Two-Week Road Trip Itinerary in Galicia

Are you planning a road trip through Galicia? This summer, we had the incredible opportunity to explore this beautiful region for several weeks. Based on our experiences, including some missteps along the way, we are excited to share what we believe is the ideal itinerary for navigating this stunning area.

Ready? Let’s dive in! By the way, if you have an extra week, we will suggest a variation at the end of the article.

This proposed route closely resembles the journey we took, featuring many of Galicia's main attractions (though not all!). Designed for travel by car, if you plan to use public transportation, be prepared to do a bit more planning, especially to find transfers and schedules that work for you.

We will outline a day-by-day itinerary, summarizing activities in each destination and providing links to accommodations so that you can book your stays in advance (it’s important to secure your lodgings if you know your exact travel dates).

Days 1-3: Discovering Ourense and Ribeira Sacra

Ourense was our gateway to Galicia. We arrived from Sanabria and made a brief stop to explore the charming village of Allariz. We dedicated the rest of our day to wandering around Ourense, where we spent the night.

On our second day, we woke up early and devoted the entire day to exploring the breathtaking region of Ribeira Sacra and the Sil Canyon, undoubtedly one of Galicia's major attractions. The landscapes are unparalleled, the viewpoints are awe-inspiring, and the monasteries are rich in history. We spent the night in Ribadavia, one of the ancient capitals of the Kingdom of Galicia, which still retains its charm. It’s truly one of the most beautiful towns in Galicia.

On the third day, we took the opportunity to relax at the Prexigueiro thermal baths, located near Ribadavia, and savored some of the best octopus in Galicia at the village O Carballiño (at the Pulpería Fuchela). In the afternoon, we explored the historical center of Ribadavia and uncovered its Jewish roots.

  → Accommodation in Ourense
  → Accommodation in Ribadavia

Days 4-6: Exploring Vigo and the Cíes Islands

Next, we headed towards the Atlantic. After a quick stop in the historic town of Tui, there’s no better way to greet the vast ocean than from the Castro de Santa Trega. Nearby, you’ll find the Dos Muiños Do Folón E Do Picón route, a circular trail of about 3 km surrounding these historic mills (we skipped it due to time constraints).

With the first glimpses of the coast on our left (and we were already in awe), we passed the Monastery of Santa María de Oya and arrived at the picturesque town of Baiona, where in 1493, Martín Alonso Pinzón brought the news of the discovery of America (here’s what to do in this lovely town). We enjoyed a menu lunch before heading to Vigo, where we based ourselves for three nights.

In reality, Rober’s parents stayed in Vigo for all three nights, while we experienced paradise for the fifth night on the stunning Cíes Islands. On day 6, we returned to Vigo for a stroll around the city.

  → Accommodation in Vigo

Days 7-10: Adventuring in Rías Baixas

Here’s where we had to gear up for an exciting adventure, as an incredible experience awaited us in the Rías Baixas! There are various ways to plan this part of the trip, but we chose to stay in an apartment next to Playa de la Lanzada, one of the best beaches in Galicia. From there, we embarked on excursions each of the four days we stayed, as follows:

1. Day 7: Departure from Vigo towards Lanzada with visits along the way (the world’s best bench in the Ría de Vigo, viewpoints at Cabo Home and Monte do Facho, Cruceiro do Hio, Combarro, and sunset at the Ermida da Lanzada).
2. Day 8: Wooden walkways at San Vicente do Grove, seafood feast in O Grove, Isla de la Toja, La Lanzada, and nearby beaches (Praia de Foxos, Praia de Area Gorda).
3. Day 9: Exploring Cambados and Isla de Arousa.
4. Day 10: Departure from Lanzada towards Santiago de Compostela, with visits en route (Mirador da Rá, medieval bridge do Xuño, and Castro de Baroña).

* We included day 10 in this segment, although we spent the night in Santiago de Compostela.

  → Accommodation in La Lanzada

Days 10*, 11, and 12: Santiago and Costa da Morte

For Costa da Morte, the situation is similar to Rías Baixas; in our view, it’s best to dedicate several days rather than trying to cram everything into one. What did we do? We did it all in one!

So, in this part of the route, we’ve self-corrected and recommend exploring the Costa da Morte in two stages from Santiago de Compostela. Of course, we need to allow time to fully experience the Galician capital, specifically the afternoon of day 10 when we arrive, and the following days (if time permits, of course).

Day 11: Exploring between Muros and Finisterre (Muros, Praia de Louro, Horreo de Carnota, Ézaro waterfall, Langosteira beach, and Finisterre).

Day 12: Journeying between Finisterre and Malpica (Lires, Praia de Nemiña, Muxía and the Santuario da Virxe da Barca, Praia de Lourido, Camariñas, Cabo Vilán lighthouse, Laxe, and Playa de los Cristales, Dolmen de Dombate, Roncudo lighthouse, Malpica).

If you can spare an extra day, split the second day into two parts: from Finisterre to Muxía, and from Muxía to Malpica.

  → Accommodation in Santiago de Compostela

Days 13-14: Unveiling the Rías Altas

Hope your capacity for wonder remains intact because the Rías Altas are filled with surprises. This was one of the areas we enjoyed the most, and it would be a shame not to include it in your journey through Galicia.

On the morning of day 13, we explored the city of A Coruña, one of the most pleasant cities in Galicia. We could either eat there or head to Betanzos, famous for its potato omelets.

From there, we have two plans to propose, each aimed at different types of travelers:

• Hiking in the Fragas do Eume Natural Park,
• Or spending the afternoon at one of the stunning beaches near Cedeira (such as Playa de la Magdalena, Playa de Vilarrube, or Playa A Frouxeira).

Regardless of your choice, be sure to stop by the quaint village of Redes and visit the Ermitas de Santa Comba and Virxe do Porto. We’ll conclude the day in Cedeira, recharging for what’s in store next.

The stretch of Rías Altas from Cedeira to Ortigueira is arguably the most scenic drive of the journey, known as the Route of Viewpoints. Our first stop will be at the San Andrés de Teixido Sanctuary, followed by driving along the cliffs of Vixía de Herbeira, the highest in continental Europe. We’ll continue to the imposing Cabo Ortegal lighthouse and make one last stop at the Mirador de Coitelo (home to another of the world’s most beautiful benches) before arriving at Ribadeo or nearby (we found a cozy house by the beach in Barreiros).

If you’re still eager to explore the coast, before reaching your destination, there’s no better way than to walk the 3 km trail to Punta de Fuciño do Porco via its lovely wooden walkways.

On the last day, as a grand finale to our two-week road trip through Galicia, we’ll visit the Playa de las Catedrales (don’t forget to request permission online). This area is abundant with spectacular yet lesser-known beaches, such as Playa de Lóngara, Playa de Os Castros, or Playa de A Rapadoira, where you can relax for a few hours.

If you head towards Asturias from here, you can bid farewell to Galicia at the Faro de Illa Plancha in the Ría de Ribadeo, a natural border between these two communities.

  → Accommodation in Cedeira
→ Accommodation in Ribadeo – Playa de las Catedrales

Extending Your Journey: A 3-Week Itinerary in Galicia

Do you have an extra week? That’s fantastic! Three weeks are always better than two 😉 Where should you spend those extra days? Here are our recommendations:

• Ribeira Sacra: 1 additional day to explore the Miño Canyon in the north.
• Cíes Islands: consider spending two days instead of one to fully appreciate the beauty (we could have easily stayed two weeks!). If you prefer to visit two islands, why not add Isla de Ons to your itinerary?
• Rías Baixas: for those craving more beach days, add some time here simply to lounge on the beaches of Isla de Arosa (if you camp there and rent a kayak, you’ll be in heaven), or enjoy Playa del Vilar at the stunning Dunas de Corrubedo, Playa de Menduiña, or Playa de Samil near Vigo. And let’s not forget about Pontevedra, which also deserves a visit.
• Costa da Morte: one extra day to divide this area into three parts for a more leisurely exploration.
• Rías Altas: here are some options for spending your extra days:
• An entire day for A Coruña instead of just a morning.
• An entire day to discover the beautiful city of Lugo.
• Not having to choose between Fragas do Eume Natural Park and Cedeira’s beaches, but enjoying both.
• One extra day to explore the incredible beaches along the Costa de Ribadeo (there’s much more than just Playa de las Catedrales).

Visualizing Your Route: The Map of the Road Trip through Galicia

Here’s a map of the road trip through Galicia, detailing the itinerary, the places to visit, and the cities to stay in:

That's it for our two-week (or three) driving route through Galicia. We hope this day-by-day guide helps you plan your vacation!

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