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Albarino
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... |
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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. |
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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.
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at AllPosters.com
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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. |
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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.
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at AllPosters.com
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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
|
GALICIA
FEATURED HOTELS, SPAIN |
|
A
CORUÑA AND PROVINCE, GALICIA HOTELS
|
|
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. |
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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. |
|
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 |
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more hotels in Ferrol
LUGO
PROVINCE, GALICIA FEATURED HOTELS |
|
-
RIBADEO - LUGO PROVINCE, GALICIA FEATURED HOTELS
|
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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. |
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VILALBA - LUGO PROVINCE, GALICIA FEATURED HOTELS
|
|
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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. |
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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. |
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LEIRO, OURENSE PROVINCE, GALICIA FEATURED HOTELS |
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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. |
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NOGUEIRA DE RAMUIN, OURENSE PROVINCE, GALICIA FEATURED HOTELS |
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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'... |
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VERIN, OURENSE PROVINCE, GALICIA FEATURED HOTELS |
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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. |
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