Discovering Galicia (Spain)

NORTH SEA

2005-11-22T13:36:00.000-08:00

I went to Ribadeo. This place is in Lugo, the north-east of Galicia.

I visited a famous beach in this place. The name is “Cathedrals’ beach”.

I advise you this place because this is magical and special.
The sea is rough and it has been transforming the big rocks and it has been forming new caves. You can make photos with your family or your friends in these caves. You should be careful here because you could hurt yourself in your feet.
The people are friendly and they have clean and beautiful the place.
You can eat near the beach in a big restaurant and you can try a lot of meals. The specialty dish is seafood. You can eat meat and fish too. I recommend you that you try pasta. It is very good and healthy.
I love Ribadeo and its calm. I motivate you to visit it. You will go in winter too, but you can’t swim.
Lucy

San Simón: a place full of History

2005-11-03T03:50:00.000-08:00

The archipelago of San Simón is situated at the end of the Bay of Vigo (Ría de Vigo). It comprises four islands, but the two biggest ones had the weight of History.
They are occupied since the 5th century. First of all by religious orders (Templars, Franciscans, Benedictines…) who left the islands due to the frequent pirate attacks (Sir Francis Drake in 1589 or the Admiral Michels in 1719) .In 1702 the famous Vigo’s Battle (Batalla de Rande, in Spain) had place around the islands and in the 20th century a lazaretto was placed in San Simón, where passengers of the ships coming from America passed quarantine. This lazaretto made possible Vigo’s port development.
During Spanish Civil War, the islands became one of the most sanguinary prisons in Spain. There were tortures and executions in it, and the prison had even 2000 prisoners in its small space (400 metres long and 150 metres wide).
After this phase, the islands were used as summer residence for Franco’s Guard, until, in 1950, 43 of them died in a shipwreck when the boat was taking them to Redondela to play a football match. After some years used as orphanage by the sons of sailors, San Simón was totally abandoned.
In 1997, Galician Government approved a plan for the islands which included the rehabilitation of the buildings and its transformation into a hotel, a sailing school, a small thalassotherapy centre, auditoriums…
Nowadays, works are finished but there are no plans or date for the installations running.
While Government makes nothing, there are a lot of people in the zone that have never gone to San Simón because the entrance has always been not allowed. This summer there was a catamaran service for a few days, but it was collapsed due to the incredible number of people who wanted to visit the islands.
Now, some people ask for the construction of a bridge to connect San Simón with land. Is this the better option? No in my opinion, because wouldn’t it lose its charm? Didn’t all the historic facts matter here due to its condition of island? Furthermore, wouldn’t the bridge obstruct the big quantity of boats that sail around San Simón? And, thinking in tourism, what would tourists (most of them from interior regions) prefer: the fabulous experience of travelling in a boat or just crossing a bridge?
Besides this, there are the visual and environment effects that a bridge could cause, because San Simón is included in Rede Natura 2000 to protect the environment.

What do you think about it?

By ATA

The Mediavel Fair

2005-10-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Pontevedra
The "Mediaeval Fair" is celebrated during the first week of September in the old area of Pontevedra city.
All the citizens look forward to this festival although it only last for two days.
People wear medieval clothes and they recreate a typical market. This special market started in Pontevedra in 1467 as a privilege that was conceded by the King Enrique IV. At that time, it lasted for a month, fifteen days before and fifteen days after the 24th of August. This celebration reminds us one of the periods of high heyday of its history.
The gastronomy, the music, the festive ambient, the shows, the theatre and the medieval costume are the mains reasons for the success of this festival.
The quarters of the city and the stands are decorated with straw, colourful ribbons there are also a lot of horses.
This year, the historical center was crowded with people (5000), where you could see; blacksmith, knife-grinders, noblemen, buffoon, criminal, warrior, spinners, knight-errant…
This festival, also, lets us know about the history and celebrate religious and pagan rites, popular plays, falconry exhibitions, etc.
In this medieval market, visitors use the "maravedíes", as a currency, to buy typical products like pottery, leather, stone, glass, oil, liquor… you can also buy all type of food such as pies, artisan bread, biscuits, cakes, cheese, sausages, meat, vegetables, greenness, sweeten… and wine.
Although the people buy in this market, they prefer to organize lunches or dinners with their friends because it is cheaper, so they usually put a table in the middle of the street and eat their food there.
On the first day one person riding a horse announces the beginning of the festival. Later, the streets fill with music, theatre and jugglers, fireworks, dances and acrobatics.
If you want have a good time and know a wonderful city, you must come to Pontevedra!!!!!!
Zara.

VIVEIRO

2005-10-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

In Galicia there is a village that you must visit if you like the natural spaces. Its name is Viveiro. Viveiro is situated in the north east of Galicia on the coast. I was there three years ago, in July. They were celebrating Santiago Apóstol day at the port of Celeiro and I could see the marine procession through the estuary of Viveiro. I was accommodated in an apart hotel called Las Sirenas, it was located three kms. away from Viveiro, next to the beach and it was very nice. I liked the structure of the village very much, the houses are disposed like spots for everywhere and the streets are very steep. I was at the Covas beach. I had a good time and I would like to visit the village more times. By Mª Nieves Losada Sánchez

THE BEACH OF SAMIL

2005-10-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

The beaches of Galicia are in my opinion the most beautiful of Spain. Some of these beaches, for instance “la Lanzada” are spectacular.
There is only one beach that I don’t like at all, it is Samil. This beach is situated in Vigo. I had never good experiences there.
My first bad experience was when I was five years old, I was playing with some friends when I got lost from them, I was really scared and I did not found help from nobody. There was not almost “puestos de proteccion civil”. I walked alone more or less one hour until my family found me.
Two years ago I went there after “San Juan” party, the beach in some parts was full of trash, and while I was walking, I cut with a broken bottle on my foot.
It’s a pity that a big and beautiful beach like Samil is so untidy.
Z.P.P.

O CAUREL

2005-10-18T08:29:00.000-07:00

Nowadays people look for natural and exotic places for their vacation, normally in other countries. However, in Galicia there is a mountain range, O CAUREL, situated in the south-east of the province of Lugo, that is a big and varied natural place in all seasons. You can lodge in small rural houses, camping sites or hostels.
Two special places for to visit are the lake “A Lucenza” and the forest “Devesa de Rogueira”. The lake is one example of the past existence of glaciers in the region. You can perceive how the temperature gets down when you approach it, even in summer. Near is the “Devesa de Rogueira”, a forest with more than 20 species of trees and a lot of fauna. Visiting the forest is as if you go into a millennial forest as the ones you can see in some films.
One famous writer, Uxio Novoneyra, said that “here you feel how small man is”.

A.M.A.G.

CERNADELA´S BRIDGE

2005-10-18T08:24:00.000-07:00

CERNADELA’S BRIDGE

Once upon a time, in a village called Mondariz, Romans, on the second century, decided to build a bridge to cross Tea River and continue with their conquest around Spain.
Although it was restored on the XVII century, nowadays, Cernadela´s Bridge preserves its old-age charm.
But not only the bridge is wonderful, the place where it is situated, the nature which surrounds it and the clear water of Tea River makes of this environment an unforgettable place.
Besides you can enjoy the fluvial beaches next to the bridge, have a picnic in its borders and go for a walk across the wood and tracks.
Every body who visit this place, feel delighted, loosed, quiet, as if all their problems would disappear.
I recommend you to come to Mondariz village and visit Cernadela´s Bridge, I don’t lie to you.

N.S.G.

ILLA DE ONS

2005-10-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

I was on the Island of Ons 2 years ago and I’m going to tell you what I can remember about it and the reasons why you should visit this island.
Ons Island is in the northwest of Spain, in Galicia, concretely in the province of Pontevedra. Ons Island has been declared National Park of the Atlantics Islands of Galicia in 2002.
If you want to spend the night on the island you can sleep en “Casa Acuña”, “Casa Checho” or sleep in the camping zone.
The prize of those establishments (Casa Acuña and Casa Checho) depends on the time to stay. If you want to spend your holidays in those establishments or in the camp I recommend you to book in advance because there is great demand. Due to it’s geographic characteristics, on the island, the light is limited to eight hours of artificial light to day.
The campsite is regulated by a state organism. This campsite is situated in the zone called “Chan da Pólvora”. It’s completely free but you can only camp there for 7 days. There is also another campsite near “Playa Melide”. This camp isn’t organized, is free, anarchic and a bit spoiled.
The places of tourist interested are:
· “O buraco do inferno”: “Devil hole”
It’s a dangerous hole that goes down vertically to the sea. In the steep hill slope there is a cross that reminds us of a sea guard that died when he slipped and fell into the hole. The hole is extremely dangerous.
· “Playa Melide”: “Melide beach”
It’s a nudist beach. It’s the best beach on the island. It’s the place where we can find the anarchic and a bit spoiled campsite.
· “Playa Fedorentos”: “Fedorentos Beach”
It’s the beach the most difficult access.
· “Playa de Pereiro”: Pereiro beach”
Al low tide you can see the rocky reef.
· “Fedorentos viewpoint”
· “Laxe do Crego”
It’s a small island with an anthropomorphic tomb where a monk was buried a long time ago. At low tide you can access from Area dos Cans beach.
The main reasons to visit the Isla de Ons are to enjoy the fantastic landscape and above all peace. It’s a perfect place to relax and forget about the annoying noises of the city. It’s also a perfect place to travel with children because they can play along the calm places. It’s a wonderful place for holidays for people of all ages. I recommend it as a holiday spot for anyone who loves peace and quiet.

SILVIA

CASTLE OF SAN ANTON

2005-10-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

This castle was built by Pedro Rodríguez Muñiz in the Renaissance. The construction began on a former leper hospital on the island of San Anton, where there was a chapel dedicated to San Anton, in the second half of the 16 th century.

This construction was created to serve as the defence of the port of A Coruña.

This fortress, however, served other purposes as well. It was a prison until 1960, in this year, the war ministry handed over this fortress to the council of A Coruña, and he proposed that this historical building was restored to convert it into the museum.

This museum presents different aspects of the providence and in particular, the city of A Coruña. In the castle there is an interesting collection of craftsmanship made of gold and silver dating of Roman times. In this museum, more over, you can see other important aspects of the past of Galicia.

This construction is fantastic,it is an important symbol of A Coruña and I think that if you visit this marvellous city you must go to see it. In this place you can learn a lot of things of A Coruña, and enjoy very much.

By MªJosé P.T

"THE BEACH OF SAMIL"

2005-10-18T08:17:00.000-07:00

The beaches of Galicia are in my opinion the most beautiful of Spain. Some of these beaches, for instance “la Lanzada” are spectacular.
There is only one beach that I don’t like at all, it is Samil. This beach is situated in Vigo. I had never good experiences there.
My first bad experience was when I was five years old, I was playing with some friends when I got lost from them, I was really scared and I did not found help from nobody. There was not almost “puestos de proteccion civil”. I walked alone more or less one hour until my family found me.
Two years ago I went there after “San Juan” party, the beach in some parts was full of trash, and while I was walking, I cut with a broken bottle in my foot.
It’s a pity that a big and beautiful beach like Samil is so untidy

"FESTA DA ISTORIA"

2005-10-18T08:16:00.000-07:00

This party is celebrated the last weekend of August in Ribadavia. A festa da istoria is considered of national tourist interest. This party recreates the medieval epoch.
The streets of Jewish district are full of medieval adornments and there are a lot of street markets where you can found wine cups like a souvenirs, ceramic, earrings, handbags, etc… but if you want buy something anywhere you can’t pay with euros, you must change it for “maravedies”, the typical coin.
In this party, people cover the streets and the square dressed with beautiful costumes (some of these are authentic works of art)
Also you can assist to the activities and spectacles with horses, birds of prey etc. Music plays in the square and everyone show their costumes and drink wine.
I recommend visiting this village and this party; is very nice and funny
Begoña M.R.

BAIONA IN SUMMER

2005-10-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

BAIONA IN SUMMER

Baiona is a seaside tourist small town in the South of Galicia. It has a beautiful sea, it is very cold but I think it is wonderful because there are many waves and they leave a nice smell.

Summer is the best season to go to Baiona because you can combine the seaside with the green countryside. All of this makes Baiona an unforgettable place.

Firstly, Baiona has an old quarter with many narrow streets where you can go for a walk to discover the history of this small city. Also you can go out everyday from around eight o’clock to the next morning to eat and to go to the night party.

In summer Baiona offers many events as concerts, theatre, festivals and many activities for the leisure time. They are very interesting and you can enjoy yourself a lot.

You can go to the beaches because there are many of them although they are small, but you can relax by yourself or with your friends.

If you don’t stay in Baiona you can go to “Islas Cies”, these islands are a part of the “National Park of the Atlantic Ocean”. This place offers you an unforgettable island where you can enjoy with the clear and great sea, you can do trekking and you can have a nice day with the wonderful views.

In Islas Cies and in Baiona you can practise many water sports, horse riding, trekking, and sailing. I think that you can spend a wonderful moment in this place because there are many things to do and to visit while you do sunbathing.

Moreover, Baiona has a port where you can go fishing and you can spend the time knowing many people and discovering new sort of fish.

If you want to visit monuments, you can do also because Baiona is full of important places to visit. You can go to the Virgen de la Roca situated in a nice place where you can discover the nice views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can visit the Carabela La Pinta where you can see things which Colon took from America.

Finally, this beautiful small city offers a great cuisine. There is a traditional cuisine with a variety of seafood. There are many restaurants which offer you lobster, crabs, octopus, barnacle. It is fantastic, all is delicious, you have to go there!!!!

GFI

WELCOME TO LUGO'S RIBEIRA SACRA

2005-10-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

Lugo’s Ribeira Sacra is a very well known place in Galicia for its impressive heritage as well as well looked after nature.
There are very important monasteries and convents with a remarkable value in this place. This makes up the most characteristic features of Lugo’s Ribeira Sacra.
The most important pilgrims’ route, the French Trail, crosses the area passing through Portomarín and Paradela. In Portomarín I’d recommend you accomodate in a youlth hostel, because people are very friendly and the atmosphere is comfortable.
If we talk about the landscape, the Miño and Sil rivers as well as the Faro and Farelo mountains dominate this area forming the Central Galician Mountains, and the more remarkable thing is the spectacular Sil Canyon. In this place you can see free animals and the virgin nature from the catamaran.

A catamaran does a trip along this canyon and also along of the rest of the Ribeira Sacra. This trip is very special for the visitors, because they can admire the magnificent views from the top of the riverbanks. The well known wine of Ribeira Sacra is cultivated on the hills. I’d reccommend you to visit the cave “Vía Romana”, where you can taste one of best wines of Ribeira Sacra and galician cheese.

Accommodation in this place is offered by manor houses and rural tourism houses, which have a comfort with quality service and a lot of local and hand made products. About this, I would tell you go to “Pazo do Piñeiro”.It is a very comfortable place from where you can enjoy the best landscape and you can combine modern comfort with all delights of a country living.

If you like visit this area, I wouldn’t recommend you to come in winter because of the weather. It’s usually cold and rainy.
By: María Vila

"BAIXADA DE CARRILANAS DE SANTA CRUZ DE ARRABALDO"

2005-10-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

I’m going to tell you something about the “Carrilanas’ Descent” in Santa Cruz de Arrabaldo. A “carrilana” is like a car without motor, it’s like a kart but made with wood, iron, hard plastic, carbon fibre… and its wheels could be made of wood, iron, or they could be tyres.
Carrilanas’ making is very traditional in the North of Spain: in Galicia, Asturias, País Vasco and Navarra, but in País Vasco and Navarra they are not called “carrilanas”, they are called “Goitik-Beherak” or “Goitibeheras”.
There are a lot of important Descents in Galicia: Esteiro, Vimianzo, Valdoviño, Negreira, Lestedo. Laxe, Fisterra, Cartelle and, since 1998, the Carrilanas’ Descent in Santa Cruz de Arrabaldo too.
The Carrilanas’ Descent in Santa Cruz de Arrabaldo it’s made in a road from the Railway Station to Os Veleiros. There are different kinds of carrilanas and there are prizes for the fastest carrilanas. And there is a prize for the funniest carrilana and for the most original carrilana.
A lot of people come from all over Galicia to run with their carrilanas and even from places like Asturias, Valencia, Alicante… Year after year more people come to Santa Cruz to watch the descent. And if the year before there were many falls, it would be more people to watch the descent!
I recommend you to come to this village next summer in August to watch the “IX Baixada de Carrilanas de Santa Cruz de Arrabaldo”.
>>Elda Glez. Fdez. <<

CARBALLINO

2005-10-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

I'm going to talk you somethig about Carballino. I went to Carballino many times this summer because I was working there.

Although this village is not visited for a great quantity of tourists, from my point of view it has some beautiful and amazing things to bee seen.

"The Municipal Park" has a surface of 32 hectares, with many different species of plants, trees and animals. This park is beside the Arenteiro river. It's a suitable place to go for a walk.

The most outstanding monument of Carballino is the "Veracruz Church"; it was built in the XX century. Different architectural styles can be observed in this religious work.

In this village, we can find two health resorts which are famed in the entire of the province. These thermal waters are used in bathing and drinks because of its properties.

The most important celebration in Carballino is the "Octopus Party" which is celebrated in the municipal park the second Sunday of August every year. More than 50.000 people go this day to Carballino to taste this typical Galician food.

In Carballino, you can find nature, heritage and gastronomy in the same village. Spend some of your free time in Carballino. You'll enjoy it a lot.

CCS

A WALK ALONG XINZO DE LIMIA

2005-10-11T17:45:00.000-07:00

“Xinzo de Limia” is a small town in the south of Ourense. It is the centre of a region called “A Limia”.
This small town has a Romanesque origin. It is a peaceful place to live all the year. In summer, there are more people. Sometimes there are a lot of people, above all the days 14 and 27 because it is the village market. I like this market very much, I recommend it to you. The families of Xinzo and the nearby villages go to the market to buy and then go to eat the octopus (typical food in the village markets of Galicia). I love to spend this moment with my family in summer.
In addition, Xinzo has a very important party: the Carnival is the most important celebration in this place. Xinzo is one of the most important centres of Carnival in Ourense.
In this celebration some people are dressed with the typical clothes of the Carnival. In this village, there is a typical costume and a lot of people wear this costume in these days. The clothes are very simple but the mask is very expensive because the fabrication is difficult. The name of the costume is “pantalla”.
I never wear this costume but I wear other clothes. During the Carnival, people dance, drink and run along the village. The celebration concentrates in the old part of the village. In this place, there are a lot of bars where people drink wine and eat savouries. You can eat octopus, clams, ear of pig, shis kebabs, pie, croquettes, rumps of frog, etc. I recommend you these bars: “Arcos” and “Toño o Meco” because the savouries are delicious.
Xinzo is in the “Ruta de la Plata” (Silver Route). This is one of the routes in the “Camino de Santiago” (the capital of Galicia).
Moreover, Xinzo is surrounded by a lot of little villages with a special spell where where you can visit the most beautiful places in nature.

Tixa

SAN PEDRO DE ROCAS

2005-10-11T08:51:00.000-07:00

In San Pedro de Rocas you will find the most ancient monastery in the Riveira Sacra, and it’s also probably the best preserved in Galicia and in Europe. I had seen lots of photos from San Pedro de Rocas but I never could imagine that it was located in a so incredible place and how the eremites built the monastery and the church. When I got in the church I was fascinated : there were three chapels sculpted in to the rock and anthropomorphic tombs under my feet! The bell tower is sculpted on a big rock, there is a very small and steep staircase . The bell tower offers you superb views of the countryside . The essence of this place is the quietness in the nature. If you go to Ourense don’t miss it!. You will enjoy a charming trip through the time.
RCC

PORTONOVO

2005-10-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

Portonovo is a magic place. You can find beach, entertaiment, nature, a wonderful gastronomy...

In Portonovo there are urban beaches such us Baltar and Caneliñas and a wilder beach called Canelas. My favourite beach is Canelas because it’s a calm beach, the sand is very thin, the water isn’t very cold and during the week there isn’t a lot of people. Canelas has a sand dunes perfectly preserved and rocky hills. The Punta Seame ‘s cape is a very beautiful and magic place. There is a lot of calm. There, you can to admire espectacular sightseeings. Every year I go to fishing to Punta Seame with my father and my cousins.

Another thing that I like of Portonovo is its gastronomy and its restaurants. I love its seafood and fish. If you want to eat very well, I recommend Compostela restaurant (its speciality is fish stews and paella of sellfish) and Mesón El Vagabundo (its speciality is ray stew).

And if you want to enjoy Portonovo’s night, I recommend to go to Zoo, La Pirámide and Canelas disco. These discos have the latest technologies of sound, light and image. The night of Portonovo has become famous in Galicia and in the rest of Spain.

Visit Portonovo and you will to come back.

Silvia

2005-10-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

"FESTA DA ISTORIA"

2005-10-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

This year I visited “A Festa da Istoria”. It’s celebrated, every year, in Ribadavia ( capital of the historic Ribeiro region) the last weekend of August.
This event has been recognised National Tourist Interest. It pretends to remember the village’s history and its traditions. The people dress in typical clothes of the period and they use the maravedí, the currency of the time.
Within “A Festa da Istoria” I would emphasize the “Boda Judía” (representation of interest wedding). The activity is followed by hundreds of people, because of its dresses and its Sephardic chants. It’s a singular activity and it has to be seen to be believed.

LARA F.V.

XINZO'S CARNIVAL

2005-10-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

Xinzo de Limia is a village in Ourense. It is situated 40 km away from Ourense approximately.

From my point of view, this village celebrates one of the best carnivals of Galicia end even of Spain. It is celebrated in february or march.
As everywhere, in this celebration it is typical that people get dress up as they like. But besides this,there exists a traditional fancy dress called "Pantalla", that almost looks like a devil with a mask with horns and white clothes with a red cape and cowbells around the waist. In his hands the "Pantalla" holds many blown up bladders with which he makes a strange noise while he jumps up and down and runs all along the streets.
It is amazing to see how in this carnival, all people wear a fancy dress or something funny when they go out. The reason for this is because all people want to have a good time and lots of fun. But also, because if a group of "Pantallas" see somebody without a disguise they take this person and he has to invite them to a round of wine.
In this way, when you arrive to Xinzo, you can perceive an incredible carnival atmosphere. You see young and old people dancing and singing in the streets or simply taking a walk, but all disguised, of course.
Besides in Xinzo there is a street in the old part of the village where you can find a lot of fantastic and rustic pubs where you can eat a wide variety of "tapas", that is to say, small portions of octopus, squids,snails,pie or potato omelete, with their tipycal little cups of wine. During the carnival these pubs are full of people.

To sum up, going to Xinzo at this time of year means guaranted fun!

EVA CID

NOIA

2005-10-11T08:15:00.002-07:00

This summer I stayed in Noia, it is known by a lot of things such as its big beaches (Testal, Boa, Taramancos...), its shops (Noia has a shopping centre), its churches (such as San Martiño Church, Santa María A Nova Church...), its landscape (for example, in my case, I went to San Lois forest, where I could see the view of all the village), its history an its kind people.

I would like to point out that Noia has an estuary "Ría de Muros e Noia"; in the olden days the estuary was the income´s source, however nowadays the estuary is very dirty and it is imposible fishing to eat. From my point of view this situation makes the image of Noia degrade. I think that it will be very important to take a decision to control the estuary: cleaning it, keeping an eye on the estuary to prevent that this situation happens again.

Near Noia there are a lot of places (such as Ribeira, Rianxo, Muros, Camariñas, Muxía...) that are also attractive; you can pron to stay in the hotels of the village because Noia is in a central position respect to them.

Noia receives a great deal of tourists from all parts of the world, I met french, italian, english and deutch people. In this way, the tourism means a large part of the village´s income.

NATALIA GODÓN

Illa de Ons

2005-10-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

Last summer, I went to “Illa de Ons” (Pontevedra). It’s part of the National Park of the Atlantic Islands.
I like this place very much because it has important natural resources and they’re well preserved. In addition, the island has beautiful views and appropriate beaches to enjoy the sun without the problems of an overcrowded beach. You can go everywhere walking along the different trails of the island.

On the other hand, on the Ons island you don’t have many things to do (you can´t go shopping or to a disco…), and to reach the island the only way is by boat.
The gastronomy is something notorious on the island. Fish is used to elaborate the main dishes but, without doubt, octopus is the “King” of Ons’ cooking.

I recommend holidays on the island only to people who are looking for a quiet environment. If you prefer to visit and walk on the island, a weekend could be enough for you!!!

Ah! Don’t forget anybody lives there in winter! So, if you want to visit the island choose the summer!

Laura

THE PARTY OF ESQUECEMENTO IN XINZO DE LIMIA

2005-10-11T07:59:00.000-07:00

Last summer I was in the party of Esquecemento.
The party of Esquecemento is a festival celebrated in Xinzo de Limia the penultimate weekend of August.
The party represents the invasion of the Romans in Xinzo where the Celts were living.
The Romans finished with the legend of the place because it claimed that if a person crossed the river Limia, Lethes or river of oblivion would lose his memory; so, nobody crossed it. Until Decimo Xuño Bruto (roman head) arrived.
Here started a battle where the Romans won. The celt head died and Decimo Xuño Bruto invaded Xinzo de Limia.
The party recreates this event which started five years ago. People build their own roman or celt houses in a camp and they wear clothes as the ones worn at that time.
The streets are authentic roman markets where people can buy handicrafts.
Moreover, there are many activities such as fights of gladiators, a roman circus, many processions of the roman and celt troops...
People live three intense days in their roman and celt huts built for the party by them, where they recreate the traditions of an ancient culture.
In Xinzo de Limia, there is a warm environment dominated by the entertainment and the legend where the visitors can enjoy of an intense tradition and of a funny party.
This is the ideal spot to know the culture of other times and to enjoy the numerous attractions which are waiting to be discovered.
I recommend you to go because it’s worthwhile.

LYDIA

A PARADISE INTO THE NATURE

2005-10-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

This summer I was only in Ourense, I didn’t spend time in any other place.
But in these two or three months I was in several places, village parties, nice places …; one of these places is ‘A Fervenza do Barbantiño: O Cachón’, an impressive waterfall situated near my village, in the council of Amoeiro.
To reach this nice place you have to walk for about thirty minutes through the woods. In your way towards the waterfall, you can discover a lot of colours and several forms joined to the vegetation in existence.
When you arrive to the central element of this place, the waterfall, you can use the old water channels to the mills to reach one of the tops, from which, you can see the great spectacle this natural resource makes. Only the din of the waterfall breaking in thousands of foams breaks the calm and peace that reigns into the environment.
Also, O Cachón is a point of the rambling route known as ‘Barbantiño´s rambling route’ that joins the councils of San Cristovo de Cea, Vilamarín, Punxín, Maside and Amoeiro; this route marks, inside Amoeiro´s council, a tour of Galicia’s country houses, churches …
Finally, I recommend visiting this incredible natural place because of its beauty and because it’s an ideal place to learn things about our ancestors’ culture.

El Boss.

ALLARIZ: A GALICIAN PARADISE

2005-10-11T07:36:00.000-07:00

The zone of the " Alto Arnoia ", with extraordinary landscapes, it has its centre in the villa of Allariz.

Allariz is located in the province of Ourense, to 21 km from the city and by the highway A52 or the way N525, with direction Madrid.

Declared national united historic - artistic and, in the antiquity, Court of the Romanic, in the last years it has became a european referent in the refinantiation and conservation of it architectonic patrimony, and for this it has received a lot of rewards.

Walking trough its streets, visiting the monasteries of Sta. Clara and the ancient zone or enjoying of the silencious rumour of the river Arnoia, hardly broken for the squawks of the swan and ducks in the midle of the villa, is an single experience.

Montederramo

2005-10-11T07:34:00.000-07:00

Montederramo is a village situated in the “Ribeira Sacra”, in Ourense`s region. It is 900 metres high; consequently it is a mountain village. You can arrive to Montederramo by the C-356 Road, from Ourense to Ponferrada, and it is 42 kilometres from Ourense.

The principal attraction of this village is its Monastery, called Santa María de Montederramo. It is the second important monastery in Galicia, after Oseira`s Monastery. Nowadays there aren’t any monks there, but one part of it is the Public School of Montederramo and the other part is used to be visited by the tourist and people in general. The Monastery has a simple front, although there are inside different art styles such us Romanesque, Baroque, Gothic and Renacentist. This one was declared “Monumento Nacional” in 1951. You must visit it because it’s impressive!

Furthermore, Montederramo has a Roman bridge and an important transept.

In addition, in Montederramo is the “Sierra de San Mamede”, where people like practicing a lot of sports as cycling, equine, climbing and different routes.

In summer, a lot of children pass their holidays in its youth hostel where they can visit this wonderful village and it’s “Aula da Natureza”. In this time, the 15th of August it is celebrated the popular party of the village in honour of Santa María. The 12th of October you must try to go to the “Festa da Carne” where you can eat the best meat of the region and drink a lot of wine of the Ribeira Sacra.

In winter, Montederramo looks so white and so beautiful that the people who go to the nearby Manzaneda`s Sky Resort always stop there to admire its landscape.

I recommend you to pass a long weekend in this village, it’s great!

I. Ferreiro

FESTA DO QUEIXO

2005-10-11T07:33:00.000-07:00

Hi friends! I will talk about the “Festa do queixo” of Arzúa. Is this, the best party is celebrated in this village;it is celebrated the first weekend of March. The event starts on Saturday with inauguration and concerts in the main square of village where a lot of people from different places of Galicia arrive. When the concerts finish the party continues in all the pubs and bars, that stay open until the following day.
Sunday, is the big day. In the morning is when the fair of the cheese is celebrated. There are a lot of people because it is one of the best gastronomic fairs in Galicia. After that, in the fair in adiction to cheese you can eat different meals as “pulpo a galega”. In the afternoon you can enjoy the various attractions and a party in the river Iso until the night when the concerts star.
In my opinion, this party is the best party of the year in this village and I recommend that you visit it because it is worthwhile and you will enjoy a lot, know new people…

BETANZOS

2005-10-11T07:31:00.000-07:00

Betanzos is a magnificent place situated in the northeast of Galician among two rivers Mendo and Mandeo .This is an interesting Medieval village full of many different levels on the ground .In this village, we can see a lot of medieval churches built in the XIV and XV century such as Saint Jaques , Santa María de Azougue and Santo Domingo.
Betanzos is called the city of the lord because in the medieval ages a lot of lords went to live there because it was cool . The most important family in this age was the Andrade`s family who was very important in Galicia .This family was the owner of a lot of countries such as Ferrol , Pontedeume , Neda, Villalba …their symbols were the bear that means strength and wild boar that means intelligence.
Besides this,Garcia brothers were very famous in the village ,who built a lot of incredible buildings so everybody can enjoy them such as The Past time park (a didactic park where poor people could learn through things ,pictures , sculptures … in the park), the school for handicapped children … built in the XIX century.
These brothers were emigrants and they got rich in South America , it was in this time when they got back to their village to help the rest of people to improve their lives.
In addition to this, in Betanzos we can visit As Mariñas museum that shows Galicia history .And of course , we can eat in a lot of restaurants and going out at night .
So , this is an incredible place which I recommend .

By Guadalupe Domínguez Sanmartín

RINLO (Lugo)

2005-10-11T07:24:00.000-07:00

It’s a small village situated in Lugo’s coast or “Mariña Lucense”. It’s located between the famous “Cathedrals’ Beach” and the limit with Asturias.

The houses, are situated in the right bank of a little river, and very close to the Cantabric Sea. The closest houses to the sea, don’t have windows in this side of the house, to protect them from the severity of the Cantabric. Also, to protect the village from the sea, there is an impressive dock. The coast is rocky with a lot of steeps and grottos, where the shellfish has an authentic paradise.

But their principal attractive is that the village seems like a century ago, when it was an important whale fishing port. I can also point up, the restaurant of the “Brotherhood of Fishermen”, the second oldest brotherhood in Spain, when you can enjoy the excellent shellfish of this coast.

A grey day with bad weather, and the Cantabric anger, breaking in the steeps, will surely make a spell on you.

By Diego

BURELA

2005-10-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

This summer I spent a lot of time in my town: Burela, so I'm going to speak about it.
Burela is at the Cantabric coast of Galicia, at the North of Lugo, so, in summer, this area isn't very hot but quite sunny. In my town you can find some beaches to enjoy your free-sunny-days: A Marosa, the big one with so many services for tourists but quite far from the centre; O Portelo, that is near the town centre and it has bars and cafés (both A Marosa and O Portelo have the EU-quality-blue-flag) Also we have some smaller beaches: O Cantiño, Ril... those beaches are ideal if you want a relax-beach-time.
If you want to visit traditional places you can go to the typical neighborhoods of Vila do Medio (and visit the Gothic church) and O Porto (near the port, with some ancient "hórreos") Also you can visit a traditional tuna-museum-boat where you will see a real tuna-fishing-boat so typical from Burela.
In summer there are so many festivals; the most important are Feira do Bonito, Romería Monte Castelo (both in August) and the village festival in May-June. Feira do Bonito is a gastronomic festival where people eat tuna (typical fish in Burela, whose port is one of the most important in tuna-fishing in the Cantabric Sea); Romería Monte Castelo is a festival in the Monte Castelo mountain, where people camp with their families or friends and stay there for two days (and two nights...!); in this festival there are orchestras and groups to dance all the night. And finally, the most important festival is the village festival (12 or 15 days in May/June), those days there are many tourists in Burela to enjoy the concerts of Spain-famous-groups and Galician orchestras, also you can see the floral carpets on the centre-town streets, processions of boats at the Cantabric... and that's so funny.

Monforte de Lemos

2005-10-11T07:17:00.001-07:00

Monforte de Lemos is a village in the southwest of Lugo. There are a lot of historical buildings there, so it is a rather interesting place, and it is only about half an hour away by car from Orense. I love the atmosphere and the friendly people. There are two small hotels and several restaurants that serve a good range of traditional food; I recommend you "La Polar" restaurant, it is a must!

One of the places I like the most is the high part of the town, where the " Torre del Homenaje" is,it was built in the 12th century by the Lemos Count. Near the tower is the "Palacio de Alba" and the "San Vicente do Pino" monastery; it is a Renaissance monastery with a beautiful Gothic church that nowadays is a Parador.

I also recommend you to visit " El Colegio de la Compañía", well-known as the "Galician Escorial".There, you can find the "Nosa señora da Antiga" museum;it is one of the most important art galleries in Galicia where you can see El Greco paintings.

The sacred art museum in the Santa Clara's Convent, founded in 1622, is also very interesting. This museum has very important sacred art pieces such as " The Cristo yacente" and " The Inmaculada" both created by Gregorio Fernández.

Finally if you are in Monforte do not forget to try the rolls in the " Seis Bar" and then go for a walk along the river Cabe bank, the Cardenal street or the Jewish district, you will not regret it!

O CEBREIRO

2005-10-11T07:14:00.001-07:00

O CEBREIRO
I worked in O Cebreiro two summers ago. It´s a lovely place but it´s far too tourist.
Being in O Cebreiro was an unforgettable experience because people who work there are really authentic. They made me feel good from the first time.
The settlement of O Cebreiro was known by the Romans as the access route to central Galice. The same route was later followed by pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. In fact, pilgrim’s guidebooks always mention O Cebreiro.
O Cebreiro is in the middle of the mountains of O Caurel and Os Ancares. You can see a wonderful panoramic view, 1300 metres are under your feet!
The palloza is a pre-romanic dweling and it has survived until modern times. Today, four belong to the State; two comprise the Ethnographical Museum and other two give sometimes shelter to pilgrims. A custodian – Manolo – looks after the pallozas.
Finally, I say you that a Xacobeo year is not the best option to walk to Santiago.
E.C.H. October 2005.

RIBADAVIA: A MIDDLE- AGED VILLAGE

2005-10-11T07:13:00.000-07:00

Rivadavia is one of the most beautiful middle- aged villages of Ourense. This village has one of the most important architectonic and artistic heritages from this province. Walking along its roads you can imagine the splendour of the village years ago by its famous Castle (owned by one of the most important families of the Middle Ages in Spain, Sarmiento´s family), its marvellous chapels, churches and monasteries (all of them surrounded by wonderful nature scenery) and the Jewish neighbourhood which introduces us in an atmosphere of economical and social success and strength of Ribadavia through the centuries. The most representative festival of its splendour in the Middle Ages is “A Festa da Istoria”; were everybody is dressed up as the people from this period and, during a few days, represent the way of life and the culture of the Middle Ages.
Ribadavia is also placed in the heart of Ribeiro´s region, which is famous because of its wine. That´s why Ribadavia is also famous for its wine growing tradition (its wine is served in restaurants all over the world). This wine growing tradition also has a representative festival that attracts lots of people: “A Feira do Viño”, where you can test different types of wine from the Ribeiro and from other places of Spain.
I recommend every body to visit Rivadavia because of the reasons I have described before. It is a must!!!!

¡¡Bixo!!

Combarro

2005-10-11T07:05:00.000-07:00

I went to Combarro two summers. The first time I went to this little village near Pontevedra was in the 1999 and the second time was in 2003. IT shows the typical structure of a Galician village inhabited by fishermen: little houses made of stone, little streets (some of them made of carved stone), a little dock used by fishermen, and a little church with a beautiful cloister. In Combarro, you can enjoy very good fish and seafood: the best in the area. To arrive there it is easy: there is a motorway which goes to Vigo (very near), an airport in Vigo and, of course, you can arrive using a ship.
I recommend Combarro to everybody who wants to know about the traditional way of building and the traditional way of life of a part of Spain called Galicia. However, if you decide to spend your holiday there, you should know that Combarro is very little and there isn’t a big amount of good hotels or restaurants. There, people’s job is, in a lot of cases, fishing in the sea or sailing. Peasants started to open hotels and restaurants a few years ago, so they don’t have a lot of experience talking about tourism. On the other hand, Vigo and Pontevedra are very near and you can find there services that are not available in Combarro.

BY S.G.G.

CABO HOME (Melide Beach)

2005-10-05T14:23:00.000-07:00

The spot is in a village called “Cangas do Morrazo” which is near Vigo city, exactly in front of Vigo on the other side of the bay.Cabo Home is a cape of the Hio Peninsula. Its views are spectacular because, precisely, “Islas Cies” are in front of this and “Isla de Ons” is close too.Between “Cabo Home” and “Cabo de Couso” there is a peaceful beach (“Melide”) with a lot of dunes completely deserted. When one arrives here, one has the impression of being the first human being to step foot on the beach, like a secret paradise. A leafy pine forest located behind (that could become a part of Parque Nacional Marítimo Terrestre de las Islas Cies in a no remote future) shields it from the wind. Moreover, there are a typical coastal lighthouse and other modern sculptures that increase the attractive.But it has a difficult access because the road is very bad. It’s recommendable go by 4x4 car. Perhaps the reason is that authorities prefer avoid massive visits which can put in danger this rich picture.In spite of this problem it’s worth to visit it.

By Alexandra

Route of Grinders, MoaÑa

2005-10-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

I’m going to describe my beautiful and special place. It is located in the heart of my village, Moaña, and it is a small route up the river, where a big “collection” of grinders are located.
Spring is the best season to go there but in summer it is also really amazing. Colours are really special because you are completely inside the nature. If you are there, you’ll feel like you were inside a picture, taking part of it.
Some of these grinders are still working today and this summer I could visit one, because a friendly family invited me and my parents to visit it. Here I could imagine how our ancestors were. They were waiting all night keeping an eye on the grinders while they were dancing and singing around them.

By: Eva

FESTA DO MARISCO

2005-10-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

This event is celebrated in “O GROVE” (Pontevedra). This party is normally celebrated during the first week of October offering a lot of activities such as stands where people sell seafood, folk tradition of Galicia and Portugal, exhibition of seafood that is still alive, seminaries, gastronomic journeys …

The party is located in O Grove’s port. The central activity is an amply offer of seafood with a moderate price.

Besides, O Grove offers a lot of tourist activities such as aquarium, ships with crystal floors where you can see the bottom of the sea, a lot of peaceful beaches where you can swim, rent boats…

Every week, on Friday, a fair is celebrated where you can buy a lot of products with a very cheap price and you can find lots of clothes, kitchen utensils…

I recommend this village if you want a peaceful place where you spend your holidays or simply a weekend if you want to do something different from other days.

Pablo (Termy).

Festa do monte

2005-10-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

This party is in a Guardia, Pontevedra. This party is celebrated the second week of August. It’s very funny.

In this party people walk to the top of a mountain. In this mountain there is a virgin “Virgin of Santa Tecla”. People carry up bottles and carafes of red wine. There are people of all ages. There are children, young people and adults. People go in groups. Every group has got a hymn. The group plays its hymn all the time. If people haven’t got a group, they can go with them. Some people go behind the groups.

On the mountain, people drink wine and they throw wine to other people. Then people have lunch. At night they descend to the port. And the party continues in the port until late at night.

There are a lot of people from this city and from other cities. People are very friendly.

This party is wonderful. I recommend it to everybody.

By: Rosa Mª Araujo Losada.

Santo Estevo

2005-09-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I went to Santo Estevo and I was susprised to see how much it has improved since its opening. I had lunch with my family and the restaurant was really good, although a bit expensive. We had Celtic pork and it was delicious. They say Celtic pigs are different from the ones we know: they have bigger ears and more hair (that´s what they told me, I haven´t seen anyone). After having eaten we visited the monastery and its gardens. It was peaceful and quiet. A delightful afternoon. When you have some extra money, I recommend you to go. You won´t regret it.

Discovering Galicia

2005-06-22T22:35:00.000-07:00

The Castle of Maceda

Yesterday I had a very strange experience when I went to visit the Castle of Maceda. The place is classified as a monument hotel and I have no objection in admitting that the castle is really impressive and the views breathtaking. Joâo da Nova, an eminent navigator and discoverer, was born there and Alfonso X spend his childhood inside its premises, so ... a place full of history and possibilities.

However, the place was everything but magical. To start with, there is hardly any signpost on the road to indicate the entrance to the castle. It is easy to see it from the road but once you get there you go round and round trying to get in. Fortunately, neighbours are helpful and told us the way. Once inside, your first impression is a neglected garden, a blackboard with a menu that they do not serve and isolation. We looked for the person in charge and ask him to show us the rooms: it was getting dark already but there were burning hot, apparently because of problems in the construction. There is no air-conditioning and no intention of installing it as I knew when I asked. The decoration was fine, especially the bathrooms, but difficult to appreciate (and enjoy) because of the hot.
It was such a contrast between natural beauty and a botched job that everything appeared weird and sad.

They told me that while the castle was being restored they organized "terror shows" with people performing vampires, murderers, ghosts and so on. The works are over now but the spirit of distress seems to continue. And without actors.