Nestled within the lush northwest of Spain, Galicia is a paradise for nature lovers, tradition fanatics, and sluggish vacationers alike. From its rugged shoreline and misty forests to centuries-old traditions and vibrant festivals, the area gives one thing distinctive each season.
As passionate advocates of sustainable journey, van life, and outside adventures primarily based right here, we’ve explored Galicia’s hidden gems for years. Whether or not you like mountaineering dramatic cliffs, discovering charming fishing villages, savoring unimaginable meals, or immersing your self in native tradition, Galicia has an journey ready for you—regardless of the time of yr.
So, let’s take a journey by 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 components of Spain, they nonetheless supply a novel appeal. That is the season for exploring historic cities with out crowds, indulging in wealthy Galician delicacies, attending full of life 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 comfy getaways.
January: Again to the Nice Open air
Begin the yr with a refreshing hike alongside Galicia’s intricate shoreline. With cooler temperatures and fewer guests, that is the most effective time to stroll routes just like the Lighthouse Approach, the place you possibly can expertise dramatic ocean views and uncover sleepy fishing villages in peace. The low season quiet creates the proper setting to attach with nature.
Notable January Occasions in Galicia:
- Festa de San Xiao (Ferrol): 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 yr mountaineering Galicia’s coastal trails, respiration within the crisp sea air alongside Costa da Morte, Rías Altas, Mariña Lucense, and Barbanza.
Nevertheless, if circumstances enable, 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 fun Entroido (Carnival)
Cigarrons operating in Verin, Ourense
Galicia’s Entroido (Carnival) is considered one of Spain’s most original, with colourful parades, masked figures, and historical pagan influences.
Madama in Cobres, Pontevedra
Whereas many cities have fun it their method, 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 Verín, Laza, and Xinzo de Limia: A few of Galicia’s most well-known and full of life celebrations.
- Entroido de Cobres: A historic Carnival the place locals gown in ornate, mask-free apparel.
- Feira do Cocido in Lalín: A competition devoted to Galicia’s most iconic winter dish, the hearty cocido stew.
- Festa de San Blas: 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 simple household hike or a deep forest trek, the luxurious greenery and various wildlife make each step value 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 town’s recapture from Napoleonic troops.
- Festa da Arribada (Baiona): 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 open air with our daughter, instructing her to understand nature’s small wonders—then, if the climate permits, ending the night time in our van.
Reira seashore by Vilan cape, Loss of life coast, Galicia. Spain
Strolling alongside close by empty sandy shores, with nobody else in sight, can be very particular.
Spring in Galicia
Spring in Galicia brings gentle climate, blooming landscapes, and a full calendar of cultural occasions. That is an ideally suited time to hike the Camino de Santiago, cycle by lush countryside, and benefit from the first outside festivals of the yr.
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 notably 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): A gastronomic occasion the place guests can style lamprey eel ready in conventional methods.
Our April Galician Spotlight:
Strolling a phase of the Camino de Santiago, like Fisterra to Muxia, taking within the contemporary spring air and renewed vitality of fellow pilgrims.
Could: Cycle a Through Verde
Could is ideal for biking, with lush inexperienced landscapes and nice temperatures. The Vias Verdes, former railway strains transformed into scenic bike paths, supply ideally suited routes for each inexperienced persons and skilled cyclists. In style trails embody the Vias Verdes of Salnés, Eo, Vigo-Redondela, and Compostela-Tambre-Lengüelle.
Notable Could Occasions in Galicia:
- Día das Letras Galegas (Could seventeenth): 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 town’s vitality.
- Festa do Maio: A spring competition full of 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 best way 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 fun the Longest Days of the Yr
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 bear in mind inline skating at 11 PM as a teen, with sufficient gentle to see the trail forward. Whereas it’s not fairly the Midnight Solar, it’s a spectacular characteristic of Galicia’s summer time.
Notable June Occasions in Galicia:
- Corpus Christi (Ponteareas): Well-known for elaborate floral carpets adorning the streets.
- Arde Lucus (Lugo) : An enormous Roman-themed competition, reworking Lugo into Lucus Augusti for a weekend of gladiator fights and historical reenactments.
- San Xoán Bonfires (June Twenty third-Twenty fourth): One in all 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 bonfires
- Resurrection Fest (Viveiro): One in all Europe’s high rock & metallic 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 yr, 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 excellent.
Nevertheless, we all the time make certain to return simply earlier than summer time kicks off simply in time to have fun San Xoán with pals in a particular spot, embracing an evening of fireplace, music, and renewal by the seashore.
Summer season in Galicia
Summer season in Galicia is all about lengthy days, full of life festivals, and countless outside adventures. Whether or not you like 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 traditional automobile 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 Pageant: In July, the colourful sounds of the Worldwide Celtic World Pageant 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 gives an ideal mixture of music and nature.
- Rapa das Bestas: The normal 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:
Reuniting with family and friends who return for the summer time, then escaping to the Costa da Morte or western Asturias in our van to keep away from the crowds.
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: Per 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 maravedí.
- Festa do Pulpo in O Carballiño: A gastronomic competition devoted to the well-known Galician octopus, that includes tastings and cooking demonstrations.
- Romería 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 taking part 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 purpose 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.
September: Climbing Season is Again
Because the summer time crowds skinny out and temperatures grow to be extra nice, September marks the proper time to get again into mountaineering mode. The landscapes are lush from summer time rains, and the air is crisp however nonetheless heat sufficient to get pleasure from Galicia’s unimaginable outside spots.
Whether or not it’s exploring the dramatic cliffs of Costa da Morte, wandering by the Ribeira Sacra vineyards as harvest begins, or discovering hidden waterfalls inland, this is among the finest months for nature lovers.
Notable September Occasions in Galicia:
- Feira Franca (Pontevedra): An enormous medieval truthful that transforms town right into a time-travel expertise, with markets, conventional video games, and tournaments.
- Pantin Traditional (Ferrol): One in all Europe’s premier browsing competitions, attracting high surfers from around the globe to Galicia’s gorgeous shoreline.
Festa da Vendima: A celebration of the grape harvest, the place vineyards host tastings, music, and native feasts. - Festa da Barca (Muxía): One in all 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 best way.
If the climate holds, a weekend tenting journey to the Cíes or Ons Islands is one other favourite—mid-month is when ferry companies and campsites shut for the season, making it one final probability 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—typically lengthy, if we will—van journey as a farewell to summer time. Like that point we went to the Pyrenees and hit the jackpot with the climate! It’s the proper solution to benefit from the final little bit of daylight earlier than daylight financial savings kicks in and shorter days preserve us indoors.
Fall in Galicia
Autumn in Galicia is a season of cozy traditions, vibrant foliage, and scrumptious meals. That is the proper 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 an excellent base to expertise all of it.
October: Rural Residing 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 proper month to discover rural villages, the place small native festivals, cozy taverns, and fall flavors take middle stage.
That is additionally prime time for mushroom foraging—the forests are bursting with edible treasures, and plenty of native guides supply foraging experiences adopted by a tasting session.
Notable October Occasions in Galicia:
- Festa de San Froilán (Lugo): One in all Galicia’s most conventional and beloved festivals, with road music, meals stalls, and processions.
- Festa do Marisco (O Grove): A must-visit seafood competition, showcasing the freshest Galician shellfish with tastings, cooking demos, and native wine.
- Magosto Celebrations: 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 good time to discover Galicia, it’s additionally the month we frequently cross the border into Northern Portugal for a meals and hiking-filled weekend getaway.
That mentioned, if we keep native, the Outono Gastronómico (Autumn Occasion for Foodies) is among the finest 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 up the forests. Days are shorter however nonetheless gentle, making it a improbable time to get pleasure from Galicia’s cozy traditions.
The Magosto competition is the spotlight of the month—a gathering round fireplace pits to roast chestnuts, drink younger wine, and have fun with conventional songs and video games.
Notable November Occasions in Galicia:
- Samaín (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 outdated. And once we’re craving some further rest, 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 yr 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 – Town goes all out, with considered one of Europe’s greatest vacation gentle shows, turning the streets right into a glowing spectacle.
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December eighth): A nationwide vacation, typically was an extended weekend full of native gala’s and markets.
- Festa dos Santos Inocentes (December twenty eighth): Much like April Idiot’s Day, today includes sensible jokes and varied festivities throughout Galicia.
- New Yr’s Celebrations (December thirty first – January 1st): From large road events to cozy rural gatherings, Galicia is aware of easy methods to ring within the new yr.
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 good place to seek out artisan presents 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 town with our baby.
Scorching chocolate in hand, strolling by the illuminated historic streets—it’s the proper solution to shut out the yr.
Conclusion
Galicia is a year-round vacation spot—whether or not you like stormy winter coastlines, full of life summer time festivals, or the golden hues of fall. Each month gives new alternatives to expertise Galicia authentically and memorably.
So, what’s your favourite time of yr to discover Galicia?