Yzabelle Bostyn
THESE two cities in northern Spain are a must-add to your travel wishlist, despite being missed by many tourists.
Although Galicia is known for the famous Camino pilgrimage and Santiago de Compostela, there’s so much more to the region.
If you’re spending a few days in northern Spain, we recommend venturing out of the tourist hotspots to discover some of Galicia’s lesser known cities.
Both found on the Camino de Santiago, Vigo and Pontevedra are charming cities with curious backgrounds.
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The bigger of the two, we recommend exploring Vigo first to get a taste of a ‘real’ Galician city without the tourists and students of Santiago.
Start your day with a coffee and pastry at one of the old town’s many cafes.
We sampled cookies and cinnamon rolls from vegan bakery, the Hippie Baker but the chocolate loaf stole the show, with a delicate chocolate ganache encased in dark chocolate and dried raspberries.
Then, we made our way back up the hill, passing through the city’s famous oyster street.
A local delicacy, here you can find the fresh, great quality seafood Galicia is known for.
If a whole street isn’t enough for you, check out the Mercado da Pedra for all you seafood needs.
As well as food, Vigo’s old town is home to many museums and cute independent shops that could make for a full day of mooching amongst the porticoes and grey stoned buildings.
Highlights include the Basilica de Santa Maria, the Plaza de la Constitucion and the Plaza de la Princesa.
If in typical Galician style it starts to rain, take shelter in the city’s ‘cultural golden mile’, visiting museums such as the MACRO (Museum of Modern Art).
Once you’ve had your fill of culture, head up to the O Castro Mountain for panoramic views over the Vigo estuary.
Once a fortress, the mountain is free to visit and shares an interesting part of Galicia’s military history.
It is also the city’s best spot to watch the sunset, so grab a bottle of wine and settle in as you bid goodbye to this perfect day.
Another lovely day trip in Galicia is Pontevedra, known for its hospitality and friendliness.
A stop along the Camino, Pontevedrans welcome hundreds of pilgrims every day and the town is inextricably linked to the religious walk.
The main attraction is the Sanctuary of A Virxe da Peregrina, a small chapel where walkers can stamp their pilgrim passport.
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After admiring the chapel, you can pay one euro to wander up the stairs and look around from the balcony.
But this is just one Pontevedra’s multitude of historic churches.
Next door, you will find the San Francisco Convent and the enchanting Plaza Ourense.
With granite buildings covered in moss and vines, Pontevedra is truly atmospheric and the looming clouds only add to this.
The Basilica de Santa Maria, is another highlight, built to honour the patron of the Portuguese Way, the Spain-Portugal route of the Camino.
After touring the churches, we recommend losing yourself amongst the old town’s winding pathways and fairytale squares including the Plaza de Teucro, the Plaza de Verdura and Plaza de Leña.
Though small, the latter manages to house many Michelin star restaurants and is often booked out, so make sure you reserve a place early.
After refuelling on quality food, wander down to the River Lerez.
The shores of the river hold many attractions, including the Ilsa de las Esculturas (Sculpture Island) and the Rosalia de Castro park.
But the main sight is the O Burgo bridge, which has Roman origins but was replaced in the 12th century.
You may even spot pilgrims crossing the 12 arch structure as part of the Portuguese way.
Then, visit the Mercado de Abastos for all your fresh fruit, veg and fish needs.
Upon exiting, you’ll also find a lovely gift shop with local products hidden in one of the porticoes.
Work your way back into town via the Pedreira Square, home to the Baroque mansion of Mugartegui.
Then, take a look at Pontevedra’s parador before heading to the best part of your visit, the wine bar district.
Cinco Ruas square, Paio Gomez Chariño Square and Tetuan Street will leave you spoilt for choice with their host of wine bars.
This area is also very cultural, with the theatre, town hall, the Cafe Moderno cultural centre and Praza de Musica (Music Square).
If you’ve loved the architecture so far, finish off your day by checking out the fishermans’ houses around the Praza de Touros and A Moureira district.
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