Galicia’s best natural treasures
Galicia emerges in a corner of the Iberian Peninsula like a green, luscious, tiny miracle. The Atlantic magic has bestowed on it many places where it is easy to let your imagination run wild and dive into one of the many legends that surround the area. The sublime combination of ocean, forests and mountains in Galicia’s four provinces is always appealing. These are some of the best natural spaces in Galicia.
8 natural spaces in Galicia that should be on your bucket list
If there is something that stands out about every natural treasure in Galicia, it is how they remain unspoilt despite human activity. The local lifestyle has led to a harmonious balance, but many dramatic events have taken place too, like ravenous fires. There is another feature that stands out besides these gems’ ability to remain unspoilt, and that is their power to leave visitors speechless.
The Fervenza do Toxa
Galicia’s natural magic lies in places like this one. While the waterfall of Toxa falls 25 metres, every visitor falls in love with it.
The green-stained granite walls of the Fervenza do Toxa add some depth to the landscape. A forest that seems straight out of a fairy tale surrounds the area, the finishing touch to this perfect setting of natural charm that sits near the popular Santiago de Compostela.
The Syl Canyon
Galicia’s power isn’t only found in the ocean. The Sil River has meandered through this gorge for thousands of years. The majestic river creates its path, breaking through the rock formations. This spectacle has attracted visitors since ancient times, particularly those who try to come closer to the divine.
For this reason, this legendary area between Ourense and Lugo is popularly known as the ‘Ribeira Sacra’, covered by massive forests, the home of an invisible world, and the impressive viewpoints known as ‘Balcones de Madrid’.
The Beach of the Cathedrals
The Beach of the Cathedrals or the Beach of Augas Santas. These names remind us of a sacred, celestial dimension. And it is no surprise, because everything about this coastal corner between Foz and Ribadeo is supernatural.
Sculpted by the natural elements, this group of cliffs rises even to 32 metres in some areas and hides one of the most spectacular and gorgeous beaches in the world. Breathtaking arches have been carved on the rocks by nature, resembling a colossal temple. Its caves lead to the Earth’s remote past. A true symphony of sea, stone and wind.
The Fragas do Eume
The Fragas do Eume Natural Park is another emerald green forest, a breathtaking spot in the heart of A Coruña where sits one of the most exceptional Atlantic gallery forests. It is also considered one of the most precious forestal treasures in Spain.
These fragas, or oak forests, have remained almost untouched since prehistoric times. They are home to dozens of animal species, like the emblematic European wildcat or the golden-striped salamander.
The Seimeira de Vilagocende
The tallest waterfall in Galicia is located in eastern Lugo, in the heart of a quiet forest. Known as the Seimeira de Vilagocende, the cascade falls for 50 metres and dives into the Porteliña river, turning into a powerful white cloud after crossing a sharp cut on a rock, followed by a terrifying sound. The journey to the waterfall from A Fonsagrada is also a lovely experience in and of itself, surrounded by old hazels that will take you to this natural wonder.
The Sisargas Islands
There are many other islands in Galicia than the ones in the Islas Atlánticas National Park. The Sisargas are a great example. This tiny archipelago sits in front of the Costa da Morte. Since they sit far away from other islands and have remained almost a secret spot, these three small islands are still wild.
The only traces of human presence are a dock, a lighthouse and an old hermitage that was destroyed by the Normans. The power belongs to the sea birds that find an excellent sanctuary in this place.
The Dunes of Corrubedo
On the southeastern side of the province of A Coruña sits a heart-stopping landscape. It’s the Dunes of Corrubedo Natural Park, whose dunes are the only protected area of desertic nature in the region.
‘Galicia’s desert’ is composed of a giant moving dune that covers more than one kilometre and whose white sand rises 20 metres. The park also includes a beach, marshes and fresh and saltwater lagoons. It is no surprise that this is the most visited natural park in Galicia.
O Invernadeiro
The wildest and most mountainous Galicia awaits in the heart of the province of Ourense. O Invernadero covers around 6,000 depopulated hectares. This true mountain landscape includes many valleys and mounts and can reach a height of 1,600 metres.
The local silence warms the heart, and the softness of the landscape, filled with round shapes and low vegetation, is a true delight for the senses. Although it was once a hunting reserve for the elites, it is now a magnificent sanctuary of unaltered fauna and nature. The final dot on this journey of the most incredible natural wonders in Galicia.
You can also read this article in Spanish here.
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