Nestled within the lush northwest of Spain, Galicia is a paradise for nature lovers, tradition lovers, and sluggish vacationers alike. From its rugged shoreline and misty forests to centuries-old traditions and vibrant festivals, the area affords one thing distinctive each season.
As passionate advocates of sustainable journey, van life, and out of doors adventures based mostly right here, we’ve explored Galicia’s hidden gems for years. Whether or not you’re keen on climbing dramatic cliffs, discovering charming fishing villages, savoring unbelievable meals, or immersing your self in native tradition, Galicia has an journey ready for you—regardless of the time of 12 months.
So, let’s take a journey by way of Galicia’s seasons, with our favourite month-to-month plans, native occasions, and private highlights.
Winter in Galicia
Whereas Galicia’s winters are milder than in different elements of Spain, they nonetheless provide a novel appeal. That is the season for exploring historic cities with out crowds, indulging in wealthy Galician delicacies, attending vigorous festivals, and even hitting the slopes in close by ski resorts. Crisp air and stormy coastal landscapes add dramatic magnificence to the area, making it excellent for sluggish journey and comfortable getaways.
January: Again to the Nice Outdoor
Begin the 12 months with a refreshing hike alongside Galicia’s intricate shoreline. With cooler temperatures and fewer guests, that is the very best time to stroll routes just like the Lighthouse Means, the place you may expertise dramatic ocean views and uncover sleepy fishing villages in peace. The low season quiet creates the right setting to attach with nature.
Notable January Occasions in Galicia:
- Festa de San Xiao (Ferrol):Â Honoring Saint Julian with parades and conventional music.
- Festa dos Reis: Epiphany celebrations with processions and gift-giving throughout many cities.
- Festa do Botelo (O Barco de Valdeorras): A celebration of this conventional native sausage, served with cabbage, chorizo, and potatoes.
Our January Galician Spotlight:
Kicking off the 12 months climbing Galicia’s coastal trails, respiration within the crisp sea air alongside Costa da Morte, RÃas Altas, Mariña Lucense, and Barbanza.
Nevertheless, if circumstances permit, we love heading to the mountains for some snowboarding or snowboarding—whether or not at Manzaneda in Galicia, San Isidro (our private favourite) and Leitariegos in close by León, and even Fuentes de Invierno and Valgrande Pajares in Asturias.
February: Have a good time Entroido (Carnival)
Cigarrons operating in Verin, Ourense
Galicia’s Entroido (Carnival) is one among Spain’s most original, with colourful parades, masked figures, and historical pagan influences.
Madama in Cobres, Pontevedra
Whereas many cities have fun it their approach, the Carnival of Cobres stands out for its intricate costumes and deep historic roots courting again to the 18th century.
Notable February Occasions in Galicia:
- Entroido (Carnival) in VerÃn, Laza, and Xinzo de Limia: A few of Galicia’s most well-known and vigorous celebrations.
- Entroido de Cobres:Â A historic Carnival the place locals gown in ornate, mask-free apparel.
- Feira do Cocido in LalÃn: A competition devoted to Galicia’s most iconic winter dish, the hearty cocido stew.
- Festa de San Blas:Â Honoring Saint Blaise with conventional gala’s and loads of native delicacies.
A band warming up Laza earlier than the ants come, Ourense
Our February Galician Spotlight:
Becoming a member of the Entroido festivities—whether or not in our hometowns or venturing to one of many larger celebrations.
March: Get Misplaced within the Forests
As winter transitions to spring, Galicia’s historical forests start to bloom, making it a magical time to discover its many nature reserves and nationwide parks. Whether or not you’re after a straightforward household hike or a deep forest trek, the plush greenery and various wildlife make each step price it.
Notable March Occasions in Galicia:
- Festa de San Xosé: Celebrations honoring Saint Joseph, held in cities throughout Galicia.
- Festa da Reconquista (Vigo): Historic reenactments commemorating the town’s recapture from Napoleonic troops.
- Festa da Arribada (Baiona):Â Commemorating the arrival of the Pinta caravel, marking the invention of the Americas.
- Festa do Queixo (Arzúa): A cheese and music competition celebrating Galicia’s dairy traditions.
Our March Galician Spotlight:
Spending longer days outside with our daughter, educating her to understand nature’s small wonders—then, if the climate permits, ending the evening in our van.
Reira seashore by Vilan cape, Demise coast, Galicia. Spain
Strolling alongside close by empty sandy shores, with nobody else in sight, can also be very particular.
Spring in Galicia
Spring in Galicia brings delicate climate, blooming landscapes, and a full calendar of cultural occasions. That is an ultimate time to hike the Camino de Santiago, cycle by way of lush countryside, and benefit from the first out of doors festivals of the 12 months.
Galicia by practice
From March onward, exploring Galicia by practice is a unbelievable method to expertise its beautiful landscapes, wealthy tradition, and scrumptious delicacies. The Galicia Vacationer Trains provide 13 distinctive routes operating by way of October, overlaying breathtaking areas just like the Ribeira Sacra, the RÃas Baixas, and the historic Mosteiros. Every journey contains guided excursions, transfers, and visits to key landmarks, making it a hassle-free method to uncover the area in a sustainable and immersive approach.
The Galicia Rail Cross was one other nice initiative, permitting limitless practice journey for 3 consecutive days at an inexpensive worth. Whereas it was accessible for €25 till December 2024, it’s nonetheless unsure if it would return. Many vacationers appreciated its comfort and eco-friendly method, so fingers crossed for its comeback!
April: Spring Blossoms & Easter Traditions
Holy Week in Galicia is deeply rooted in custom, with a few of Spain’s most spectacular processions. The Semana Santa celebrations in Viveiro and Ferrol are significantly well-known.
Notable April Occasions in Galicia:
- Semana Santa de Viveiro & Ferrol: A few of Spain’s most important Holy Week celebrations.
- Festa do Viño da Ulla (Vedra): A competition celebrating native wine traditions.
- Festa da Lamprea (Arbo):Â A gastronomic occasion the place guests can style lamprey eel ready in conventional methods.
Our April Galician Spotlight:
Strolling a section of the Camino de Santiago, like Fisterra to Muxia, taking within the recent spring air and renewed power of fellow pilgrims.
Could: Cycle a By way of Verde
Could is ideal for biking, with lush inexperienced landscapes and nice temperatures. The Vias Verdes, former railway traces transformed into scenic bike paths, provide ultimate routes for each freshmen and skilled cyclists. In style trails embrace the Vias Verdes of Salnés, Eo, Vigo-Redondela, and Compostela-Tambre-Lengüelle.
Notable Could Occasions in Galicia:
- DÃa das Letras Galegas (Could seventeenth):Â A celebration of Galician language and literature, with cultural occasions and e book gala’s throughout the area.
- Festa da Ascensión: Celebrated in Santiago de Compostela, this competition combines non secular ceremonies with gala’s, concert events, and sports activities occasions, showcasing the town’s vitality.Â
- Festa do Maio: A spring competition crammed with floral decorations, music, and conventional songs.
- Festa da Troita (A Pontenova): A trout competition that includes fishing competitions and tastings.
- Feira da Primavera (Santiago de Compostela): A vibrant neighborhood competition that includes road markets, stay sculpture, DJs, parades, and actions to have fun San Pedro and spring in full bloom.
Our Could Galician Spotlight:
Hitting the street in our motorhome, bikes loaded, and stopping alongside the way in which to benefit from the inexperienced landscapes, native markets, and peaceable nature spots—then wrapping it up with a well-deserved meal at a easy but scrumptious native restaurant.
June: Have a good time the Longest Days of the 12 months
From June twenty first to the Twenty fourth, sundown in Fisterra is at 10:20 PM—nearly sufficient to maintain having fun with the outside till midnight! I nonetheless keep in mind inline skating at 11 PM as a teen, with sufficient mild to see the trail forward. Whereas it’s not fairly the Midnight Solar, it’s a spectacular characteristic of Galicia’s summer season.
Notable June Occasions in Galicia:
- Corpus Christi (Ponteareas):Â Well-known for elaborate floral carpets adorning the streets.
- Arde Lucus (Lugo) : An enormous Roman-themed competition, remodeling Lugo into Lucus Augusti for a weekend of gladiator fights and historical reenactments.
- San Xoán Bonfires (June Twenty third-Twenty fourth): Certainly one of Galicia’s most magical nights, the place seashores are lit with bonfires, fireworks, and midnight dips within the ocean for good luck. A Coruña holds one of many largest ones, with tons of of bonfiresÂ
- Resurrection Fest (Viveiro): Certainly one of Europe’s prime rock & steel festivals, marking the beginning of Galicia’s busy music competition season together with O Son do Camiño, in Santiago de Compostela.
Our June Galician Spotlight:
Touring past Galicia’s borders in our motorhome for a month or extra has grow to be a cherished custom. Final 12 months, we had the fun of crisscrossing 10 European international locations—what a blast that was! We love setting off when the times are lengthy, the crowds are nonetheless manageable, and the temperatures are good.
Nevertheless, we all the time be sure to return simply earlier than summer season kicks off simply in time to have fun San Xoán with associates in a particular spot, embracing an evening of fireside, music, and renewal by the seashore.
Summer time in Galicia
Summer time in Galicia is all about lengthy days, vigorous festivals, and countless out of doors adventures. Whether or not you’re keen on music festivals, pristine seashores, or small-town celebrations, that is when Galicia actually comes alive.
July: Galifornia is again
From mid-July to mid-August, Galicia’s coastal cities are at their busiest, with guests flocking to flee the scorching warmth of inland Spain.
In recent times, we’ve seen actual property costs skyrocket, proof that persons are catching on to how particular this place is.
Notable July Occasions in Galicia:
- Festa dos Indianos: A celebration in Ribadeo honoring returning emigrants from America, that includes a packed schedule of cultural actions, together with theater, music, workshops, and basic automotive parades.
- El Carmen (July, sixteenth): The Galician shoreline comes alive with maritime and land processions, creating a really one-of-a-kind spectacle.
Boats are adorned with colourful flags and floral decorations, all whereas following the vessel that carries the Virgin’s statue in procession. - Festa do Apostol (July twenty fifth): Galicia honors its patron, Saint James, with non secular and cultural occasions in Santiago de Compostela, together with a standard mass on the cathedral and fireworks in Plaza del Obradoiro.
- Worldwide Celtic World Competition: In July, the colourful sounds of the Worldwide Celtic World Competition fill Ortigueira. This free occasion attracts artists and guests from all around the world, celebrating Celtic tradition with concert events, workshops, and markets. Set by the ocean, the competition affords an ideal mixture of music and nature.
- Rapa das Bestas: The standard competition in Sabucedo sees wild horses rounded up for grooming and well being checks, providing a uncommon glimpse into the centuries-old bond between people and animals. Spanning a number of days, the occasion options actions that remember Galician heritage and customs.
- Festa da Dorna in Ribeira: A maritime-themed competition that includes boat races, music, and road performances.​
- Festa do Albariño in Cambados: Celebrating the famend Albariño wine with tastings, music, and cultural occasions.​
Our July Galician Spotlight:
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- Porcia seashore, Asturias
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- Asturias, Spain 2020
In July, we all the time stay up for reuniting with family and friends who return for the summer season, then escaping in our van to the Costa da Morte or western Asturias to keep away from the crowds.
Taking the native FEVEs is one other favourite—whether or not on the Galician route from Ferrol to Ribadeo or venturing by way of Asturias and past, all the way in which to the French border within the Basque Nation. With a bit of one in tow, these sluggish coastal trains are all the time a win!
August: Expertise the Vibrancy of Native Festivals
August is competition season in full swing. There are extra gala’s, feasts, and cultural celebrations than anybody may attend.
Notable August Occasions in Galicia:
- Festa da Peregrina in Pontevedra: Every week-long celebration with music, dance, and non secular processions.​
- Festa da Istoria in Ribadavia: A step again in time and historical past takes us to Ribadavia within the Center Ages, full with its personal foreign money, the maravedÃ.
- Festa do Pulpo in O Carballiño: A gastronomic competition devoted to the well-known Galician octopus, that includes tastings and cooking demonstrations.​
- RomerÃa Vikinga in Catoira: A reenactment of Viking landings with boat races, theatrical performances, and conventional music.​
- Festa do Albariño in Cambados: The competition highlights the best wines from tons of of collaborating wineries and has been acknowledged as an occasion of Worldwide Vacationer Curiosity.
- Festa da Auga in Vilagarcia de Arousa: A big crowd gathers, drawn by the thrill it stirs in each locals and guests, with the principle objective being to benefit from the day and find yourself drenched from head to toe.
Our August Galician Spotlight:
Attending Gulliver Fest, a competition celebrating van life close to Ferrol, full of sports activities, music, and kid-friendly actions. Additionally, revisiting festivals from our childhood, like Xira de Santa Cruz and Rinlo’s Festa do Percebe, each in Ribadeo.
Wild swimming and basking on the countless sandy shores are additionally amongst our prime August actions in Galicia. In A Coruña, the ocean reaches its warmest temperatures this month, averaging round 65.8°F (18.8°C). In distinction, March is the coldest month for swimming, with water temperatures averaging 55.2°F (12.9°C).
September: Mountaineering Season is Again
Because the summer season crowds skinny out and temperatures grow to be extra nice, September marks the right time to get again into climbing mode. The landscapes are lush from summer season rains, and the air is crisp however nonetheless heat sufficient to take pleasure in Galicia’s unbelievable out of doors spots.
Whether or not it’s exploring the dramatic cliffs of Costa da Morte, wandering by way of the Ribeira Sacra vineyards as harvest begins, or discovering hidden waterfalls inland, this is without doubt one of the greatest months for nature lovers.
Notable September Occasions in Galicia:
- Feira Franca (Pontevedra):Â An enormous medieval truthful that transforms the town right into a time-travel expertise, with markets, conventional video games, and tournaments.
- Pantin Basic (Ferrol): Certainly one of Europe’s premier browsing competitions, attracting prime surfers from all over the world to Galicia’s beautiful shoreline.
Festa da Vendima: A celebration of the grape harvest, the place vineyards host tastings, music, and native feasts. - Festa da Barca (MuxÃa): Certainly one of Galicia’s most iconic pilgrimages, honoring Nosa Señora da Barca. Pilgrims collect by the ocean to have fun this centuries-old custom.
Our September Galician Spotlight:
After absorbing the early-September festivities in Ribadeo, we love venturing inland to discover locations like Terras de Pontevedra and the Sil Canyons, having fun with the breathtaking landscapes and tranquil environment alongside the way in which.
If the climate holds, a weekend tenting journey to the CÃes or Ons Islands is one other favourite—mid-month is when ferry providers and campsites shut for the season, making it one final likelihood to soak of their wild magnificence. If we’re fortunate, we’d even catch a glimpse of bioluminescence on the seashores!
Lastly, we wish to take a brief—generally lengthy, if we will—van journey as a farewell to summer season. Like that point we went to the Pyrenees and hit the jackpot with the climate! It’s the right method to benefit from the final little bit of daylight earlier than daylight financial savings kicks in and shorter days maintain us indoors.
Fall in Galicia
Autumn in Galicia is a season of cozy traditions, vibrant foliage, and scrumptious meals. That is the right time to discover rural villages, go mushroom foraging, and take part in native wine harvest festivals within the Ribeira Sacra. Parada de Sil makes for a really perfect base to expertise all of it.
October: Rural Dwelling and Furanchos
October in Galicia is a feast for the senses—golden leaves, misty mornings over the mountains, and the unmistakable scent of chestnuts roasting over open fires. It’s the right month to discover rural villages, the place small native festivals, cozy taverns, and fall flavors take heart stage.
That is additionally prime time for mushroom foraging—the forests are bursting with edible treasures, and plenty of native guides provide foraging experiences adopted by a tasting session.
Notable October Occasions in Galicia:
- Festa de San Froilán (Lugo): Certainly one of Galicia’s most conventional and beloved festivals, with road music, meals stalls, and processions.
- Festa do Marisco (O Grove):Â A must-visit seafood competition, showcasing the freshest Galician shellfish with tastings, cooking demos, and native wine.
- Magosto Celebrations:Â Marking the beginning of chestnut season, with bonfires, music, and wine-filled gatherings in villages throughout Galicia.
Our October Galician Spotlight:
Whereas October is a superb time to discover Galicia, it’s additionally the month we regularly cross the border into Northern Portugal for a meals and hiking-filled weekend getaway.
That stated, if we keep native, the Outono Gastronómico (Autumn Occasion for Foodies) is without doubt one of the greatest methods to benefit from the season, with rural lodging providing wonderful seasonal menus.
November: The Magosto Season
November in Galicia means chestnuts, bonfires, and the deep autumn hues taking on the forests. Days are shorter however nonetheless delicate, making it a unbelievable time to take pleasure in Galicia’s cozy traditions.
The Magosto competition is the spotlight of the month—a gathering round hearth pits to roast chestnuts, drink younger wine, and have fun with conventional songs and video games.
Notable November Occasions in Galicia:
- SamaÃn (October thirty first – November 1st): Galicia’s Celtic-rooted model of Halloween, the place cities have fun with pumpkin carvings, spooky legends, and nighttime rituals.
- Festa de San Martiño: A feast in honor of Saint Martin, normally paired with newly harvested wine and seasonal dishes.
- Culturgal (Pontevedra): Galicia’s greatest cultural truthful, that includes music, literature, and humanities—a should for anybody within the area’s inventive scene.
Our November Galician Spotlight:
Gathering round a bonfire with family and friends for Magosto, roasting chestnuts, and sharing tales because the scent of autumn fills the air. It’s a easy but deeply particular custom that by no means will get previous. And once we’re craving some further leisure, a weekend in Ourense’s thermal springs is all the time a good suggestion—particularly when the crisp air meets the nice and cozy, steamy swimming pools.
December: Embrace the Festive Spirit in Galicia
Because the 12 months attracts to a detailed, Galicia transforms right into a winter wonderland of lights, markets, and vacation traditions. Whereas temperatures drop, the festive environment warms up each city and metropolis.
Christmas in Galicia is a mixture of deep-rooted traditions and trendy celebrations, making it a magical time to discover.
Notable December Occasions in Galicia:
- Christmas Lights in Vigo – The town goes all out, with one among Europe’s greatest vacation mild shows, turning the streets right into a glowing spectacle.
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December eighth): A nationwide vacation, typically became an extended weekend crammed with native gala’s and markets.
- Festa dos Santos Inocentes (December twenty eighth): Much like April Idiot’s Day, today entails sensible jokes and numerous festivities throughout Galicia.
- New 12 months’s Celebrations (December thirty first – January 1st): From big road events to cozy rural gatherings, Galicia is aware of how you can ring within the new 12 months.
Our December Galician Spotlight:
Whereas Vigo’s Christmas lights steal the present, we favor spending December in Santiago de Compostela—it’s much less crowded however simply as charming.
The Estrela Market, taking place mid-month, is a superb place to seek out artisan items and seasonal treats. Plus, with so many kid-friendly actions (together with a Christmas playground in Obradoiro Sq.), it’s a magical time to discover the town with our baby.
Scorching chocolate in hand, strolling by way of the illuminated historic streets—it’s the right method to shut out the 12 months.
Conclusion
Galicia is a year-round vacation spot—whether or not you like stormy winter coastlines, vigorous summer season festivals, or the golden hues of fall. Each month affords new alternatives to expertise Galicia authentically and memorably.
So, what’s your favourite time of 12 months to discover Galicia?