a country of myths and legends: galicia, spain

in the farthest western corner of spain, more known as "the country of the west" there is a land known as the green country, el verde país. galicia, galicia, galicia, who wouldve thought that in spain, generally an arid country, has a region which is full of green vegetation, teeming with eucalyptus trees (which are used for the paper industry in spain), temperate and cold summers, high cliffs, tempestuous weather, rocky and wavey beaches?

in the ancient times, galicia or galiza was inhabited by the celts and the mystic druids. they had left a mark which is still until now recognizable that differs this country (region) from the land of spain, which is the galician language (galego) believe it or not, more closer to the gaelic language than spanish. also the ancient greeks believed that in the far west with high cliffs and stormy weather were the ends of the earth was, called finnis terrae.

galicia is a less touristic part of spain, but it is well known that the city of santiago de compostela is located here, for pilgrims all over the world offer their pilgrimage to saint jacob. but in this review, i will take you all into a different world, for galicia belongs in my heart, it is were the roots of my family lies.

galicia has the biggest ship building industry in spain, especially in the cities of el ferrol and a coruña.

el ferrol is a very rustic city. old, rundown and neglected buildings are common around the old city. dark, grey and decaying. but dont let that dampen your spirits, it is a very charming, quaint old world city. different from madrid, barcelona or other big cities in spain. it has an old soul feeling to it.

then comes a coruña or la coruña, a modern city also located in coast which together with el ferrol and vigo host the spanish navy stations in the atlantic side of spain. there are many roman ruins in this city, still remains, the functional "tower of hercules" a lighthouse built since the roman times. and also found along the city near the tower of hercules, located in the lower cliffs is the "la rosa de los vientos" or the wind's rose (a compass).

far up north, are small towns of pantin, valdovinho and cedeira where secret coves, secluded beaches and the highest cliffs in europa are located. horsebreeding is renowned in this area of galicia. the remoteness of this area due to lack of public transportation, destinations that can only be reached by foot or by cars is a utopic dream of seeing the old world withouth tourists.

cedeira will always be forever in my heart. i stayed here with a family that offered not only their house but themselves to serve me and my friends for the time we were in spain.

this nothern area of galicia is the most mystic of all. it is home to one of a "lesser saint" named: san adres de teixido, who has a shrine in the cliffs in the small town of teixido. legend has it that, if in your lifetime you wouldnt be able to do a pilgrimage to him, you would visit it after your death.

not only that, but cedeira is the home of the highest cliffs in europa, called acantilados en la serra da capelada. and on the cliffs are windmill farms stretching from mountains to mountains as the wind is the strongest here in southern europa.

galicians or galegos are shy in nature. they are different people from the rest of spain but what i like about galicians is that not only for their great hospitality withouth asking for anything in return but serving guests till their last drop of energy, also very loyal and easy to get along with. charming, wonderful and beautiful people.

galicia is an adventurers dream, como el paradiso.

muchas gracias cedeira y galicia por la hospitalidad. besos.