5 best couple trip ideas to explore the most romantic Galicia
Galicia is closer to a world of fantasy than any other place in the world. The four Galician provinces share a magical and fabled essence that can’t be found anywhere else. These lands provoke unique feelings that can only be felt here, like morriña (a concept similar to the Portuguese word saudade), or a seductive romanticism described by the Galician poet Rosalía de Castro. Let’s discover some spots in Galicia that transform any romantic getaway into a deeper experience.
Couple trip ideas in Galicia you will never forget
Fairy tale forests, an indomitable sea, and unique gastronomy and traditions where legend and history merge together. That is Galicia. And that is what makes this land a very special destination if you are looking for couple trip ideas or romantic gifts for your soulmate.
Costa da Morte and the power of the elements
Although its name is somewhat dark, there is no doubt that this is one of the most beautiful and impressive places on the Iberian Peninsula. The grandiose and roaring Atlantic Ocean is in the spotlight. The elements show their true strength here and provide unforgettable sunsets and gorgeous beaches such as Carnota. This setting is meant for great passions.
The Costa da Morte expands along many kilometres of A Coruña’s coastline. You can do plenty of routes in a few days. Malpica is a good starting point, with its harbour of seafaring essence, 40 minutes from A Coruña and an hour and 15 minutes from Santiago de Compostela. Three days are enough to enjoy endless cliffs, coves, and desert islands, all while closely watching the seafaring tasks. For even shorter getaways, you can go straight to places as magical as the Cascada de Ézaro, a waterfall known as the ‘Galician Niagara.’
Frendoal, a enchanted forest
Let’s picture the greenest forest, umbrageous, with mantles of moss and ferns. You would expect elves to appear at any moment. And now, let’s add an antique aqueduct and medieval sarcophagi, now turned into stone benches where you can sit and soak up the magic around you. And there is more: an intriguing abandoned castle that rises in the heart of the forest, its tower, and its battlements.
This attractive place is actually real: it’s Finca do Frendoal, 39 kilometres from Pontevedra and 98 kilometres from Compostela. It used to belong to some aristocratic family and served as a place of entertainment filled with exotic trees and leisure spaces such as a croquet grass playing court and a hunting ground. Nowadays, this place is a gateway to a fairy tale. Besides, it is located in the charming area of Rías Baixas, whose coastline is wonderful as well.
Cascada de Vilagocende and its water show
We have already mentioned a cascade here, but the one in Vilagocente is the largest waterfall in Galicia, with a height of more than 50 metres. One hour and 15 minutes from Lugo, this breathtaking cascade is the culmination of an easy, one-kilometre-long route that begins at the closest village.
The path itself is wonderful, since it crosses dense forests and the purest nature. You will hear the crash of the waterfall before you see it—a hypnotic show that should be part of every loving getaway. The smell of the moist soil, the sunlight through the tree leaves, and the intimidating sound of the falling water delight every sense. Spring and autumn are the best times of the year to visit this waterfall, since it’s then when it carries the most water. It’s a refreshing and nice place in the summer, but mosquitoes are lurking. No matter the season of the year, this cascade is always charming and one of the most attractive corners of Lugo.
Thermal waters on the banks of the Miño River
Water is the main topic of most conversations about Galicia. Only 7 kilometres from the city of Orense, the Miño River carries salubrious water that emerges up to 60ºC and can be one of the most romantic plans in Galicia.
In Outariz, there are many options to spend a lovely time soaking in these waters. The Pozas de Outariz y Canedo are public thermal waters perfect to bathe and relax at any time of the year. The surrounding landscape is another great attraction, thanks to the close Miño River.
Although this is usually a quiet space, you will find an even more relaxing option near it: the Japanese-styled thermal bath of Outariz and its outdoor pools that also provide charming views of the Miño. But there is even more: after a brief route, you can enjoy more thermal baths, the Caldas de Muiño da Veiga. Here, the exuberant landscape hugs the five pools that constitute it.
Ons, the perfect island to get lost
The island of Ons stands at the entrance of the Pontevedra estuary and is part, together with Cíes, Sálvora, and Cortegada, of the Parque Nacional de las Islas Atlánticas (Atlantic Islands Natural Park). If you wish to get lost on an island with your partner, Ons is the right place. Unlike most of the islands in Galicia, you can stay the night here since it has a tiny population centre and accommodation services. You can camp here or rent a room or an apartment. So, if you dream of spending the night under the starry night in a small island, Ons is for you.
Discovering this island means finding fascinating beaches such as the Melide or Canexol beaches, but you can also complete hiking routes that lead to the most attractive spots on the island: Mirador de Fedorentos, Punta Xubenco, the popular Faro de Ons, or the ruins of the old fortress. The boats can be found in Vigo, Sanxenxo, Pontevedra, and many other locations, and the sailing trip takes around 40 minutes. Just be sure to remember that you will need the Xunta’s authorisation if you’re planning to visit during the peak season (from the middle of May to the middle of September), a procedure that will allow you to enjoy Ons.