includes transportation by bus from Santiago and a guided tour with an official tour guide, in Spanish and English. You can find more information about organized tours here.
Rías Baixas Tour
On the other hand, the second most popular tour in order of preference, is the Rías Baixas. This is the summer region par excellence in Galicia, even for the Galicians themselves.
No wonder, since its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters are the perfect haven of peace to relax on vacation. In addition to beach tourism, the region has many other attractions, such as Albariño wine. Not surprisingly, wine tourism is gaining importance. Visits to the wineries, with their corresponding tasting, are usually included in any organized excursion.
Our first stop from Santiago will be Pontevedra. Besides being a symbolic stop for any pilgrim who has made the Portuguese Way, its old area is one of the best preserved in Galicia. It is worth strolling through its narrow streets to discover such recognizable monuments as the ruins of Santo Domingo, the Church of La Peregrina or the squares of La Leña, Verdura and Herrería, nerve centers of local life.
Combarro will be our second stop, and what better seaside village we can visit than this one. The perfect example of Galician architecture, with small colorful houses sheltered from the force of the tides by arcades, only interrupted by dozens of hórreos and cruceiros that decorate the coast. Here we can enjoy a boat ride along the estuary, with the view of the mussel rafts in the background and the island of Tambo. On board we will taste fresh mussels and the best wine of the region, Albariño.
After a break for lunch, we will arrive at our next stop: Playa da Lanzada, one of the most famous beaches in Galicia and a favorite of the Rias Baixas. And we understand why: kilometers of fine white sand bathed by open sea make this beach worthy year after year of the Blue Flag.
Our last stop before returning to Santiago de Compostela will be Cambados, a calm fishing village, with beautiful green spaces and an old town where you can recover energy in one of its charming terraces. We will also visit the square and the Pazo de Fefiñanes, dating from the 17th century, and a series of architectural buildings that make Cambados a perfect stop for a leisurely stroll.
Traveling to these charming villages for the day is very easy. It is a very popular excursion, and we can find departures every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Santiago from April to October. In August, departures are daily. The excursion includes transportation by bus from Santiago, the guided tour by an official tour guide in Spanish and English, entrance fees to monuments and boat, and mussels and wine tasting. You can see all the information here. Traveling to these charming villages for the day is very easy. It is a very popular excursion, and we can find departures every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Santiago from April to October. In August, departures are daily. The excursion includes transportation by bus from Santiago, the guided tour by an official tour guide in Spanish and English, entrance fees to monuments and boat, and mussels and wine tasting. You can check all the information here.
Ribeira Sacra Tour
The Ribeira Sacra is probably one of the most fascinating landscapes. An immense greenery of vineyards, bathed by the waters of the rivers Cabe, Sil and Miño, encased in canyons that rise immense on the serpentine river forms. A gift for the eyes that will begin to approach the north of the province of Ourense.
We will begin our adventure by taking a catamaran that will take us upriver through the spectacular canyons of the Sil River. A walk of an hour and a half that will take us into the deepest and most characteristic landscape of this area of Galician interior. On board the boat we can taste a typical wine of the area, known by its designation of origin.
At the end, we will go to one of the viewpoints that surround the Ribeira Sacra to see from the top the immensity of its landscape.
Our next stop will be the impressive Monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil, located in the heart of the Ribeira Sacra and unique architectural symbol of this region. Nowadays, converted into a Tourism Parador, it still preserves the cloister and the exterior ornamentation of the original building. Free time for lunch in Luintra.
In the afternoon, we will visit the historic center of the city of Ourense, known for being the thermal capital of Galicia and the most important city located at the entrance of the Ribeira Sacra. We will walk through its cobbled streets and discover why it is known as the city of bridges.
Traveling to this wonderful region for the day is very easy. It is a very popular excursion, and we can find departures every Monday and Friday from Santiago from May to September. The excursion includes transportation by bus from Santiago, the guided tour by an official tour guide, in Spanish and English, and a ticket for the catamaran on the river with a drink included. You can check all the information here.
There are other excursions of great interest, although they are usually organized upon request, as departures are not guaranteed all year round. Such is the example of the Cathedrals Beach or the Corrubedo Dunes.
For more information about our excursions to Finisterre, the Rías Baixas or the Ribeira Sacra, do not hesitate to contact us!