Responsible tourists
Through knowledge, consumption, enjoyment and appreciation of sustainable tourism products and experiences.
1. Experience all of Galicia, an authentic destination
unforgettable experiences.
- Sea and coast: With 1498 km of coastline, the sea is deeply integrated into the idiosyncrasy of the Galician people. Enjoy spectacular beaches, majestic cliffs and rich marine life.
- Our estuaries: Where the sea penetrates the coast and mixes with the fresh water of our rivers. Enjoy its great landscape, natural and cultural wealth: beaches, ports, punts, dornas, traditional houses at the edge of the water…
- Forests, rivers and landscapes: Explore our lush forests, crystalline rivers and landscapes that will connect you with our nature.
- Camino de Santiago: Walk the historic Camino de Santiago, an ancient route that attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Experience the spirituality and culture, nature or gastronomy that surround this legendary path.
- Atlantic Region: Galicia, located in the Atlantic region, offers you a temperate climate and unique biodiversity. Enjoy its freshness and the richness of its ecosystems.
- Small towns and villages: Discover the charm of our small towns and villages, where every corner tells a story, and the hospitality of the local people, who will make you feel at home.
Galicia is large enough to avoid concentrations and crowds. Find your personal space and enjoy a calm and relaxing experience.
2. Explore Galicia with a local soul
In Galicia, we invite you to immerse yourself in our culture and live as one of ours. Our hospitable land awaits you with open arms and a warm welcome. To fully enjoy your experience, we make a series of recommendations:
- Galician hospitality: In Galicia, we are proud of our hospitality. Feel at home thanks to the kindness of our people.
- Respectful coexistence: Respect the local population and their way of life. Harmonious coexistence is key to an authentic and enriching experience.
- Respect for diversity: Value and celebrate the cultural diversity you will find. Every corner and every person in Galicia has its own essence and will surprise you with its uniqueness.
- Traditions and celebrations: Participate in our festivals and celebrations. From pilgrimages to food festivals, experience the joy and passion of our traditions.
- Traditional professions: Discover the professions that have shaped our identity. From shellfish harvesters and fishermen to artisans and farmers, each job tells a story of dedication and tradition.
3. Live Our Heritage
Discover and experience the rich cultural heritage of Galicia, a land with an unrivaled heritage that spans centuries of history and traditions.
- World Heritage: Galicia has five elements recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO. The legendary Camino de Santiago stands out, which is not only a pilgrimage route but also a unique cultural and spiritual experience.
- The historic center of Santiago de Compostela was the first to be recognized in 1985.
- The Camino Francés was added in 1993, followed by the Caminos del Norte in 2015.
- The Roman wall of Lugo, an impressive structure from the 3rd century AD, was included in the year 2000.
- The majestic Tower of Hercules, the oldest functioning Roman lighthouse, received its distinction in 2009.
- Heritage Wealth: Galicia is a treasure of tangible and intangible heritage. Explore the granaries, traditional elevated granaries that dot our rural landscape, and discover the dry stone construction technique, recently recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2018.
- Living History: Every corner of Galicia tells a story. From ancient Celtic forts and Romanesque churches to majestic cathedrals and medieval bridges, our heritage invites you on a journey through time.
- Heritage Conservation: In Galicia, we value and preserve our heritage with care. Each monument and each tradition are living witnesses of our history and culture, and we strive to preserve this heritage for future generations.
Galicia has a rich cultural heritage made up of material and intangible assets that, due to their recognized value, must be studied and considered for the permanence and identity of Galician culture over time. UNESCO has endorsed this vast historical and cultural legacy that our ancestors left in Galicia, confirming the importance of our land on the world stage.
4. Take care and enjoy our nature
Galicia offers you wonderful forests, beaches, rocks, caves, rivers… By exploring these natural spaces, you can help conserve their beauty and biodiversity. Here we tell you how:
- Follow the trails: Walk along the enabled trails and avoid going off them to protect the natural environment.
- Appreciate without altering: Enjoy observing, smelling and listening to the animals and plants around you. Please do not collect plants, flowers, stones, shells or animal remains.
- Silence and serenity: Speak quietly and avoid playing music. Thus, you will contribute to maintaining the tranquility of the place.
- Respect for wildlife: Do not visit places with wild animals unless their main function is their recovery and care.
- Take only memories: Take your waste with you until you find a suitable container, even leftover food and fruit, so as not to alter the beauty and tranquility of these spaces.
Galicia has a network of trains and buses that can bring you closer to many of the places you want to visit. If you cannot access your destination by public transport, opt for more efficient transport, this way you will reduce your footprint.
5. Galicia on your palate and in your hands
When you consume local products, you support our socioeconomic development, the preservation of our rich culture and the creation of quality jobs.
- Shop at local markets and stores: Discover the freshness and quality of seasonal products in our markets and stores. Every purchase is a direct contribution to our community.
- Visit production sites: Embark on a journey to the origins. Visit the farms and factories, learn about the production process and participate in it. At the end, delight yourself with a tasting of local products.
- Taste in our restaurants: Let our chefs surprise you with dishes made with local ingredients. Savor the best of Galicia in every bite.
- Explore our wineries: Enjoy a wide variety of wines in our wineries and stroll through historic vineyards. Galicia has 5 designations of origin and 5 protected geographical indications.
- Galician crafts: Beyond the flavors, explore the unique designs of our artisans. You will find arts such as basketry, ceramics, textiles, leather, wood… under the brand “Artesanía de Galicia”. Each piece reflects the perfect fusion between tradition and modernity.