Viewpoint of Cividade, in the Ca n of the river Sil, Galicia.
Walking through Galicia is much more than the well-known Camino de Santiago, a route that, they say, makes you connect with your most spiritual side and find yourself. However, it is not necessary to follow the path of this historical route to reach a similar level of connection with your inner self.
Galicia is a region full of incredible places, and where nature has its own personality. Who knows, you may not only get to know yourself better, but also understand why. Galicia is a land of legends and mythological beings.
MOUNT ALOIA
The first natural park declared in Galicia (in 1978), Monte Aloia, offers incredible nature in an environment with prehistoric remains and surrounded by legends –It is said that this place is so magical that the mares are fertilized by the wind–. Mount Aloia must be climbed several times a year, as each season presents it to us dressed in its particular color. A route full of magic (14 km, 5 hours).
Mount Aloia mutates and changes color in each season of the year.
ROUTE OF THE LIGHTHOUSES
Divided into several stages, which it is not necessary to do in one sitting, the Route of the Lighthouses is unique. 200 kilometers that run along the coast of the province of A Coruña in which there are two great undisputed protagonists: the sea and the lighthouses that give it its name.
With a path that passes by the side of the steep cliffs of the Costa da Morte, and breathtaking views that will make you feel like an adventurer lost in an inhospitable land, this route is somewhat hard, but totally recommended (several stages of approximately 20 km, about 7 hours each).
Cape Vilán Lighthouse, in the municipality of Camariñas, on the Galician Costa da Morte.
ROUTE OF THE NATURAL SWIMMING POOLS OF THE PEDRAS RIVER
A walk along the banks of the Pedras River, which meanders along the slopes of Mount A Coruta, while you bathe in its natural pools and ends with some impressive views of Pobra do Caramiñal, in the Arousa estuary. What more could you want?
The best time to do this route is in summer, since cooling off in the pools that appear here and there, some with natural slides, is part of the experience. We can also enjoy a visit to an old convent and the Miserela waterfall along the way. Of course, it is not a route for all hearts, since it is quite steep, especially in the final stretch. But those who dare will not be disappointed (22 km, about 7 hours and a half).
What more could you want?
FRAGAS DO EUME
The area of the Eume river natural park is one of the last surviving Atlantic forests in Galicia. With a unique flora and fauna, this route, in addition to offering leafy forests painted in all imaginable shades of green, also shows the visitor historical and architectural remains built by humans: bridges that are camouflaged in the undergrowth or monasteries such as Caveiro , among other works.
And all this accompanied by the murmur of the river that follows the walker for most of the route. You can do the whole path or choose just a part (17.50 km, 5h).
The course of the Eume River is surrounded by exuberant virgin forests.
SIL CANYON: STOP FROM SIL TO THE FACTORY DA LUZ
Few sayings are more accurate than the one that says: “the Miño river carries fame and the Sil carries water”. Always reviled as the tributary of the important river Miño, the river Sil, however, turns the area through which it runs into a party for all the senses.
Its canyon, which is part of the Ribeira Sacra, and whose orography includes vineyards and walkable trails, allows routes with unparalleled views. Not surprisingly, we are talking about a crack in the earth that seems to have been created by the action of some creative god.
One of these routes begins in Parada de Sil, a beautiful mountain village, and ends in the Light Factory, an old factory converted into a beautiful hostel. Although somewhat hard, this route will not only allow us to enjoy an amazing flora and fauna (including thousand-year-old oaks that look like true sculptures of nature), but also human wonders, such as the Barxacova necropolis, from the early medieval period (23 km, 5 hours and a half).
The Sil river canyon, in the Ribeira Sacra, is 500 meters deep.
SARELA RIVER-BLACK FOREST
Santiago de Compostela hides many more secrets than the cathedral and the old area that welcomes it. In fact, if we move away from the city center, it is easy to find small green areas that make us forget the noise, the urban movement and the cars that surrounded us until a moment ago.
One of these escape routes is It runs along the banks of the Sarela River and reaches the area known as the Black Forest. This route allows us to walk among trees and undergrowth, and ends with the climb to Monte Pedroso. Once at the top, we will be greeted by unique views of the city. A way to see the cathedral and this historic city from another point of view (10 km, 2 and a half hours).
The best views of Santiago de Compostela are obtained from Monte Pedroso.
ROUTE OF THE RAXOI FERVENZA AND PARAFITA MILLS
A route that It will make us imagine that we are in the time of witches and goblins. The path mixes nature with restored bridges and mills, those of Parafita, but covered with weeds, which gives them that magical aspect. All this accompanied by the relaxing sound of the waters of the Valga River slipping through the rocks.
The route ends at a waterfall full of water, the highest we will find on our way. And not far from the river are the Petroglyphs of Pedra da Serpe, some stone engravings hundreds of years old (4 km and a half, 2 hours).
The origin of the Pedra da Serepe is unknown and it represents a serpent with a nailed cross.
ROUTE OF MONTE DA GROBA
A route that runs between Baiona and A Guarda, with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean in all its majesty during the journey.
This route ascends Mount Groba, along the same path that leads to the famous stone virgin of A Guarda, and allows you to observe the Rías Bajas from a bird's eye view. It is easy to imagine that we are part of a legend watching the waves crash from above, especially on a cloudy day. A highly recommended route (17 km, about 5 hours).
Archaeological site of Citana de Santa Tecla, in A Guarda.
PIORNEDO ROUTE AND MUSTALAR PEAK
El Mustallar, with 1,924 meters, is the highest peak of the Ancares (Lugo). A climb that is not suitable for everyone, with a 33% slope, but that will delight those who really dare to reach its top.
The route begins in Piornedo, where there is one of the best preserved pallozas in Galicia. The end of the route, with views of the Ancares from the highest point, will leave hikers breathless in more ways than one (14.60 km, 5 and a half hours).
On the highest peak of the Ancares
LAGOONS AND BEACHES OF XUÑO, PORTO DO SON AREA
Unlike the other routes, this one follows a path that runs through the Galician orography at sea level, with a road bathed by the Atlantic Ocean. Leaving Xuño Beach, the trail runs through several beaches with crystal clear waters and white sand , passes next to the San Pedro lagoon (dedicated to Ramón San Pedro and his fight for assisted suicide), where you can see birds and other animals, and ends at das Furnas beach, one of the most beautiful in this area, with a cave that you can only get out of when the tide goes out. A great walk choice for a sunny day _(16 Km, 4h) _.
Whichever route you choose, Galicia offers you an incomparable walking adventure. Do you dare to start walking?
Natural lagoon on As Furnas beach, Galicia.