The Best Region to live in Galicia
Caroline Harris has spent more than 25 years living in Galicia. Now she helps expats thinking of moving to this corner of Spain.
We specifically asked her “what is the best region to live in Galicia?”. She tells us here…and breaks down the region for you.
My name is Caroline, originally from London, but have been living in this beautiful and green (and perhaps a little rainy) part of Galicia nearly half my life now. I have found peace, friendships and happiness and have had no regrets living in this corner of Spain.
In my last interview with Mapping Spain some years ago, I detailed the many reasons that I had chosen to come to Galicia and how I had raised a family here. How they had experienced a wonderful, free, and safe childhood and flourished enjoying a complete integration in the Galician culture and society: forging lifetime friendships, whilst still maintaining their maternal language and culture at home.
This experience of moving to a new country has given them confidence among many other traits. These advantages have opened many doors for them now as young adults. Most of them are now spread all over the globe doing their thing but all are looking to one day come back to this place. It will always be home to them.
After the pandemic and due to Brexit, I found myself out of a job. I had loved my time with the Age in Spain team whose purpose is to help English speaking expats living in Spain.
That experience inspired an idea for my own project in Galicia and Northern Spain where there was a lack of help for English speakers on their quest to find a new life and lifestyle for their families in this lovely part of Spain. So Galicia & Green Spain Property and Relocation was born.
Two years on, I have been fortunate enough to meet some amazing people and have been able to draw on my personal and professional experiences to help guide them through their journey to find their dream home and lifestyle in this special place in the world.
This has paved the way for a new path for myself, which I find fulfilling. It has been an opportunity for further growth on both a personal and professional level. It has been a gift to be in this position and to have the skill set to help people find happiness in this small piece of Paradise.
The Best Region to live in Galicia
Galicia is made up of some amazing and diverse landscapes and is divided into four different provinces: each with their own identity, climate and customs.
Different people have their own favorites in Galicia. You may have heard of A Coruña and Ribadeo. But my favorite region in Galicia is Rías Baixas, a region bordering Portugal and extending both up the Atlantic coast and inland. It has the best weather in all of Galicia, has beautiful cities, towns and beaches, and has good transport connections to the rest of Spain from the larger cities of Pontevedra and Vigo.
Below I cover some favorite towns and cities in this region.
Pontevedra Province is set on the southern-most coast of Galicia bordering Portugal. The two countries are divided by a breath-taking estuary and the river Miño. On the Spanish side, the Baixo Miño is a comarca (an administrative division) of Pontevedra dotted with pretty little villages such as Tomiño, O Rosal, Goian. They are surrounded by semi-rural countryside, where the microclimate and an abundance of water allows for the growing of fruits and vegetables nearly year-round. It’s a perfect location for those who wish to live a rural lifestyle within smaller, closer knit communities, whether it be in a little apartment overlooking the village main square or a house with land in one on the surrounding hamlets. Property values, although increased in recent times, are still comparatively cheaper than property closer to the Atlantic coast.
Miño river
This strip also has the convenience of being close to the beautiful historic town of Tui. It is known for its charming old town and cathedral and is the first port of call by pilgrims entering Spain on their journey following the Portuguese route of the Camino de Santiago.
Tui is a mid-size town with good transport connections, a main hospital, train & bus stations. It is famous for its medieval festivals and markets as well as the numerous eateries and hostels offering welcome accommodation. It is a bustling town that sits on the river and boasts a pretty old section… but it also has a more modern part, more practical than pretty, that offers all services, amenities and shopping.
La Guardia (or A Guardia) town also sits on the opposite end of the strip offering magnificent views of both the estuary and the coast. It has grown from a humble fishing port to a busy town offering similar amenities as Tui. But transport connections aren’t as good. This town also has a larger town community and is a favorite with tourists, offering shops and restaurants with famous Galician shellfish cuisine. Property in the town is mostly apartment buildings but there are properties with gardens and land within easy reach. Lifestyle in La Guardia is that of a small town with local schools and all amenities that one could desire and serves not only as a centre for the end of Baixo Miño but also for the magnificent rock-lined Atlantic coastline (which includes parts of O Rosal and the large area of Oia right to the renowned fishing village of Baiona).
Baiona is a favorite for Spanish tourists not only for its historic old town and heritage, but for its beautiful promenade, ancient fortress, and views over a magnificent bay of sandy beaches. The village is part pedestrianised and offers all amenities including weekly markets in Sabaris as well as the famous 3 day La Arribada medieval festival in February/March (celebrating the landing of Christopher Columbus). It has numerous concerts and fiestas during the spring and summer months. The main street and pedestrianised area are lined with chic shops and offers the best in traditional Galician and shellfish cuisine.
Baiona has a massive tourist draw. Sunny weekends and the summer months bring lots of visitors from the surrounding areas. Prices tend to be on the higher scale price wise as many have holiday or second homes in this area. Transport connections with nearby Vigo are excellent, you can get there in less than 20 minutes. It also connects you with the rest of the sought-after Val Minor area.
The Val Minor area is a favorite with both residents and tourists. It is no wonder. The area has a spectacular coastline and beaches which are protected from the winds of the Atlantic Ocean. It boasts the best microclimate of all Galicia and is coveted in the summer by Spanish tourists from the south of Spain searching for warm days but cool nights. It offers amazing beaches and water sports as well as the famous freshly caught cuisine only Galicia can offer.
Despite the higher properties prices and the busy summers, the Val minor (which is made up of Baiona, Sabaris, Ramallosa, Gondomar and Nigran) is an idyllic, safe and spectacularly beautiful place to live and to bring up a family. The villages sit close together and are joined by a long promenade and cycle lane which stretches from Nigran to Baiona and beyond. All services and amenities are available including fresh food markets, shops and shopping centres, local councils, police stations, heath centres, gyms, dentists, local public schools as well as semi-private and international schools, with school bus services as well an ever growing public bus service. There is access from each village to the motor way which takes you directly to Vigo (between 10-20 mins).
Gondomar is situated slightly inland along the Val minor and is the spot I chose to bring up my children because it offered them the lifestyle I was looking for – for both them and myself – within an affordable price range. I wanted a place just outside the village where they could have personal space and a garden to enjoy but that was safe for them to walk to a nearby public school. It was close enough to the village town centre to meet friends in the park while also having beaches within easy reach. There they enjoyed water sports and taking in the sun with friends and family. It was a safe and welcoming environment, a far cry from a state school in inner city London. My children never experienced prejudice or bullying. Though the education system in Spain is, in my opinion, still very antiquated, I feel that socially they benefited enormously.
*I have to point out that for further education, or for good job opportunities, that most of my children went to universities or work in larger cities. Education and employment opportunities in Galicia are limited and wanting.
Vigo
Vigo has always held a special place in my heart. I spent most of my childhood summers in the company of my Spanish cousins, all squatting in a tiny apartment in the heart of what was then a decaying small village on the outskirts called Bouzas.
The Vigo of today has grown to be a vibrant cosmopolitan city. Its old town has been restored to its original beauty with a modern twist. It has become chic and inviting with cafes, boutiques and a multitude of eateries and restaurants. Bus routes and train services are more frequent and faster than they ever were. It has an amazing port and marina where transatlantic vessels dock and passengers explore the captivating old quarter.
Free concerts are still offered in the much greener and manicured park of Castrelos but now we have big names such as Tom Jones, Sting, & Rick Astley to name a few. Well-known Spanish artists such as Alejandro Sanz & David Bisbal also perform here.
Christmas is magical in Vigo and thousands of visitors come to see the lights. It’s a winter wonderland.
As a place to live, you have everything you could ever want in Vigo. A great vibe for young people and the university is only a bus ride away. Families have to be comfortable living in apartments as houses with gardens can only be found on the outskirts of the city (although the commute is not lengthy). However, the inner city does provide numerous playground areas (sometimes with green areas) both outside and in. There are many different types of schools to choose from but be warned the education system may not be optimum hence the numerous local academies. But integration with local children and having happy social children is in my mind the most important factor when choosing schools.
Retires will find life less complicated, having everything within easy reach. They can enjoy their morning coffees sitting on a terrace in the sun. Apartments are easier to maintain and, as long as there is a lift, are much more comfortable. However, it must be pointed to that Vigo is set on a hill. Although there are numerous escalators fitted to make roaming the city easier, there are many steep streets in some areas of the city. That can be an important factor when choosing which area in Vigo to live.
Many thanks to Caroline for contributing the above!
Galicia & Green Spain Property & Relocation has a great team of amazing women who can help those thinking of settling in Galicia, Asturias and Green Spain.
They can find the location that most suits the lifestyle that you are looking for. They can help you find your Dream Home and can act as your representative or agent. They are backed by a trusted team of professionals to ensure that your move and change of lifestyle is the right one for you.
Contact Caroline Harris at [email protected]
Related: A locals’ guide on 5 places to live in Galicia and Asturias
Related: What’s it like living in Muxía? (Galicia)
Hi Caroline. What are you thoughts on Pontevedra City?
Hi Caroline,
Really enjoyed reading your article. I am currently renting in the Coruña area, but I looking for a home in Galicia that will allow us to have dogs and chickens…..not an apartment.
First things first, finances. I understand that a minimum 30% down payment of the sale price is needed and then arrangements for the remaining 70%. The key question is, as a US Citizen, can I obtain financing from a source in Spain for the 70%?
I would appreciate your insight on this matter. Then, we can talk about locations.
Best,
Gary
Excited about your information. Thanks!