Galicia's coastal routes and climate refuge draw growing tourist interest

Galicia’s Atlantic coast offers a variety of walking routes that attract visitors from across Europe. On the island of Ons, a well‑marked 2.3‑hour hike climbs from the ferry dock at Sanxenxo, Portonovo or Bueu to the historic lighthouse erected in 1926, passing secluded beaches such as Playa de Melide and the modest fishing village with its small museum.

The region is also being promoted as a climate refuge. While much of Spain suffered record‑breaking heat in the summer of 2025, Galicia’s cooler, wetter climate recorded fewer heat‑related deaths despite an ageing population. Specialists note the area’s milder temperatures could attract tourists seeking relief from extreme heat.

A 60‑kilometre electric‑vehicle road trip from Castropol along the Galicia‑Asturias border showcases silent travel past the Cantabrian Sea, the natural‑reserve beach of Peñarronda, and the lively coastal town of Tapia de Casariego, highlighting the region’s scenic diversity.

Further inland, the Deza comarca in Pontevedra hides medieval monasteries such as Carboeiro, the legend‑laden Ponte do Demo bridge, and the 30‑metre Fervenza do Toxa waterfall, all surrounded by traditional gastronomy.

The 200‑kilometre Camiño dos Faros trail stitches together the wild Costa da Morte, linking Malpica to Fisterra. Hikers pass iconic lighthouses, granite cliffs, isolated beaches and small fishing villages, ending at the historic “end of the world” point in Fisterra.