Walking and wildlife holidays in Galicia
- Capital: Santiago de Compostela.
- Area: 29,575 km²
- Provinces 4: A Coruña, Lugo, Pontevedra, Ourense
Galicia is sometimes known as the “land of a thousand rivers”, reflecting the many rivers and streams that run through its green landscape. The region’s people are known as Galicians, or galegos in Galician.
Galicia occupies the northwestern corner of Spain, bordering Portugal to the south and facing both the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Sea. Its long, indented coastline, river valleys and upland landscapes create a varied setting for walking and wildlife, with habitats ranging from coastal wetlands and islands to forests, mountains and river gorges.
Fishing, farming and agriculture have traditionally played an important role in Galicia’s economy, reflecting the region’s strong connection with both the land and the sea. In recent years, nature and wildlife tourism has also become increasingly important, with visitors drawn to Galicia’s forests, mountains, wetlands, coastline and protected natural areas.
Often described as “Green Spain”, Galicia has a temperate climate with higher rainfall than many other parts of the country. The combination of rain, mountains, river valleys and a long Atlantic coastline supports lush vegetation and a wide variety of habitats. Much of the region is covered by woodland and plantations, including extensive areas of pine and eucalyptus.
Galicia’s cultural heritage reflects both its Celtic traditions and its long history within the Roman world. Roman remains can still be seen across the region, including the remarkably preserved Roman walls of Lugo, the ancient Roman bridge at Ourense and the Tower of Hercules in A Coruña, the world’s oldest functioning Roman lighthouse.
The Way of Santiago, or Camino de Santiago, is one of Europe’s best-known pilgrimage routes. Galicia is the final destination for the various Camino routes that cross northern Spain, ending at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Along the different routes, walkers pass through a landscape of historic churches, monasteries, chapels, villages and countryside, making the Camino as much a cultural journey as a walking experience.
Looking for a hotel in Galicia?
Galicia offers a wide range of places to stay, from small rural retreats and guesthouses in the countryside to hotels in historic cities such as Santiago de Compostela. Browse accommodation in Galicia on Booking.com to compare options in different parts of the region and find a base that suits your walking or wildlife trip.
Things to do in Galicia from Viator
Galicia offers plenty to explore beyond its walking routes and natural parks. From historic cities and coastal landscapes to cultural experiences and guided excursions, there are activities to suit different interests and travel styles. Browse the available tours and experiences below to find ideas for your time in Galicia.
Natural Parks in Galicia
Galicia has six natural parks and one national park, protecting a remarkably varied range of landscapes and habitats. From Atlantic forests and coastal dunes to mountain valleys, wetlands and offshore islands, these protected areas offer some of the region’s best opportunities for walking and wildlife watching.
1. Fragas del Eume Natural Park is one of Galicia’s most important protected landscapes and one of the best-preserved examples of Atlantic riverside woodland in Europe. The park follows the River Eume through a deep, wooded valley, with ancient oak forests, steep slopes and shady paths creating excellent conditions for walking and wildlife watching. The Galician word fraga refers to a dense native woodland, which aptly describes much of the landscape here. The park is also recognised as a Site of Community Importance within the European Union’s Natura 2000 network.
2. Dunas de Corrubedo y lagunas de Carregal y Vixán Natural Park protects around 10 km² of dunes, wetlands and coastal habitats on the Barbanza Peninsula, between the Arousa and Muros y Noia estuaries. Its shifting dune system and freshwater and saltwater lagoons create important habitats for birds and other wildlife. The park is recognised as a Ramsar wetland and forms part of the European Union’s network of protected areas, making it an interesting destination for walking and wildlife watching.
3. Islas Atlanticas National Park protects a group of Atlantic islands and their surrounding marine environment, including the Cíes and Ons archipelagos. The islands are known for their beaches, rocky coastlines, seabird colonies and clear waters, while the granite cliffs contain sea caves known locally as furnas. On Ons Island, the spectacular Burato do Inferno is associated with a local legend that describes it as a gateway to the underworld, adding another layer of character to this wild coastal landscape.
4. Monte Aloia Natural Park lies in southern Pontevedra province, close to the Portuguese border, and was the first area in Galicia to receive natural park status. Covering the summit and slopes of the Sierra de Galiñeiro, it combines woodland, rocky viewpoints and mountain paths with wide views across the surrounding landscape. Its network of trails makes it a good choice for walkers looking for a relatively accessible introduction to Galicia’s upland scenery.
5 Baixa Limia Serra do Xures Natural Park occupies a mountainous area of southern Ourense province and forms a transboundary protected landscape with Portugal’s Peneda-Gerês National Park. Together, the two areas make up the Gerês-Xurés Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, covering around 267,958 hectares. The landscape of mountains, valleys, rivers and traditional rural settlements provides a particularly interesting setting for walking and exploring the natural and cultural heritage of the Galicia–Portugal border.
6 Monte o Inverndeiro Natural Park is a mountainous protected area of peaks, valleys, grasslands, scrub and woodland in Ourense province. Rivers and streams run through the park, creating a varied landscape for walking and wildlife watching. It has one of the highest levels of protection among Galicia’s natural parks, and visitor numbers are restricted to a maximum of 30 people per day. A permit is required to enter, so access needs to be planned in advance.
7 Serra da Enciña da Lastra Natural Park has a distinctive landscape of limestone gorges, cliffs and Mediterranean-influenced vegetation, making it quite different from Galicia’s wetter Atlantic landscapes. Holm oak woodland, ancient chestnut trees, scrub and wild thyme grow across the park, while more than 25 species of orchid have been recorded. The gorges and river valleys provide important habitat for birds of prey and other wildlife, while caves in the limestone are home to several species of bats.
Frequently Asked Questions: Walking and Wildlife Holidays in Galicia
Galicia sits in Spain’s northwest, just above Portugal. It’s bordered by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Cantabrian Sea. Known as “Green Spain,” Galicia has a temperate climate, high rainfall, and more than 1,000 rivers. Its terrain is mountainous, with extensive pine and eucalyptus plantations.
Galicia’s economy has traditionally relied on fishing, farming, and agriculture. In recent years, wildlife and nature-based tourism have grown significantly, reflecting the region’s rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes.
Galicia has deep Celtic roots and significant Roman heritage, seen in monuments like the walls of Lugo and the Tower of Hercules. The region became a major Christian pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages after the tomb of the Apostle Saint James was discovered. This led to the creation of the Way of Santiago (Camino de Santiago) and the founding of Santiago de Compostela.
The Way of Santiago is one of the most famous pilgrimage routes in the world. It attracts thousands of pilgrims each year who walk to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. The route is lined with historic churches, monasteries, and chapels, making it both spiritually and culturally significant.
Galicia offers several protected natural areas ideal for walking and wildlife observation:
Fragas del Eume Natural Park: Ancient riverside oak forests and one of Europe’s best-preserved temperate rainforests.
Dunas de Corrubedo: A Ramsar wetland and dune system recognised as a Special Protection Area.
Islas Atlánticas National Park: Island cliffs and granite sea caves like the mythical “Burato do Inferno.”
Monte Aloia Natural Park: Galicia’s first natural park, atop the Sierra de Galiñeiro mountains.
Baixa Limia–Serra do Xurés: Part of a cross-border biosphere reserve with Portugal.
Monte o Invernadeiro Natural Park: Highly protected wilderness with limited daily access (30 permits per day).
Yes, Monte o Invernadeiro Natural Park requires a visitor permit due to conservation efforts. Hotels and local guides can often assist in obtaining one.
Galicia’s varied ecosystems host birds of prey, nesting seabirds, bats, wild orchids, and many endemic plant species. It’s especially rich in birdlife, making it ideal for ornithology enthusiasts.
There are over 12,000 accommodation options listed on Booking.com, from quiet country stays to upscale hotels in Santiago de Compostela. For guided experiences, platforms like Viator offer wildlife tours, walking holidays, and cultural trips. Bookings through Wildside Holidays help support the site without extra cost to the user.
About the author of this article.
Clive Muir – Wildside Holidays – Walking, wildlife and culture holidays in Spain
I’ve been living in western Andalucía for more than 20 years and spend much of my time researching and running English-language travel websites about Spain. My work covers destinations including Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema and the Caminito del Rey, as well as Wildside Holidays, which focuses on walking, wildlife and nature travel in Spain.
Through Wildside Holidays, I share practical information about Spain’s natural parks, mountains, wildlife and walking destinations, drawing on many years of living and travelling in the country. The aim is to help visitors discover Spain’s natural landscapes responsibly and plan rewarding walking and wildlife experiences.