Choose your European Destination:
Global Destinations:
Other Options:

GALICIA, SPAIN TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION GUIDE
HOTEL LODGING IN A CORUNA, FERROL, LUGO, RIBADEO, LEIRO, NOGUEIRA DE RAMUIN & VERIN

Hotels in Spain - choose your location:

Return to Spain home page
Pilgrims, Santiago De Compostela, Galicia, Spain
Buy at AllPosters.com
Hotels in Galicia - choose your location:

The Paradores of Spain:
Search this site

View map of Spain
View map of Spain

Click to view map of Galicia
View map of Galicia


Galicia Tours
Albarino Wine Tours Rias Baixas, Galicia, SpainAlbarino Wine Tour of the Rias Baixas Galicia Spain a Land of Seafood and Fine White Wines Private driver/guided tour down the magnificent Atlantic shore of Galicia's Rias Baixas, Albariño Wine Country. Fine wines & seafood in quaint fishing villages on the Celtic coast…more...
Camino de Santiago and Albarino Wine Walking Tour in Galicia Spain Walk part of the Camino de Santiago trail during the Festival of St. James! (July 25th). Follow the ancient pilgrimage trail and then down the beautiful coastline of the Rias Baixas, Galicia, The land of Albariño white wines and Fresh Seafood...more...
Deluxe Food and Wine Tour in Misty Enchanting Celtic Galicia Green Spain Deluxe Food, Wine & Cultural Tour in Galicia, Spain. A Private driver/guide will show you gastronomical and historical delights of this area. Discover distinct Spanish wines, cuisine, music…more...
Sailing Day Trip to the Cies Islands in a Luxurious Private Yacht A deluxe sailing tour starting in Vigo, the most important fishing port in Europe, with a beautiful bay holding secrets of sunken treasures & historic battles. Blessed with fresh seafood, islands…more...
Riding Along The French Trail to Santiago Riding from the border of Galicia through un-spoilt countryside of hills, rivers, valleys, monasteries… arriving in Santiago de Compostela as horse-riding pilgrims of the past…more...
Private Galician Cuisine Cooking Class at Restaurante Roberto in Santiago de Compostela Hands-on Cooking Class followed by meal based on what you have prepared with your Chef at the fabulous Restaurante Roberto in Santiago de Compostela...more...
Albarino Wines and Celtic Sites of the Salnes Valley Rias Baixas On this private day tour you get a taste of what the Galician coast has to offer. Follow down the Rias Baixas coastline passing villages, Celtic Hill-forts…enjoy a seafood lunch, Albariño wines…more...
Historic Santiago de Compostela Tour from La Coruna On this full day excursion from La Coruna you will enjoy a guided tour of Historical Santiago. You will visit the old quarter of the city and the stunning cathedral of the Pilgrimage capital of Galicia...more...
Horse Riding Along the French Trail of Camino de Santiago from Astorga This way was the oldest and most important cultural route of Europe. We shall ride along the final section of this route just starting at the point where this route reaches Galicia... Finally arriving in Santiago de Compostela…more...
View all Tours

Other Options

Home Page
Adventure Vacations
Eco-Tourism Vacations
Join Us
Search Options
Site Map
Travel Poster Store
Web Design Service


 
 
 
 

Copyright © All World Vacation Station

GALICIA, SPAIN TRAVEL GUIDE
Featured Galicia Hotels  /  Galicia Private Tours
Galicia Rural Self-Catering / Vacation Rentals

Galicia Travel Guide

Camino de Santiago de Compostela:  A Modern Pilgrimage
Explore Northern Galicia
Ferrol and The Northern Coast of Galicia
Hunting For Treasures in Pontevedra
Stay in Southern Galicia
The province of Coruna in Spain
Vigo - A Tale of Two Cities
Visit Galicia Visit Ourense   by Scott James
Visit The Rias Baixas Galicias Western Coast

Explore Northern Galicia   by Scott James

Northern Spain and Galicia particularly has long been an undiscovered jewel in the whole of the Spanish tourism industry and within that undiscovered jewel in particular we are going to take a look at Northern Galicia.
 
Overall of all of the autonomous regions of Spain possibly Galicia is the most remote and this makes Northern Galicia even more of an undiscovered treasure.

Traditionally, Galicia was seen as a poor agricultural region, whose economy did not lend itself to modernisation and yet as far as tourism is concerned it is this constant contact with the past that gives the region its appeal and charm.

The Galicians, whose origins are Celtic, are fiercely proud of their culture and language; it is what makes them unique (they feel) within modern day Spain.

It absorbed little in the way of outside influence being fiercely resistant to all forms of outside intervention (and we mean all forms of outside intervention), was never conquered by the Moors, and in the Middle Ages fell under the control of the kingdom of Asturias.

Thankfully slowly throughout the 20th century Galicia has begun to develop a way in which to manage the traditional lifestyles with a modern community to ensure that none of its rich history is lost and this is now starting to show very real and tangible benefits as far as the local tourism economy is concerned.

Monastery of San Martin Pinario, Santiago De Compostela, Galicia, Spain
Buy at AllPosters.com

Northern Galicia covers an area north of a line to drawn from Santiago de Compostela in the West and Lugo and the Reserva Nacional De Os Ancares in the East.

If you include Santiago de Compostela in this region along with Coruna you actually have two of the biggest Cities of the region and two of the major tourist areas, the Costa de Morte and Rias Altas.

As has been mentioned, Santiago is the regions major tourist attraction and in many ways is the centrepiece of the entire region with regards to the "Way of Saint James" having routes leading to it literally from not only all of Galicia but from all of the Spain and beyond.
 
Cape Finisterre, Galicia, Spain
Buy at AllPosters.com
Other interesting towns and tourist destinations in Northern Galicia would consist of Lugo, Betanzos and Mondonedo. There is a nice coastal drive along the northern coast and the Rias Altas starting at Ribadeo in the East and travelling through Foz, Burela, Cervo, Viveiro, Ortigueira, Cediera and Ferrol finally arriving at Coruna in the west. 

As had been mentioned, this drive takes in the entire Rias Altas which is a beautiful area of the region in itself.

Heading westwards from Coruna you would then take in the area known as the Costa de Morta - the Coast of Death, so called because of the many shipwrecks found offshore.


The drive from Coruna takes in Caion and then leads slightly inland to Carballo before you arrive in Malpica. From there you would head south via Laxe and Camarinas arriving at the most westerly part of the Galician coastline in Cabo Finisterre. This drive is characterized by a wild and windswept landscape and the scenery is characterized by steep cliffs and a rugged coastline. Quite awesome natural beauty but also this has a strange feature in that at periodic intervals throughout the journey you'll find quite distinctive Cruceiros or Celtic crosses that indicate various stations of the Cross and in relation to this coastline where accidents and shipwrecks have occurred.

Featured Galicia Hotels  / Top

About the Author: Scott James writes about a great many Internet Travel based issues and more on the above can be found at Accommodation in Galicia . For a more complete overlook at Tourism in Galicia try http://www.turgalicia.es

Stay in Southern Galicia   by Stephen Morgan

Featured Galicia Hotels  /  Galicia Rural Self-Catering / Vacation Rentals

With regards to the entire Spanish tourist industry Northern Spain and Galicia especially have been very much a hidden treasure and hidden within lies a further particular treasure called Southern Galicia.

Of all of the autonomous regions of Spain it is understandable given its location that Galicia is considered the most remote and therein lies the charm of Southern Galicia hidden away longing to be discovered.

The traditional concept of Galicia was always that it was supposedly a poor agricultural region and as such the economy would not be the easiest to modernize yet one of the fasted growing sub sectors within the Galician Economy is tourism and it is this very real relationship with its historical past that give the region its particular appeal.

The cultural and language origins of Galicia are very much rooted within the Celtic family of communities found elsewhere in North West Europe and has led to Galicia always having a sense of looking outwards from their regional base as opposed to looking inwards towards the rest of Spain.

Because of its location and partisan traditions Galicia was always fairly inward looking having managed to survive throughout the centuries without ever really been conquered by anybody and this degree of fierce independence has lasted and developed down through the centuries.
 
In what has been a mountain to climb slowly but surely Galicia is now trying to manage successfully the twin track of its regional lifestyle with a much more modern society and thankfully this appears to have had very positive results with regards to tourism with little sign of negative effects.

If you take a look at Galicia on a geographical basis and divide it into four quadrants or two halves then the southernmost part would be that area south of a line drawn between Santiago de Compostela in the west and possibly the Reserva Nacional de os Ancares in the east which as anyone who knows the area covers quite a wide area.

Headland and Sea, Ria Tina Menor, Galicia, Spain
Buy at AllPosters.com

Included within this area is the major city of Vigo and just north is the provincial capital of Galicia's southern province, Pontevedra. Southern Galicia also includes further to the east Ribadevia, Ourense, Monasterio de Ribas de Sil and Monforte de Lemos. Further south almost on the Portuguese border you will find the Mino River Valley.

The Mino River is actually Galicia's longest river covering approximately 190 miles from its source high up in the Sierra de Mierra in the east to the Atlantic Ocean in the west. On its way downstream it flows through the towns of Lugo and Ourense entering the Atlantic at A Guarda. The river valley is actually a beautiful landscape of steep valleys and extremely good agricultural land and the hidden jewel in all of this is that it is here where the best wines in Galicia are grown. The area produces nice crisp white wine called Ribeiro.

There is an interesting drive through the valley for a tourist that is approximately 47 miles and there are many interesting stopping off places along the route. To the south of the route you will find Salvaterra de Mino leading next to Arbo, Crescente and finally leading up to Melon. Here you will find the Monasterio de Santa Maria de Melon which once belonged to the Cistercians. Fragments of the original buildings dating back to the 12th Century have survived and make this an interesting site to walk around.

Featured Galicia Hotels  / Top  / Galicia Rural Self-Catering / Vacation Rentals

About the Author: Stephen Morgan writes about a great many Internet Travel based issues and more on the above can be found at Accommodation in Galicia . For a more complete overlook at Tourism in Galicia try http://www.turgalicia.es

The province of Coruna in Spain   by Martin Lambert

Featured A Coruna Hotels  /  Galicia Rural Self-Catering / Vacation Rentals

The province of A Coruna is to be found in northern Spain in the region known as Galicia.

Coruna has several claims to fame. Firstly it is home to the city of Santiago de Compostela (lit. "of the star field") whose massive cathedral holds the remains of the apostle Saint James. But another of the provinces cities, Ferrol, was the launching point for Spain's ill fated Armada against the English in 1588.

Most visitors to this area center their trip around Santiago de Compostela and with good reason. Santiago has a large medieval quarter that not only contains its impressive cathedral, but also an array of equally inspiring architectural gems including palaces, monasteries and museums. The city is also known for its pilgrimage called the "way of St. James" which attracts tens of thousands of Christian visitors every year. These pilgrims come from as far a field as France and make the entire journey on foot staying at specially designated hostels on route. Their reward, if and when they complete their journey, is a certificate and mass at the cathedral.
 
Harbour, La Coruna, Galicia, Spain
Buy at AllPosters.com
Santiago's pilgrims are also notable for another reason. In addition to walking with traditional long crooked staffs, they also attach a "clam" clam shell to the staff itself. It is thought that in earlier times this shell, now the symbol of Santiago, could have been used as a multi purpose utensil to scoop water from a river or act as a small dish.

Away from Santiago, A Coruna city also has a few sights of its own ranging from the worlds oldest working lighthouse, built by the Romans, to coastal forts and the regions biggest marina. Coruna is also renown for the glass fronted buildings lining its marina which have given rise to the city being known as the "glass city". In addition to its older buildings, A Coruna also has the futuristic "Domus" building which is a celebration of man - a museum of sorts!

As Galica's most prosperous province, Coruna has many towns and most of these have a location and history associated with the sea. Coruna has always derived much of its wealth from fishing and its deep water ports, including Ribeira, land vast quantities of fish and assorted seafood.

From a visitor's point of view places like Rianxo, a beautiful coastal town, along with neighbouring port town, A Pobra do Caraminal, offer an opportunity to see the less commercialised side of Coruna province. These towns have traditional central plazas called "alamedas" along with a look and feel all of their own. If you visit one of these places you will also notice that everything grinds to a halt at 2.00pm for afternoon siesta and only starts to come to life again between 4.30pm and 5.00pm. The compensation for this extended lunch is the long working "afternoon" which does not end until around 9.00pm at night!

Staying in A Coruna, but moving inland, there is plenty more to see including the ancient and once highly important town of Padron. 

Padron is a town of two halves. The new part is ugly and does not warrant a mention, but the old district is quaint, has a river running through it and also hails as the home of Galicia's most famous daughter, the author and poet Rosalia de Castro. Although not known outside Spain, Castro is a real folk hero and there is a museum dedicated to her in her former house. Padron is also famous for two other reasons, the hot chilli peppers it produces and its biblical location as the preaching point of Saint James.

Featured A Coruna Hotels  /  top  / Galicia Rural Self-Catering / Vacation Rentals

About the Author: A visitor and vacationer to Galicia.  To find out more about the province of A Coruna and Galicia in general, visit galiciaguide.com a 250 page tourist information portal about the region.

Ferrol and The Northern Coast of Galicia   by Stephen Morgan

Featured Ferrol Hotels  /  top  /  Galicia Rural Self-Catering / Vacation Rentals

Galicia in particular and Northern Spain in general have long been considered to be a hidden jewel in the entire Spanish tourist industry and hidden away within Galicia itself are some further jewels and we are going to examine Ferrol further.

If you look at all of the autonomous regions that make up modern day Spain, Galicia has to be the most remote and hidden away within that remoteness lies Ferrol.

Historically, always classed as the poorer cousin to some of the other richer regions Galicia had an economy that did not easily lend itself to modernisation and herein lies a paradox in that it is this very reluctance to embrace modernity throughout that gives the region much of its appeal as far as tourism is concerned.

The natives of Galicia if you trace them back far enough have origins very similar to their Celtic cousins in the north and are justifiably proud of their language and culture and these connections no matter how stretched or tenuous give them their sense of regionalism and uniqueness.

Galicia always seemed to be a very closed and inward looking area being fiercely resistant to any formal external invasion and in many ways this degree of isolation was very much driven by the geographical location of the region.

Slowly but surely in the 20th century, Galicia began to develop and today traditional lifestyles rub shoulders with modernity throughout the region whilst at the same time the region has lost none of its more traditional culture and within the tourism economy this is starting to show real benefits.

Ferrol can be found on the northern coast of Galicia and is mid way between the coastlines known as the Rias Altas and the Costa da Morte. It is located on the northern shores of the Ria de Betanzos.

Ferrol is perhaps better known for one of the towns most famous (or infamous) sons, a certain Francisco France y Bahamonde who later on in life became better known as just simply General Franco, leader of Spain between the between the 1930's up until the ate 1960's and extremely influential up until his death in 1975.

Perhaps it is something to do with the local approach to the whole General Franco association but Ferrol is very much a town that has possibly a schizophrenic approach to itself and its history.

As a naval port, Ferrol lost most of its influence (and Spanish fleet) in the peninsular war of the early 1800's but it still retains quite some influence us fall as being a port is concerned and evidence of the Spanish Navy can be found throughout the town.

Sadly as an area of quite high unemployment many would view that Ferrol's greatest days are behind it, however the streets around the harbour would tend to suggest otherwise.

Sadly the outskirts of the town have been described as some of most depressing urban landscapes in all of Spain but don't let this distract you from visiting the city centre is this still retains a certain charm.

Yes, the waterfront is mostly dominated and taken out by naval buildings and dockyards but if you walk along the waterfront you can get a good idea of just how large Ferrols natural harbour actually is.

Featured Ferrol Hotels  /  top  /  Galicia Rural Self-Catering / Vacation Rentals

About the Author: Stephen Morgan writes about a great many Internet Travel based issues and more on the above can be found at Accommodation in Galicia . For a more complete overlook at Tourism in Galicia try http://www.turgalicia.es

Featured Galicia Tours
Albarino Wine Tour of the Rias Baixas Galicia Spain a Land of Seafood and Fine White Wines by Self Drive with some guides and meals Self drive journey down the magnificent Atlantic shore of Galicia's Rias Baixas, Albariño Wine Country. Fine wines & seafood in quaint fishing villages on the Celtic coast...more... Camino de Santiago Trail in Galicia Independently Walking with baggage transfers Walk the Camino de Santiago! This version of our Camino de Santiago is designed for independent travelers who would like to walk the last 100kms/62 mi of the Pilgrimage trail with baggage transfer from accommodation to accomodation...more... Deluxe Galicia Short Break Sailing Tour from Vigo Bay visiting the Cies and Ons Islands on the Rias Baixas Coast The Journey starts in Vigo, the most important fishing port in Europe, which has a beautiful Ria holding the secrets of sunken treasure and historic battles...more...
Exploring Green Spain Paradores from Galicia to the Basque Country Explore Green Spain starting in Galicia's capital Santiago de Compostela and ending in the Basque city of Bilbao, home of the famous Guggenheim Museum. On this self-drive tour you will experience the charm of Northern Spain's Paradores...more... Low Estuaries and The Landscapes of the movie Mar Adentro (The Sea Inside) On this excursion from Santiago de Compostela you will enjoy a full day tour discovering Low Estuaries and The Landscapes of "Mar Adentro"...more... Albarino winery and Baiona Coastal Village Tour from Vigo Wine tour from Vigo to the O Rosal valley sub-zone of the D.O. Rias Baixas, land of Albariño wines then follow the coast to Baiona...more...
FEATURED HOTELS IN SPAIN
GALICIA FEATURED HOTELS, SPAIN

A CORUÑA AND PROVINCE, GALICIA HOTELS

A Coruna and the Rias Altas of Northern Galicia On this day excursion you visit A Coruña's important monuments like: the tower of Hercules and the San Anton Castle. Lunch within a Galician ... more A Coruna Tower of Hercules and San Anton Castle On this walking tour you will visit A Coruña's important monuments starting by climbing the stairs to the top of the tower of Hercules. Another landmark of the city is the San Anton Castle…more... Tapa Tour in A Coruna For groups of of 2 - 6 people we offer you a guided tour of some of La Coruña's finest tapas bars. To help you out we will provide you with an English translation of Spanish food and cooking…more...

Read about A Coruña - The province of Coruna in Spain   by Martin Lambert

Search for hotels in A Coruña/La Coruña and Province

AC A Coruña, A Coruña
The modern AC A Coruña Hotel is located 1 kilometre from the historic centre of A Coruña and 4 kilometres from the airport. Riazor Beach is 1 kilometre away and San Anton Castle is 4 kilometres from the hotel. After a day's sightseeing, guests can enjoy a relaxing sauna or workout at the hotel's fitness centre, or head for the bar. The Casa Paula restaurant, with its stylish furniture and wood-panelled walls, serves typical Galician specialities and international dishes, with a selection of fine Spanish wines.  Complimentary newspapers are available in the lobby, and business guests are well catered for with a business centre with audio-visual equipment, four conference rooms, and a computer rental service. Multilingual staff at the 24-hour front desk can advise on local attractions, as well as making restaurant reservations and booking excursions.
Eurostars Ciudad de la Coruña, A Coruña
The Eurostars Ciudad de la Coruna is located in La Coruna, Spain, within Escultorico Park. The hotel is 200 metres from the beach and 600 metres from Hercules Tower. San Anton Castle and Maria Pita Square are one kilometre away. This modern hotel has an onsite health club with fitness equipment, spa tub, and a sauna. Guests can order from room service, and parking is complimentary.  Eurostars Ciudad de la Coruna's informal restaurant serves local and international dishes. The 31 guestrooms feature cable television, air conditioning, refrigerators, and telephones. All have hydrotherapy bathtubs.
Hotel Riazor, A Coruña
Hotel Riazor is a 12-floor hotel situated across the promenade from A Coruña beach, 450 metres from the Avenida de la Marina. Guests will find several cultural attractions close to the hotel, including the old town one kilometre away and the world's oldest lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules, two kilometres away. The nearest airport is A Coruña, which is eight kilometres from the hotel and takes around 20 minutes to reach by car. Guests can relax with a coffee in the hotel café before crossing the promenade to the beach. After a day on the beach, guests can enjoy a meal in the Riazor restaurant, which serves a combination of international dishes and Galician fare, or the informal restaurant Orzan, which serves tapas and light snacks. 
Melia Maria Pita, A Coruña
The Melia Maria Pita is located in La Coruna, Spain. The beach is across the street, the Old City is 500 metres away, and the Tower of Hercules, a historic Roman lighthouse, is at a one-kilometre distance. The train station is situated three kilometres from the hotel.  Offering sea views, the Melia Maria Pita occupies a six-storey property with stone and glass façade and opens to a plant-filled lobby area finished with marble.  The hotel offers garage parking (surcharge), and car rental services can be found at reception. Guests can also take advantage of the 24-hour concierge service.  The Melia Maria Pita houses the traditional Trueiro Restaurant, serving a range of Galician and international dishes. The restaurant extends to a marble-floored indoor patio filled with plants and has two private rooms for up to 16 people. A buffet breakfast is available daily. 
Browse more hotels in A Coruña/La Coruña and Province

- FERROL. A CORUÑA PROVINCE, GALICIA FEATURED HOTELS

Read about Ferrol: Ferrol and The Northern Coast of Galicia
Search for more hotels in Ferrol
Hotel Husa Odeon, Ferrol
The Hotel Husa Odeon is a modern four-floor property situated in the business centre of A Gandara, two kilometres from the shopping centre in Naron and 10 kilometres from the beaches of the Atlantic sea. The area's naval history is prevalent throughout, from the shipping yards to the Naval Museum three kilometres away.  Alternatively, visitors can enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Fragas do Eume Nature Reserve, 12 kilometres away. Guests can relax with a drink and a newspaper in the lounge, while multilingual staff at the 24-hour front desk are on hand to offer advice and assistance. A reception room can accommodate up to 350 people for celebrations, while business travellers benefit from two meeting rooms, which can hold up to 60 people. WIFI Internet connections are available throughout the hotel, and those arriving by car will find private parking.
Exterior Views Parador de Ferrol, Ferrol
In the centre of Ferrol, an attractive, seafaring city, the Parador rises up, recreating in its image the essence of a Galician mansion with glazed galleries and a singular marine setting. The decoration displays nautical elements, world maps and navigational instruments in the common rooms and spaces. The main staircase has an ancient lamp from a boat and the maritime motifs abound in the living rooms. The bedrooms are spacious and boast ochre and dark shades; some, with viewpoints and balconies, are favoured by magnificent views over the port. Enjoy fantastic views from the Parador windows whilst having a delicious breakfast. The restaurant serves squid in mugardesa sauce. Don’t miss the local Ferrol cake on the dessert menu. Unmissable! 
Sercotel Pazo Libunca, Naron near Ferrol
This hotel is located in Naron. Estadio de la Malata is an area attraction. Recreational amenities include a sauna and a fitness facility. Spa amenities include massage/treatment rooms and beauty services. This 4.0-star property offers small meeting rooms and business services. Wireless Internet access is available in public areas. Room service is available during limited hours. Guest parking is complimentary. Concierge services and tour assistance are available. Additional property amenities include a library, a bar/lounge, and multilingual staff. Bathrooms feature bathrobes, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Televisions have satellite channels. Rooms also include desks and minibars
Browse more hotels in Ferrol

LUGO PROVINCE, GALICIA FEATURED HOTELS

- RIBADEO - LUGO PROVINCE, GALICIA FEATURED HOTELS

Exterior Views Parador de Ribadeo, Ribadeo
The Parador occupies a large Galician house at the mouth of the Eo, a marine and tourist enclave on the border of the Asturian coast. Its magnificent position, on the Asturian outskirts of Galicia, offers the possibility to contemplate unique views of the Galician countryside, the Eo estuary and the small Asturian villages on the other shore; those which can be seen from the dining room are extraordinary. A marine style prevails on the inside, with an air of grace and elegance. The bedrooms are friendly and comfortable, and some have splendid panoramic views. The restaurant offers traditional Galician cuisine with dishes such as savory pies, pork shoulder, seafood and hearty Galician broths.
- VILALBA - LUGO PROVINCE, GALICIA FEATURED HOTELS
Exterior Views Parador de Vilalba, Vilalba - Lugo
This impressive medieval Galician tower, today a Parador, dominates the urban and rural landscape of this town in Lugo, capital of the fertile region of the 'Terra Chá', lands which grew up around this tower and in which the gentlemen of Andrade, Counts of Vilalba, would live. The Parador offers cozy, peaceful spaces with a medieval look; the 6 rooms located in the tower and the Salon de los Andrade also share this style, all with mural paintings and coats of arms. In the shadow of the tower stands the new building, wrought in stone and in the style of a typical Galician palace, where the remaining 42 rooms, bar, restaurant, etc., are located. Among the gastronomic specialties lacón con grelos (cooked pork with turnip greens), empanada de raxo (pork and potato pie), beef brochettes...
MONFORTE DE LEMOS, GALICIA FEATURED HOTELS
Parador de Monforte de Lemos
Situated at the highest point of the town of Monforte de Lemos is the San Vicente do Pino monumental complex, comprised of the Keep, the San Vicente do Pino Monastery and the Condes de Lemos Palace; the latter two house the Parador de Monforte's facilities. The origins of the monastery date back to the 9th century, although the current building, erected on the site of an earlier one, is Neo-classical and dates to the 17th century.  The 16th century Condes de Lemos Palace, located opposite the monastery, was damaged by fire and then restored in the 18th century.  The monastery has been restored and converted into a Parador with 50 rooms distributed around the central cloister. 
OURENSE AND PROVINCE, GALICIA FEATURED HOTELS

Visit Galicia Visit Ourense   by Scott James

Ourense featured hotels

Of all of the autonomous regions of Spain, Galicia is considered the most remote and therein lies the charm of Ourense, hidden away longing to be discovered. Galicia has always been seen as a poor rural region, whose economy was dependent upon agriculture and fishing and did not lend itself to modernisation and yet as far as tourism is concerned it is this constant contact with the past that gives the region its appeal and charm. The Galicians are fiercely proud of their culture and language and their Celtic heritage; it is what makes them unique (they feel) within modern day Spain. Galicia always seemed to be a very closed and inward looking area being fiercely resistant to any formal external invasion and in many ways this degree of isolation was very much driven by the geographical location of the region. In what has been a mountain to climb slowly but surely Galicia is now trying to manage successfully the twin track of its regional lifestyle with a much more modern society and thankfully this appears to have had very positive results with regards to tourism with little sign of negative effects..

The less well known town of Ourense is the provincial capital of Galicia's innermost province and can be known in this over the region on the main road leading eastward into the country from the port of Vigo.

According to popular tradition than name Ourense is derived from the Hot springs that can be found there and much loved by the Romans who called the town Aquae Urentes (warm waters).

The town retained its importance both politically and geographically down through the centuries in various guises leading to the fact that it is one of the four provincial capitals that make up the modern day region known as Galicia.

Again likely to one of the most striking visitor attractions within Ourense ease the cathedral. The building work on the Cathedral de San Martino was started in the 12th century and as a result most of its features are very traditional in a style that has been described as late Roman and Early Gothic. The interior of the cathedral is quite big and long and has been described as quite gloomy by a great many visitors.

Ourense is one of those towns that very much still follow the original roman architecture and design with regards to town planning and layout.

Other parts of Ourense that are worth taking note are the Praza de Magdalena which is just off the main square and is characterised by beautiful overhanging buildings and flowers. This square is dominated by yet another church as well as the cathedral and this time the church is the Iglesia de Santa Maria Madre which is an attractive church of Baroque design that is built on the site of an earlier 11th Century original.

South of the old town you will find the original hot springs which first attracted the Romans to settle the area. They still pump out water at a healthy 65 degrees so don't keep your hands under the water for too long!

All in all Ourense is definitely well worth a visit.

Top / Ourense featured hotels

About the Author - Scott James writes about a great many Internet Travel based issues and more on the above can be found at Accommodation in Galicia . For a more complete overlook at Tourism in Galicia try http://www.turgalicia.es
Search for more hotels in Ourense
Eurostars Hotel Auriense, Ourense
The Hotel Auriense is a modern high rise hotel with gray brick and sculpted glass frontage. It has a wide tree-lined driveway and a fountain outside the entrance. The hotel is located four kilometers from Ourense old town and the Cathedral.  Nearby attractions include Orense's Roman Bridge, which is five kilometers away. Outdoors, the hotel has a swimming pool including a children's pool and a terrace with chairs and parasols. Guests can also make use of the tennis court, mini-football facilities and garden.  The hotel houses its own nightclub, lounge bar and gift shop. For those guests with business needs, the hotel provides conference rooms and a range of audio-visual equipment and secretarial services. The hotel has its own restaurant Enexbre where guests can enjoy a modern menu of traditional and nouvelle cuisine and an extensive wine list. Vegetarian and children's menus are also available. There is also a cafeteria selling a selection of snacks and sandwiches. 
Gran Hotel San Martin Ourense
Offering comfortable accommodation and convenient facilities, the GH San Martin Hotel provides you with all of the quality amenities to make your stay a memorable one. Located in the heart of the city, the GH San Martin Hotel Ourense is a perfect place for you to reside and explore the surrounding areas. You can dine at the onsite restaurant that serves a variety of delicacies. You can unwind at the bar after a tiring day along with a fine drink. A well equipped business centre as well as conference facilities are available for people travelling on business purposes. Guests arriving with their own transportation can avail of convenient parking facility on-site. The hotel has comfortable guestrooms that are well furnished and equipped with modern amenities. Attentive room service is also available for your convenience.
Browse more hotels in Ourense
- LEIRO, OURENSE PROVINCE, GALICIA FEATURED HOTELS
Search for more hotels in Leiro
Eurostars Monasteiro de San Clodio, Leiro
The Monumento Monasterio is a picturesque 12th century Cistercian monastery combining Baroque and Renaissance cloisters in the remote hillside village of Leiro, eleven kilometres from the historic village of Ribadavia. The hotel is 11 kilometres from the historic village of Ribadavia, 16 kilometres from Arnoia Spa, and 30 kilometres from Ourense. The Santiago de Compostela Airport is 110 kilometres. Guests can relax by the pool or explore the historic grounds and buildings that make up the monastery. Among them guests will find conference and banqueting facilities for up to 235. Restaurante San Clodio offers and extensive à la carte menu fusing traditional local dishes with nouvelle cuisine in relaxed rustic surroundings. Those keen to explore the surrounding area can get local information and advice from the hotel's concierge desk.  The 25 guestrooms have a separate seating area with doors leading to balconies.
- NOGUEIRA DE RAMUIN, OURENSE PROVINCE, GALICIA FEATURED HOTELS
Parador de Santo Estevo, Nogueira de Ramuin
The new Parador is housed in the Santo Estevo de Rivas de Sil monastery, in Nogueira de Ramuín (Ourense). It is located in a region populary know as the birthplace of the 'afiladores y paraguerios' (knife sharpeners and umbrella holders) and is one of the towns in Ourense in which the topography and the confluence of the rivers Miño an Sil create spectacular spaces that are worth visiting. The Monastery is one of Galicia's oldest, founded in the 6th century a.c.e. The original construction is Romanesque, though does show Gothic tendencies. Worth nothing are its 18th century baroque facade, its monumental staircase and its three cloisters: 'De la portería', 'De la Cocina', and 'De los Obispos'...
- VERIN, OURENSE PROVINCE, GALICIA FEATURED HOTELS
Exterior Views Parador de Verín, Verín
Located opposite the Monterrei fortress, the Parador recreates the construction of a traditional Galician country house, with a central battlemented tower, beautiful, panoramic views of the castle and Verín and the Valley's prestigious vineyards. Some of the bedrooms have views of the refreshing swimming pool and the gardens. 'Merluza a la gallega' (hake Galician style) and 'filloas' (type of crepe) in cream scented with eau de vie are good examples of the gastronomy on offer.
Continue browsing hotels in Galicia, Spain

Top