The Picturesque village of Mugardos


The " Islas de Cies "



Galicia, is quite simply one of most picturesque areas of Spain and such a contrast to the hotter south and coastal areas most visitors to Spain are acustomed to. The change in climate, vegetation, atmosphere and oldie worldly charm so similar to the villages of Ireland or another small hamlet in the Britain. Galicia has really everything to offer, it is, clean and green, offers a pleasant climate throughout spring and summer, the coastline is dotted with picturesque villages and small quaint harbours, most of Spain's best beaches are to be found in this area and lush meadows and orchards are abound. Driving around the country side and coastline is a real pleasure with fantastic views from almost every corner of the province, and of course a word on Galicia would not be complete without mentioning the incredible selection of super fresh seafood and fine wines on offer in almost every cafeteria ,restaurant
and tapas bar in Galicia.

Arguably,  the prettiest town in Galicia is O.Grove, situated in the middle of the Rias Baixas region, some 25 kms west of Galicias capital Pontevedra. O,Grove is one of Galicias many charming fishing villages, and due to its situation on the eastern side of the headland which faces the mainland it is protected from the tidal force of the Atlantic Ocean. It has a gentle personal charm endearing to all visitors, there are a good smattering of Restaurants to suit all prices and most of them with one thing in common, seafood, its everywhere and so fresh it basically walks onto the plate by itself.

As you walk along the beaches in the area as the tide reseeds you will come across cockles ,clams , shrimps and small crabs laying in clean golden sands of the Rios. Be careful though not to get the urge to fill up a bag to take away as that is not allowed, and beware as this true treasure of the sea is jealously guarded by the ladies who work in the local cooperatives making their living cultivating this local delicacy.

One strange occurrence or perhaps an oddity was that the locals understood my Spanish , Andalucian twang included without question, which is not always the case in other parts of Spain.

Highly recommended is a trip out into the Rios on one of the many comfortable glass bottom boats which takes sightseers out to the mussel and oyster platforms. Included in the trip is a plate of freshly harvested and cooked mussels washed down with a cold glass of Ribero , one of the delicious young white wines from Spain.