With such a huge amount of sites of unique heritage, history and culture on offer in Galicia, is this autonomous region in the north east of Spain a suitable contender for a family holiday?

On the contrary, there is plenty to do with kids in this hospitable, captivating and family-friendly region. We explore three great activities in Galicia with children.

Aquarium Finisterrae, La Coruna

Located close to the tip of the peninsula near to the Tower of Hercules, is the Aquarium Finisterrae. With huge tanks housing many a colourful, peculiar-looking and even mind-boggling fish, octopus, rays and just about every kind of marine life that you care to imagine.

Outdoor pools with Atlantic seals happily bathing in the water and interactive displays and activities in the Maremagnum Hall makes a day out at the Aquarium Finisterrae an educational, enlightening and remarkably entertaining experience for all the family.

Parque Nacional de las Islas Atlanticas

Located off the south west coast of Galicia, the Islas Atlanticas National Park comprises of four islands, which form an important land and sea ecosystem for the hundreds of different bird colonies that flock to the islands.

This protected area covers 8,333 hectares and extends from the Vigo estuary in the south to the Arousa estuary in the north. A trip to these islands is guaranteed to be an illuminating, informative and enjoyable day out for each family member.

Parque Natural de O Invernadeiro

Fascinate the children by taking them to witness some of the most breath-taking waterfalls in the whole of Spain. The Parque Natural de O Invernadeiro is part of the Central Massif of Ourense, and is bordered by two impressive rivers – the Ribeira Grande and Ribeira Pequena.

Not only will your children have an invigorating day out here in the fresh air, and air doesn’t come much fresher than in this Natural Park, but they will return home telling stories about seeing some truly impressive and unusual flora and fauna.

Vintage Travel can also help with some wonderful family villas in Galicia.

With its rolling and verdurous hillsides, gushing and mighty rivers and curiously rocky coastline, with a landscape this diverse, adventurous and, one could say, unlike the rest of Spain,  there is plenty to see in Galicia before you even consider the region’s history and culture.

Although given that this autonomous community in northwest Spain boasts a long and lustrous history, steeped with intrigue, passion and sensation, one cannot fail to become engrossed in Galicia’s simply fascinating past.

Your time spent in Galicia may not be enough to ensure that you see all of the region’s captivating sites, but to help you make the most of your time in here, we’ve highlighted three great things to do in Galicia.

Fisterra

A trip to Galicia wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Fisterra. Situated at the end of the Cabo de Finisterre, Fisterra was once considered to be the end of the world by the Romans. Being the most western point of the Roman Empire, it was thought that the sun was extinguished each night as it set in the sea. Although you may want your trip to Spain to be blessed by blue skies and warm weather, you won’t find an affable climate at Fisterra, as its stormy skies and blustery winds really augments the feeling that you are really at the end of the world.

Torre de Hercules, A Coruna

The Torre de Hercules is an ancient Roman lighthouse which overlooks the Atlantic coast on a peninsula a couple of kilometres from the town of A Coruna. The 180ft tall tower is almost 1900 years old and is rumoured to have been built by Hercules himself.

El Torre de Hercules is the second tallest lighthouse in Spain, is considered to be the oldest existing lighthouse in the world, and, since 2009, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the waves crashing against the rocks, standing at the top of this lofty building, one can really gage a compelling sense of history – definitely worthy of a visit.

Lugo

Surrounded by Roman walls and with a cathedral consisting of ten gates and approximately 70 turrets, the Galician city of Lugo is crying out to be visited and explored. Asides visiting possibly one of the most awe-inspiring cathedrals you may have seen, just walking around Lugo, becoming entrenched in the city’s many squares, churches and Gothic and Neoclassic architecture, provides for a historically memorable Galician day out.

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Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia in the north west of Spain. This World Heritage City is famous for its monumental cathedral, being the final destination for the annual Saint James pilgrimage, and is a fine example of historical, urban and environmental regeneration.

In March, the Santiago de Compostela Carnival 2012 is taking place. To mark the beginning of Lent, this cultural and historical capital in any historian’s eyes, is converted into a chaotic world of satirical fancy dress.

This vivacious event reaches its pinnacle at the grand cathedral’s gates where the carnival performs a painstakingly well-rehearsed show in front of the thousands of carnival revellers pouring onto the streets of Santiago de Compostela to witness a fiesta, flamboyant even in Spanish terms.

Traditional and delicious food features heavily throughout the carnival, with pork, conjured up in various forms, and savoury pancakes being handed out in abundance. On Shrove Tuesday itself, the city embraces itself for a Mardi Gras parade, which winds through the ancient streets comprising of floats, traditional Galician costumes and many loud yet talented brass bands.

To mark the end of the carnival, on Ash Wednesday the crowds of local, national and international carousers make their way to the Praza do Toural where the celebrations reach their zenith!

Here the crowds listen to the carnival verse that satirically mocks both the year’s events in the city as well as some of local characters. This heart-racing and spirited event finally concludes with the ceremonial burning of the Meco, which is the symbol of the carnival.

Laughter and fun is at the heart of this joyous event and if you are thinking of travelling to the gloriously green lands of Galicia next March, be sure to put its capital, Santiago de Compostela, on your calendar.

If you are looking for luxury villas in Galicia, make sure you check out Vintage Travel’s portfolio.

It is this isolation and independence from the rest of its country that makes Galicia a fascinating region to visit. Check out our top three activities in Galicia, this starkly autonomous province of a truly vast, varied and absorbing country.

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is the most famous place for pilgrimages in Spain, with its name deriving from when it was the home of one of Christ’s apostles, Santiago.  Built in 1060, this ancient cathedral has been described as “an architectural masterpiece” and has one of the most impressive Baroque facades of any church in Galicia and beyond. Marking the end of the Pilgrim’s Way, the famous pilgrimage put on in Galicia every year, the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is one of the most important Christian buildings in the world, and definitely worthy of a visit.

Tower of Hercules

Built by the Romans in the 1^st century AD the Tower of Hercules is one of the most popular tourist attractions in La Coruna. It is simply awe-inspiring when you gaze up at this 59-metre tower, which is the only lighthouse of Antiquity to remain still in operation today, and take in the fact that it has been preserved for two millennia.

The views from the top of the tower of the whole of La Coruna below and the hypnotic blue ocean are simply stunning, and you can guarantee that you would never forget your trip to the Tower of Hercules.

Ourense Thermal Springs

On the banks of the beautiful River Mino the Ourense Thermal Springs can be found and are the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Ourense and other towns in Galicia. After taking an ‘ailment-healing’ dip in the beautiful spring waters, lie back on the grassy banks that surround the springs and take in the truly spectacular setting.

And maybe to make this a top four things to do in Galicia, how about the wonderful La Solana (pictured)? This 3 bedroom villa in Galicia even comes with mini golf!

The report investigated and compared the cost of 16 common purchases from supermarkets, such as milk, eggs, bread, water and vegetables, in 13 different popular European holiday destinations. The research found that Mallorca was the most cost-effective destination where 16 supermarket items cost £44.23.

The Algarve proved to be the second cheapest country for food and drink, with the 16 items costing a marginally more £44.36. Whilst third place went back to Spain with the Costa Blanca’s supermarket forage totalling £47.28.

Vintage Travel’s outstanding portfolio of self-catering accommodation includes many villas, ranging from the magnificent and modern to the traditional and rustic and includes many properties in Mallorca, the Costa Blanca and Portugal. For example, in the Algarve, a beautiful region in southern Portugal, we have plenty of villas offering sensational views, first-rate accommodation, all with their own private pools.

One such property is 2 bedroom Algarve Villa Gazeio, a beautifully maintained large detached house less than five kilometres from the interesting and historical maritime town of Lagos. Gazeio has been decorated and furnished to an extremely high spec and this welcoming and unpretentious villa is the perfect place to enjoy a ‘budget conscious’ self-catering holiday.

Whilst over in Mallorca, the most economical destination for a self-catering holiday according to the report, Vintage Travel’s portfolio of villas covers many of the stunning island’s diverse towns and villages.

For example, the two bedroom Mallorca villa of Serelleta (pictured) tucked away in the wooden and tranquil slopes of the Ca’n Bosc valley, provides the perfect accommodation for a peaceful, rural getaway in the least expensive European holiday self-catering destination. Serelleta is blessed with sensational panoramic views of some of the most varied and picturesque landscapes on Mallorca.

This two bedroom, two bathroom villa is located several kilometres from the town of Pollenca which is plentiful of bars, restaurants, shops and supermarkets, enabling guests to take advantage of buying the most inexpensive produce in European holiday destinations.

The Camino de Santiago de Compostela, known in English as The Way of Saint James, is a 1000 year old pilgrimage to the shrine of St. James in the cathedral of Santiago de Composetela.

Each year more than 100,000 pilgrims from all over the world travel to the Galician city to join the historical pilgrimage. Given its international renown and following, the pilgrimage has been the subject of many television programmes, books and publications.

The latest broadcasting venture to feature the heart-rending journey is a film called The Way, which stars Martin Sheen and his son Emilio Estevez. The Way is due to be released in Britain on 13 May 2011.

Such a historical and internationally-recognised pilgrimage attracts a large amount of tourist activity, many wanting to take part in the pilgrimage and others preferring to watch the poignant event and visit the walk’s final destination, the magnificent city of Santiago de Compostela.

This remarkable city is the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia in northern Spain, a region which stands out, not just because of its autonomy, but because of its lush, fertile and verdant landscapes, which contrast significantly to Spain’s notoriously dry and arid backdrops.

Whatever your reason for visiting this historically and aesthetically outstanding region of Spain, staying in accommodation of similar visual and historical splendour would significantly enhance the quality of your holiday.

Vintage Travel excels in finding such “secret jewels”, and none more so than the lovingly-restored mill house, Muino de San Lorenza.

This beautifully renovated four bedroom, four bathroom property, is situated across a lovely stream at the bottom of a wooded slope, providing some much welcome shade in the summer months.

Muino de San Lorenza, which can sleep up to seven, has retained many of its original features, including stone walls, wooden beams and a millstone in the lounge.

With its own private pool, open patios and grassy gardens, relaxing around the house is almost as appealing than exploring the local history, culture and beauty when you are staying at Muino de San Lorenza.

A week’s rental in Muino de san Lorenza costs £1050 in May, or £625 for a smaller party of up to four, rising to £1895 in peak season.

La Soluna in Galicia

Compared to the parched and arid landscapes of the south, Galicia is a fertile oasis of greenery, rolling emerald fields and woodland.

If you are wanting to experience a touch of Spanish uniqueness this summer, it may be a good idea to head to this autonomous and beautiful region in north-eastern Spain, and with the Semana Verde 2011, taking place in mid-June, the location and date of your summer holiday may be decisively stamped by the time you’ve read this article.

In attracting more than 100,000 visitors, this huge annual event is a great way for tourists to experience some true Galician culture.

From 16 – 19 June 2011, the region will hold its largest trade and leisure show, which is rapidly becoming one of the biggest trade shows in Spain.

Retailers from just about any sector, including livestock, food, agriculture, antique, pets, gardening, hardware, automobiles, hunting and fishing, environment, education and leisure, can participate in Green Week, as an excellent opportunity to promote trade to an enthusiastic general public.

Although this lively Galician show comprises of much more than simply wondering around trade exhibitions all day. There are many activities for all ages to enjoy at the Green Week, including donkey racing, gymkhanas, horseback basketball, dog grooming competitions, a canine fashion exhibition, a tractor skill handling competition, floral art activities, hunting archery, business meetings, workshops, tasting sessions, local songs and dancing, and much, much more.

The Green Show will be held at the Centro Urbana at exit 33 off the AP-53 motorway between Santiago and Ourense. Opening hours are from 10.00 – 20.00 on the Thursday and Friday and extended to 21.00 at the weekend.

If The Green Week 2011 – aptly titled given its regional location – has finalized your summer holiday destination this year, you won’t regret it, as Galicia, Spain’s ‘lesser visited’ region provides some simply sensational scenery, culture and events.

For more information on The Green Week 2011 click here.

If your mind is made up, and Galicia is the destination for you this summer, Have a look at Vintage Travel’s luxury villas in Galicia, including the beautiful La Solana.

Where does Spanish Tapas originate from?

The Spanish word “tapa” actually means “lid” or “cover” so how does this relate to food? There are several interesting accounts…

One belief is that the etymology of the word tapa comes from placing an item over the top of a drink to protect it from flies. Somewhere in time it became custom to place small pieces of food on top of the lid and henceforth tapas was born.

Another story is that “tapas” originated around the sixteenth century, when several inn keepers in Castilla discovered that they disguise the taste of bad wine by accompanying the drinks with strong smelling cheese.

The most common theory is that tapas was born when King Alfonso the Tenth (known as The Wise) became ill and had to take small bites of food with some wine. Once the King had recovered from the afflicting disease, he decreed that no wine was to be served in any of the inns unless accompanied with something to eat. This was a wise precaution to counteract the adverse effects of alcohol. Once the “botillerias” (bottle shops) and taverns became established throughout Spain, the King’s decree remained in place.

Whichever theory you believe, the tradition of tapas spread throughout Spain and continues in many countries worldwide today. But if it is authentic tapas you desire, served in the traditional way “para gratis”, then the province of Granada in perhaps the best place to experience a taste of bona fide Spanish dishes from ambiguous beginnings.

We have to start by saying that Galicia’s culture is unique to the rest of Spain’s in that it was founded on a Celtic rather than Latino or Hispanic belief and society. You’ll typically find no Flamenco dancers of sombrero hats here I’m afraid and in their place you’ll rather bizarrely find bagpipes and a more dour style which perhaps represents the cooler weather, tougher lifestyle and economic strife that Galicia has suffered in the past.

Map of Galicia

In fact, the music can be likened to the Scottish and Irish Celts, the best place to see it is during one of the many fiestas across Galicea. You’ll also notice some differences in food flavours and tastes as well as styles and fashions when compared to the rest of Spain.

One other obvious difference is that the Galicians often speak a different dialect to Spanish – ‘Gallego’ as its known is similar to Portuguese. But all Galiceans speak Spanish too… so don’t fret.

Why is the Galicean culture different to the rest of Spain?

Well, it could be something to do with the geographic location… Galicea borders Portugal and is actually quite isolated from the rest of Spain. In addition, over the past century there have been restrictions in cultural development in Galicia, which were finally lifted following the death of General Franco who was.

Final word…

Galicia is in fact a land of plenty. You’ll find some of the most beautiful coastline, an abundance of rivers and gorges to visit, extremely friendly locals… and some of the prettiest, untouched villages in Spain. If you’d like to know more about this enchanted region please feel free to drop us a line.

Galician coastline is some of the finest in Spain

A typical Galician village

There are three main gastronomic fiestas to be aware of in Galicia, here’s a overview of each:

Festa da Istoria in Ribadavia (the last weekend in August 27, 28 & 29 2010).

This is one of our favourite festivals… the entire town is transformed into a genuine medieval town and this doesn’t stop at locals dress! Expect lots of atmosphere thanks to the various activities that take place over the three day period including; falconry, minstrals, jousting, basket making and lot’s of delicious pigs on spits! Costumes can be hired around the town. More information here http://www.festadaistoria.com.

Festa da Istoria in Ribadavia

Festa do Pulpo (the Octopus Festival) in O Carballiño (second Sunday in August 8th 2010).

Possibly not one for those who don’t like the thought of eating Octopus or even seafood. But if you are seafood mad like some of us then you simply can’t afford to miss this event. This is basically a historically significant festival that remembers ancient bartering between fishermen and those who lived in the mountains. Expect lots of different Octopus recipes, fine wines and plenty of dancing into the night.

Festa do Pulpo in O Carballiño

Festa da Vendimia in Leiro (Wine Harvest Festival last Sunday in August).

Definitely not one to miss if you love your fine wines, only the Spanish could celebrate wine in this way. Lots of atmosphere, local bands, happy Spaniards (thanks to the wine), food stalls and fireworks.

Festa da Vendimia in Leiro

If you are looking to hire a private villa with a pool in Galicia please drop us a line or check out our broad collection.