Santiago’s zone of influence stretches through a score of municipalities, ranging from A Coruña to Pontevedra, all articulated around the river Ulla, while various branches of the Road to Santiago run nearby, too.

Hardly 10 km from the city lies a magical spot – Pico Sacro, a legendary hill as far as Galician culture and the Jacobean tradition are concerned. Located south-east of the city, its unusual outline rises sharply to a height of 533 metres. Santiago and the skyline of its Cathedral towers are visible in the distance from its summit.

Galicia is green, and the city of Santiago is also surrounded by green. Nature lovers can go on outings from the city to such amazing spots as the Fervenzas do Toxa, or to Insua; to unique forests like the Fraga de Catasós, with chestnut trees towering over thirty metres, or to mountain ranges like O Candán, with its ancient landscapes and great open spaces.

In a radius of just fifty kilometres you can discover the monumental wealth of such historic towns as Padrón or Melide, both directly related to the Road to Santiago; pazos (country homes) like the Pazo de Santa Cruz de Ribadulla, noteworthy for its camellias and centuries-old olives trees, and even places of quiet and repose like the Carboeiro Monastery, surrounded by splendid natural scenery.

Needless to say, being Galicia, it is also worth planning outings to try the delicious and abundant cuisine in Santiago’s environs, characterised by the use of fresh produce in season. Be sure to try the Padrón peppers, trout and lamprey, cocido (stew), beef, cheeses, melindres (honey fritters), filloa crêpes, almendrados (macaroons) and rosquillas (a ring-shaped pastry), and to end your trip by toasting with a local spirit.

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For further information on Santiago: www.santiagoturismo.com

For further information on the environs of Santiago: www.areasantiago.es

The stalls along the Calle Feria Market, also known as the Plaza de Abastos, have a life all of their own. When you approach the outskirts of the market you will be greeted by colourful stalls, wonderful aromas and the sounds of people talking and enjoying themselves. You may not find many tables free, so a lot of people eat and drink standing up. It gives you that wonderful feeling of having arrived somewhere you know you are really going to enjoy. The Cantina Bar in the calle Feria Market is one of the very best places to eat in all of Seville. After jostling for a table at any of the stalls surrounding the market, which are turned into improvised restaurants serving excellent fresh fish from the market, you order from the bar because it’s much quicker than waiting for anyone to take your order. Prawns, fried fish, squid and spicy chips and chilled beer. The waiter writes everything down on the bricks of the bar wall and asks your name. When your order is ready he calls out your name and you can go to the bar and collect your food.

It seemed like a good idea and I followed the ritual when I was there. When I ordered the food, I ordered the beer and before we could drink them my name was shouted. On that occasion when I returned to the table with the food, I found myself sharing the table with some pleasant locals who told me the pleasures of living in Seville. Good food and friendly conversation. If you are in Seville a visit here is essential.

Image: Anual

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Finisterre means the end of the world and so was considered by different cultures in ancient times, still believed that the earth was flat. This point, where is located the well-known Cape Finisterre , is the most western one to where pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago can arrive. They burned their clothes on the cliff and throwt their ashes into the sea as a symbol of purification.

The drive journey to Costa da Morte is the most suitable way to enjoy the magnificent views of the area . Before arriving at Faro Finisterre is a turnoff to the right that leads to Mount Facho, which houses the chapel of San Guillermo , related to beliefs about fertility. On the outskirts of this city stands the Church of Santa María das Areas , Romanesque style. This parish church houses Cristo dos Barbas Douradas , by which professes great devotion. Between Finisterre and Cabo da Nave it is the wild beach Mar de Fora , and open to the Atlantic Ocean surrounded by sharp cliffs. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of the coast.

A bit more to the south of Finisterre, we find a fishing village in the municipality of Dumbría O Ézaro , which houses a waterfall which has the distinction of being the only one in Europe that flows directly into the sea . It is recommended go and see it in winter as its volume rises as a result of heavy rains that increase its power and beauty.

Can not help but mention the seafood cuisine that is abundant in this Galician coast’s area. Finisterre is the realm of seafood and fish: barnacles, lobsters, scallops, clams, razor clams, cockles, sea bass … are some of the endless list of marine products that may be tested in these lands. Beef product is also of extreme quality, hence the famous Galician beef.

Don’t you feel like going to this land? Some of the best scenery in Galicia make this trip a visual feast!

Imagen de ricardo

By Blanca Frontera

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1 – A few pintxos through the old town

Yes, accompanied by a zurito and taking our time, a requirement. Walking from the port to the square of the constitution we can test any of these delicious miniatures as cod fritters, squid-in-its-ink croquettes , stuffed aubergines …. the list is endless and there is something for everyone.

2 – Palacio de Miramar

Located in one of the most beautiful places in the city, this English-style old building that used to house the Spanish royalty we can enjoy from one of the best views of the bay of San Sebastian and
its gardens.

3 – Kursaal

One of the most emblematic buildings of the city where (among other events) the famous San Sebastian International Film Festival is celebrated. An impressive building of translucent cubes, work of Rafael Meneo, facing the sea. It is also located in Gros, the surfer neighborhood, so if you like surfing, you can always go down with your board to practice.

4 – Playa de la Concha

It is one of the most famous beaches in the country for a certain reason. Summer or not, admiring the island of Santa Clara as you walk , you ride your bike , or even surf the waves is another delicacy that San Sebastian offers. Do not struggle , you’ll end up falling in love with her.

5 – Igueldo

With an endearing wooden funicular that we can take very close to El Peine del Viento, in this magical corner we can see the best view of the city, Concha bay and the island of Santa Clara.

Besides enjoying the beauty of the natural environment, the amusement park and the old lighthouse that oversees city are some of the best kept secrets of the place.

Image: Mikelo

By Isabel Sánchez

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