Compared to Malaga down in Andalusia, which regularly tops 30C, Galicia is positively chilly.
And with heatwaves striking Spain almost every summer – last August witnessed a record-breaking 46.8C in Valencia – the pleasant ocean breezes of this north-west region are more alluring than ever.
Galicia stretches about 170 miles (274km) north to south and 140 miles (225km) across, with a distinct culture that incorporates ancient Celtic roots (bagpipes are played at traditional gatherings) and its own indigenous language, Galego.
Its capital, the pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela, is the supposed resting place of the remains of St James. This is the big regional draw, but Galicia’s sweeping sands, inviting coves, wineries and fascinating ports hold plenty of interest. Fortunately, few high-rise hotels mar the scenery, so the best way to enjoy Galicia is to stay in one of its many first-rate villas. Here’s our pick of the best.
CHARMING COAST
Baiona (pictured) is home to a ‘fine medieval castle, some excellent seafood restaurants and great beaches’
Villa O Eido das Presas near Baiona is a three-bedroom 19th Century cottage with a plunge pool
South of the city of Vigo, not far from the Portuguese border, there’s a secretive feel to Galicia’s coastline. One of the most interesting spots is the small, colourful port of Baiona, which was the first place in Europe to hear of the discovery of the New World, when Columbus’s Pinta returned to Spain. There’s a fine medieval castle, some excellent seafood restaurants and great beaches.
Where to stay: Ten minutes from Baiona, Villa O Eido das Presas is a three-bedroom 19th Century cottage with a plunge pool that’s been modernised with a smart minimalist interior.
Details: Seven nights from £2,898, sleeping six, or £69 per person per night (vintage travel.co.uk). Fly to Vigo from £47 return from Stansted (vueling.com).
RURAL BLISS
About 70 miles (113km) north-east of Santiago de Compostela, the village of Abeledo is pleasingly off the beaten track and deep in the countryside. This is good hiking territory that’s home to vineyards. Albarino wine is a crisp white that was introduced by monks from the Rhine region passing on pilgrimages in the 12th Century.
Where to stay: Villa Abeledo is a traditional stone building with three bedrooms within the village and comes with a ten-metre pool and a big garden. Expect exposed stone walls, a large fireplace and peace and quiet.
Details: Seven nights from £2,181, sleeping eight, or £39 per person per night (oliverstravels.com). Fly to A Coruna from £66 return (ryanair.com).
CITY AND SEA
Above, the town of Padron where Spain’s small green Padron peppers originated
The famous Padron peppers
Jutting into the Atlantic, three jagged headlands surrounded by huge bays are together known as the Rias Baixas.
The town of Padron is here – where St James is said to have landed during his miraculous posthumous voyage to Santiago – and also where Spain’s small green Padron peppers originated.
Where to stay: About four miles from the coastal village of Cambados and the same distance north of the charming city of Pontevedra (where Columbus’s ship Santa Maria was built), the villa AG44 is a stylish, contemporary stone property offering comfortable rooms, a pool and a barbecue terrace.
Details: Seven nights from £3,179, sleeping 14, or £32 per person per night (rustical travel.com). Fly to Vigo from £47 return from Stansted (vueling.com).
DREAMY DUNES
Pictured is the Hercules Tower, a landmark at the entrance of A Coruna harbour
The beach close to the town of Carballo has lovely rolling dunes and is known for its breaking waves that attract surfers. Meanwhile, the city of A Coruna is about ten miles east, famous for its glass-fronted buildings, old Roman lighthouse, Picasso Museum, and history of being where the Spanish Armada set sail from in 1588.
Where to stay: Three-bedroom Beach Dune Villa has exposed stone walls, a plunge pool and great ocean views.
Details: Seven nights from £1,200, sleeping five, or £34 per person per night (oneoff places.co.uk). Fly to A Coruna from £66 return (ryanair.com).
HILLTOP HIDEAWAY
Above, the Cies Islands, which you can visit by catching a ferry from Baiona or Vigo
The rolling countryside inland from the beach resort of Nigran feels one step removed from the tourist crowds.
This hilly landscape rises to 1,300ft (396m), yet it makes a convenient base for the golden sands, as well as for catching a ferry from Baiona or Vigo to see the three pretty Cies Islands that were once used by Sir Francis Drake to ambush passing ships.
Where to stay: Base yourself at Villa Nandin, a striking three- bedroom country house with a pool in a lush, terraced garden. The smart interior is decorated with modern art, and the lounge has sublime ocean views.
Details: Seven nights from £1,875, sleeping six, or £45 per person per night (galiciaholiday.com). Fly to Vigo from £47 return from Stansted (vueling.com).
PERFECT PILGRIMAGE
Galicia’s capital, Santiago de Compostela, is dominated by its ornate cathedral (pictured)
Santiago de Compostela is a gorgeous city, dominated by its ornate cathedral. Charming little alleys are lined with seafood restaurants, cafes and bars. The atmosphere is usually good spirited with so many pilgrims at journey’s end.
Where to stay: A 15-minute stroll from the centre at Muino de Parente is five-bedroom villa Muino de Parente, set on wooded slopes. There’s a pool, a pretty terraced garden and a pleasant, tucked-away feel.
Details: Seven nights from £1,698, sleeping eight, or £30 per person per night (vintagetravel.co.uk). Fly to A Coruna from £66 return (ryanair.com).
PORTUGAL VIEWS
Spain’s border with Portugal is marked by the River Minho, and it’s an especially hidden-away spot. The port of A Guarda – famous for its lobster restaurants – is on the Spanish side of the river at the Atlantic, and there are interesting pre-Roman ruins featuring a large stone circle.
Where to stay: Facing the River Minho, the ‘Attractive Cottage’ listed by Vrbo comes with two bedrooms, a delightful pool, pretty gardens and a simple, traditional interior. A sandy river beach is nearby.
Details: Seven nights from £1,237, sleeping five, or £35 per person per night (vrbo.com). Fly to Vigo from £47 return from Stansted (vueling.com).
PEACEFUL COUNTRYSIDE
Villa Fragras, a four-bedroom property, is located near the Port of Ferrol in A Coruna (pictured)
Inland from A Coruna is peaceful with little tourist development and quiet hamlets aplenty, plus the hiking trails of the Fragas do Eume nature reserve to explore.
Where to stay: Near the pretty Port of Ferrol, Villa Fragras is on a quiet country road and has four bedrooms, a pool and a smart interior with a big open fireplace.
Details: Seven nights from £4,233, sleeping eight, or £76 per person per night (oliverstravels.com). Fly to A Coruna from £66 return (ryanair.com).
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