A taste of Galicia
This coastal region in the northwest of Spain is famous for its rolling green countryside, the timeless city of Santiago de Compostela, and the historic Caminos that lead there, but for our destination expert, Malcolm, the local food is ‘up there with some of the best in the world.’
You’re our destination expert on Spain, Malcolm, but Galicia is a particularly special place for you – can you share why?
I lived in Vigo, Galicia, from the age of one until I was ten, as my mother is originally from there. I also went to school in Vigo, so Galicia has always been a place that I call home. Although I now live in the UK, I still visit every year to spend time with my family, and now that I have children of my own, it's also important to me that they get to experience Galicia for themselves and stay connected to a place that forms such an important part of their heritage.
I lived in Vigo, Galicia, from the age of one until I was ten, as my mother is originally from there. I also went to school in Vigo, so Galicia has always been a place that I call home. Although I now live in the UK, I still visit every year to spend time with my family, and now that I have children of my own, it's also important to me that they get to experience Galicia for themselves and stay connected to a place that forms such an important part of their heritage.
Tell us about the food in Galicia. Is it culturally important to the region?
I honestly think Galician food is up there with some of the best in the world, with world-class produce coming from both the sea and the land. Thanks to Galicia's long coastline, fishing has always been a huge part of life there, and the region has earned a reputation for producing some of the finest seafood anywhere. Then there's Rubia gallega beef, which is renowned across Spain for its exceptional quality. The region's abundant rainfall keeps the meadows green for most of the year, allowing cattle to graze naturally outdoors year-round. And it's not just the seafood and beef that benefit from Galicia's climate; the fruit and vegetables are outstanding as well, which is why the overall quality of the food is so high.
We have three holidays in Galicia – what dishes will Inntravellers be able to try during their visit?
For lunch stops along the Camino, most restaurants will offer a set pilgrim menu. This usually includes a choice of starter and main course, along with a drink and coffee, making it a good-value option for walkers.
In the evenings, you'll usually have a wider choice of restaurants where you can try some of Galicia's most traditional dishes, including:
• Pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus) – Probably Galicia's most iconic dish, made with tender octopus dressed with olive oil, paprika, and coarse sea salt.
• Percebes (goose barnacles) – One of Galicia's most famous seafood delicacies, harvested from the rugged Atlantic coastline and prized for their fresh, ocean flavour.
• Empanada gallega (Galician savoury pie) – A baked pie typically filled with ingredients such as tuna, cod, pork, scallops, or vegetables.
• Rubia gallega beef – Galicia's renowned native beef, celebrated for its exceptional flavour and quality.
For lunch stops along the Camino, most restaurants will offer a set pilgrim menu. This usually includes a choice of starter and main course, along with a drink and coffee, making it a good-value option for walkers.
In the evenings, you'll usually have a wider choice of restaurants where you can try some of Galicia's most traditional dishes, including:
• Pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus) – Probably Galicia's most iconic dish, made with tender octopus dressed with olive oil, paprika, and coarse sea salt.
• Percebes (goose barnacles) – One of Galicia's most famous seafood delicacies, harvested from the rugged Atlantic coastline and prized for their fresh, ocean flavour.
• Empanada gallega (Galician savoury pie) – A baked pie typically filled with ingredients such as tuna, cod, pork, scallops, or vegetables.
• Rubia gallega beef – Galicia's renowned native beef, celebrated for its exceptional flavour and quality.
• Caldo gallego (Galician soup) – A hearty and comforting soup made with greens, potatoes, beans, and often pork.
• Zamburiñas (small scallops) – Usually grilled with garlic, parsley, and olive oil, allowing the quality of the seafood to shine through.
• Navajas (razor clams) – Typically grilled very simply, highlighting their natural flavour.
• Vieiras a la gallega (Galician baked scallops) – Scallops baked in their shell with breadcrumbs, onion, and ham.
• Lacón con grelos (cured pork shoulder with turnip greens) – A traditional Galician dish served with potatoes and one of the region's classic comfort foods.
One of the best things about eating in Galicia is that many dishes are surprisingly simple, with the focus being on the quality of the ingredients rather than elaborate preparation.
Are there any local drinks to look out for?
When it comes to drinks, Galicia is best known for its wines and traditional liqueurs. If eating seafood, most locals will pair it with a glass of Albariño, Galicia's most famous white wine. Other popular wines include Godello, a fuller-bodied white wine, and Mencía, Galicia's best-known red wine variety. Both are widely available in restaurants throughout the region.
For something stronger, Galicia is famous for its traditional liqueurs made from orujo, a spirit distilled from grapes. Licor café (coffee liqueur) is particularly popular and is often enjoyed after a meal, while Licor de hierbas (herbal liqueur) is another local favourite.
Then you also have Estrella Galicia, which previously was only found in Galicia, but in the last ten years has become a very popular beer which can be found worldwide.
For something stronger, Galicia is famous for its traditional liqueurs made from orujo, a spirit distilled from grapes. Licor café (coffee liqueur) is particularly popular and is often enjoyed after a meal, while Licor de hierbas (herbal liqueur) is another local favourite.
Then you also have Estrella Galicia, which previously was only found in Galicia, but in the last ten years has become a very popular beer which can be found worldwide.
It all sounds delicious! Can you tell us more about the region itself and why people should visit?
I think Galicia is one of the most overlooked regions in Europe and offers a side of Spain that many people don't expect. There are dramatic Atlantic coastlines, lush green countryside, historic towns and villages, and some of the best food anywhere in the country.
Galicia is also home to Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of the Camino de Santiago and one of the most important pilgrimage cities in Europe. Whether you've completed the Camino or are simply visiting the city, the cathedral and historic centre are incredibly impressive and are a major highlight of the region.
One of the things I like most about Galicia is how authentic it feels. Tourism is important, but it still feels like a place that belongs to the people who live there. The towns and villages have retained their own character and traditions, which gives you a chance to experience a more genuine side of Spain.
For me, it's the combination of welcoming people, a unique Celtic heritage, beautiful scenery, great food, good value for money, and a slower pace of life that makes Galicia such a special place. It's one of those destinations that tends to exceed expectations and leaves a lasting impression.
I think Galicia is one of the most overlooked regions in Europe and offers a side of Spain that many people don't expect. There are dramatic Atlantic coastlines, lush green countryside, historic towns and villages, and some of the best food anywhere in the country.
Galicia is also home to Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of the Camino de Santiago and one of the most important pilgrimage cities in Europe. Whether you've completed the Camino or are simply visiting the city, the cathedral and historic centre are incredibly impressive and are a major highlight of the region.
One of the things I like most about Galicia is how authentic it feels. Tourism is important, but it still feels like a place that belongs to the people who live there. The towns and villages have retained their own character and traditions, which gives you a chance to experience a more genuine side of Spain.
For me, it's the combination of welcoming people, a unique Celtic heritage, beautiful scenery, great food, good value for money, and a slower pace of life that makes Galicia such a special place. It's one of those destinations that tends to exceed expectations and leaves a lasting impression.
And finally – a tough question to finish! – if you had to choose just one local dish from Galicia to have readily available, which would you pick and why?
It has to be Pulpo a la gallega. It is by far my favourite and one of the things I look forward to most when I'm there. While you can find octopus in Yorkshire, I have yet to come across anywhere that matches the quality you get in Galicia.
The proof is in the pudding (or, in this case, the pulpo) and Inntravel colleague Niki has similar words on local Galician cuisine after her recent visit:
“The food was a standout part of my trip. Galicia is known for having some of the best seafood in the world, so I wanted to try as much of it as possible while I was there. The octopus, scallops, calamari, and clams were all absolutely delicious, and I’d highly recommend anyone visiting to experience the local seafood for themselves.”
“The food was a standout part of my trip. Galicia is known for having some of the best seafood in the world, so I wanted to try as much of it as possible while I was there. The octopus, scallops, calamari, and clams were all absolutely delicious, and I’d highly recommend anyone visiting to experience the local seafood for themselves.”