Forest Holidays in Galicia

Galicia is a green and lush region in the North West of Spain. It is blessed with dense forests of pine and eucalyptus trees. Galicia has a strong cultural heritage and its landscape and traditions will offer a different experience from the more touristic central and southern regions. Santiago de Compostela is the capital and its pilgrimage route attracts visitors from abroad. It has a big airport, which makes it easily accessible from the rest of Europe.  It is really one of the best region in Europe to spend a forest holiday.  We have selected below some of the best forests and woodlands to visit, to help you plan your forest getaway.

Cortegada, or the island of the bay forest is a botanical wonder. It is located on the sand banks of the Ría de Arousa and is known as the biggest bay leave forest in Europe. There is an ancient Galician village and a church on the island. They are now in ruins but offer a testimonial of how the Galician villagers used to live. There are two walking routes on the island which are accessible to all walkers. Being on the island will also offer lovely views of the coastal fishing ports. The first walking route circles around the island and the other route will take you past the bay leave trees. Pay a visit to the Chapel of the Virgen de Los Milagros (17^th century), well-known for its healing powers.

Another forest to consider when planning your forest break is the Ribeira Sacra. It has a rich cultural heritage with its monasteries, churches and chapels.  You will also come across dolmens and megalithic tombs. There is a wine route which will take you to terraces of vines, perched on steep slopes. The region has been a Spanish Denominación de Origen area for its wine since 1997. About 3 millions of bottles of wine are produced every year, the vineyards have received many awards and are popular nationally and internationally.

Ancares and Courel is another spot to check out when you are in Galicia on holidays. It is the largest green reserve in Galicia and the home of wolves, wild boars, foxes, brown bears and roe deers. Brown bears are known to have come back to the area and are apparently settling in nicely. The forest has numerous walking routes that will take you past chestnut, beech and oak trees. There are information centres where you can pick up leaflets about the tree species and the walking routes.

Natural Park of Baixa Limia-Serra do Xurés is also not to be missed with its waterfalls and pools of clear water. They are heavens where you can swim on a hot day. You will find ruins of thermal water sites, testimonials of the Roman presence in the area. The Natural Park is at the border between Galicia and Portugal. When hiking in the park, you will come across the cabaniñas or chivanas, which were used to shelter herdsmen.

Souto da Retorta is a forest where you can find some of the tallest and widest eucalyptus trees on earth. The first seeds where brought back from Australia by a Galician monk and have adapted very well to the Galician climate. There is a eucalyptus tree, famously known as Avó or grandfather. It was planted around the 1880 and is now 67m high with a circumference of 10.5m. The walking route is accessible to all walkers and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

The Bosque da Fervenza is by the river Miño and the trees are swamped by the river’s water. It is a very different landscape, with small tidal islands, ponds and lakes. You will see beautiful willow trees, oak trees, ash trees…The area is protected and is a Biosphere Reserve. The walking routes will take you to different locations in the reserve and can be enjoyed by all.

Bungalowsclub.com has a great selection of bungalows in the forest and forest log cabins. Check the Cabañas de Broña, the Cabañitas del Bosque or the Cabañas Do Barranco in Galicia. They will the perfect place for a forest holiday.

Image Credits: Locuig_PixaBay