Waking up at a temperature of 12 degrees, wrapped in a mist from a horror movie and breathing pure air like few others. In the background, a group of wild horses can be seen galloping at a brisk but carefree pace. Their manes are perfectly cut, as well as their tails: the rapa has just been celebrated, where the locals remove part of their hair so that they do not get entangled in the forests.
No, it is not a Nordic country, nor is it necessary to travel to the southern hemisphere. It is about the interior of Galicia, specifically a small enclave in the province of Pontevedra called Prado. In fact, it is not even a village, but a street that belongs to the parish of Santiago de Morgadáns, in the municipality of Gondomar. Located very close to the Monte Aloia natural park, this small enclave is surrounded by an overwhelming landscape and wrapped in a climate that will delight all those fleeing the heat.
Nearby is also Tuy, a city on the border with Portugal that was once the capital of the province and has one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the entire region. To top it off, staying in one of the rural apartments run by locals, such as A Lonquexa du Gañán or Aloia Nature, will make your memory of the gastronomic experience seem worthy of a dream over time.
Like this, there are many other places in the interior of Galicia that, despite not having infinite beaches and estuaries where you can taste the best seafood in the country, also offer cultural and gastronomic experiences that have nothing to envy to the first line of sea. We tour the interior of one of the most welcoming, peaceful and spectacular territories of our country.
We start in the province of Lugo, and we do it in one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. Yes, literally: Mondoñedo belongs to the association that selects the most charming municipalities, and in this case it is not an advertising strategy. Cobbled streets, illustrious facades and bars and restaurants with local products decorate an essential enclave if you enter or leave Galicia through the North.
It is a very popular stop for all those who walk the Camino de Santiago, so if you walk through its streets you will find a large number of pilgrims walking, eating or buying equipment in one of the sports shops dedicated to it. There are numerous hostels and hostels where you can stay, among which the Finca el Remanso or the Lumen hostel stand out. In addition, it is located just 20 minutes from Praia das Catedrais, making it the perfect destination if you also want to visit the coast at some point.
If we continue the route to the east, entering A Coruña, we find one of the most authentic havens of peace in Galicia. In this case, we recommend spending a few days in one of the rural houses around Santiago. In this case, the population of San Mamede has everything we are looking for if we want to isolate ourselves completely and mix completely with the locals.
Although it is not a very tourist destination, this corner surrounded by the Tambre River and which has several areas suitable for bathing, has its greatest attraction in the Casa Priorato San Martín. Built at the beginning of the 12th century, its interior has been completely restored and gives guests a very rustic atmosphere, with a charm and warmth that are very difficult to find. In addition to the dream breakfasts that are offered in a room made up of Victorian-style furniture, they also offer restaurant service with local dishes that will delight the most gourmets.
If we continue our route to the south, halfway between the Ría d’Arousa and the Ría de Pontevedra, we find A Armenteira, a place full of magic with a very special charm belonging to the Meis council, in Pontevedra. Once there, we must not forget, as obvious as it may seem, the monastery of Santa María da Armenteira, located on Mount Castrove and surrounded by a veritable spectacle of vegetation. In addition to visiting the mountain, to get there you can take the Ruta de Pedra e da Agua, which runs along the river and enters a landscape that is very worthwhile.
As an essential gastronomic offer, you should not leave the place without visiting one of the many furanchos, which are nothing more and nothing less than authentic Galician taverns where you will taste truly authentic cuisine. Among the most popular are Furancho de Juan, O Furancho Ángel or Casa Enrique Restaurant, all of them in Meaño. To sleep after a good banquet, the Madeinfofan Rural Suite is one of the most recommended options.
Before finishing our trip we could not avoid passing through the evocative province of Ourense. Luintra is our chosen place as base camp to visit the charms of the place, which are not few. The Ribeira Sacra is the jewel in the crown: it is a secret of the Galician interior that is gaining more and more popularity, especially this year. River boat routes, hiking, wine tourism or regional festivals are just some of the many activities that can be chosen in this magnificent territory of Ourense.
The Sil canyon is one of the most difficult postcards to forget, especially if you can see it from one of the many viewpoints that surround it on a route suitable for the whole family. Close by is, obviously, the capital. Ourense is not usually listed as one of the essential visits in Galicia, but its historic center deserves all the praise. In addition, the Os Viños tapas and pinchos route, which runs through the best bars in the city among its narrow and charming streets -Viriato, San Miguel and Lepanto are some of the most popular-, is one of the most authentic tapas experiences in the whole country. Do not forget to visit them all following the mandate of the local mantra: a skewer, a bar.
