Galicia area of Spain

[wsharp]

Will be in the northwest corner of Spain in mid-May and would like to do some touring. Any advice welcome. Weather? Roads? Prices? thanks, ws

 

[megilleland]

Will be in the northwest corner of Spain in mid-May and would like to do some touring. Any advice welcome. Weather? Roads? Prices? thanks, ws

What are your plans coastal, inland, camping or hostals/hotels? I spent 6 weeks cycling in Galicia as part of a year long Spanish Tour. My route entered Galicia from Ourense following the River Minho to the coast at Tui and then up the coast via Baiona, Pontevedra, Cambados, Padron, Ribeira, then inland to Santiago Compostela, back to the coast to Muros, Cee, Muxia, Laxe, Malpica de Bergantinos, A Coruna, Pontedeume, Ferrol, Cedeira, Porto de Espasante finally leaving Galicia at Foz on the north coast of Spain. I was in this area from end of June to beginning of August at the height of the Spanish holiday season and the weather was great.
The area is famous for its attractive coastline (Costa de la Muerte) and beaches, some with beautiful white sand. Also its fresh seafood - you can eat some pretty unusual delicacies! Empanadas are another traditional form of cooking using pastry - comes in a variety of savoury and sweet fillings - keeps you cycling forever!
http://www.galinor.es/galeria/fiestas-g-e.html

I enjoyed the main cities of Ourense, Pontevedra and in particular Santiago de Compostela and A Coruna so much so, I spent a week in each - great nightlife! The coastal towns of Baiona, Cambados, Malpica de Bergantinos have good holiday atmospheres and vibrancy. The Galicians love their traditonal music using bagpipes (gaitas) and their festivals - lots of fireworks.
Places I did not dwell to long in were Vigo and Ferrol, both had a seedy feel to them, must be the docks and navy! I caught a ferry across the ria in Vigo to save me having to travel quite a way inland or using the motorway suspension bridge which may not suitable for cyclists.
At the time you are going prices should be cheaper for most things including accommodation, the high season is from June to September. If camping check dates of operation as most open from 1st June. The roads are good, but not too busy. I did get some days of mist along the coast which can lower the temperatures significantly, but not much rain surprisingly, as Galicia is famous for it!
I didn't travel to Lugo, also worth a visit and the following are worth a look at
http://www.galinor.es/galeria/viajes2-e.html

Photos here of most places in Galicia.
http://www.crtvg.es/ingles/galeria/priportadaeleccion.htm

Any further information e-mail me.