Practical Guide Before Traveling to Galicia

The first step to organizing a trip is to calculate an approximate budget. At a minimum, you should include: Transportation to Galicia. Accommodation. Transportation during the trip. Meals. Activities and entrance fees. The more detailed your estimate, the better. Always add between 10% and 20% to the final amount for unexpected expenses.

Before booking, calculate how much it will cost you to get to Galicia. If traveling by plane, the main airports are: Santiago de Compostela, the most central and with the most flight options. Vigo, ideal for visiting the Rías Baixas and southern Galicia. A Coruña, a good option for exploring northern Galicia. Porto (Portugal), an excellent alternative due to its extensive international flight offerings and its direct bus connection to Vigo. A good way to search for flights is to use comparison sites like Skyscanner and, once you choose the flight, check the price directly on the airline's website. If you prefer to travel by train or bus, remember to compare schedules and book in advance to get better rates. If you also need to rent a car, include the cost of rental, fuel, and tolls. Tools like ViaMichelin or Google Maps can help you calculate the approximate budget for the route. Don't forget to include the return trip and, if carpooling, divide the cost among all occupants.

Check current connections at Aena and the schedules between Porto and Vigo with AUTNA.

Where do you prefer to stay? In a city, in a rural setting, by the sea or in the historical center? Before booking, it's advisable to have a general idea of the itinerary. If you don't have it clear yet, check different accommodation options for your travel dates and use those prices as a reference to calculate your budget. If you share a room, apartment, or house, remember to divide the cost among all the people traveling.

Make a list of the places you want to visit and calculate the necessary travel distances. If you already have your itinerary clear, calculate the round trip to the farthest point of each day and add a small margin for possible detours or stops. If you're traveling by car, remember to include: Fuel. Tolls. Parking when necessary. The AP-9 is the main toll highway in Galicia and connects Vigo, Pontevedra, Santiago de Compostela, and A Coruña. There's always the alternative of using the national road, slower but also more scenic. If you prefer to use public transport, it's best to stay in well-connected cities like Vigo, Pontevedra, Santiago de Compostela, or A Coruña, from where it's much easier to make day trips.

Calculating a daily budget for meals will help you avoid surprises. The cost will depend on the season, locality, and type of restaurant. Check the menus and prices of establishments before traveling and reserve a budget for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

Many of the best experiences you can enjoy in Galicia are completely free: strolling through its historic centers, walking paths by the sea, discovering viewpoints, or visiting spectacular beaches. Among the activities that do require reservations or tickets are: Boat trips to the Cíes Islands or Ons Island. Museums. Monuments. Wineries. Guided tours. If you’re traveling during the summer or Easter, it's advisable to book these activities well in advance.

Before traveling, check your insurance coverage and the available healthcare assistance during your stay. If you have a European Health Insurance Card, check its conditions and limits in the official information from the European Union.

If you're coming from outside the European Union and need internet during your trip, you can purchase a SIM card or an eSIM with coverage in Spain and the other countries of the European Union. Before purchasing, check the conditions and the data included.

It’s always advisable to reserve between 10% and 20% of your budget for unexpected expenses. It’s a small precaution that can prevent many problems during the trip.

Before traveling, ensure that all your documentation is valid: ID card or passport. Driver's license. Bank cards. Travel insurance. Tickets and reservations. Any other documents required for your country of origin. If you need to renew any of these, do so well in advance.

Check the documentation requirements applicable to your nationality in Your Europe and at the corresponding consulate.

Once you have a clear budget and the necessary documentation, it's time to book. For flights, you can set up price alerts on comparison sites and take advantage of the best deals. In the case of trains or buses, the earlier you book, the better rates you will find.

Decide how you want to explore Galicia. You can do: A road trip. Excursions from a base city. A linear route. A relaxed trip staying in the same place. If you are traveling in a group, it’s advisable to agree on visits and also leave free time for each person to enjoy the trip in their own way.

Once you have your itinerary defined, book your accommodation as soon as possible. The best options tend to fill up quickly, especially during the summer, holidays, and Easter week. Additionally, many establishments offer flexible rates with free cancellation.

With transportation and accommodation booked, you just need to prepare the last details. It’s a good moment to: Purchase travel insurance. Book excursions and guided tours. Organize parking if traveling by car. Check the weather forecast. Pack your suitcase. Contact local guides if you want to discover Galicia in a more authentic way. Good planning will allow you to enjoy the trip from the very first moment and make the most of everything Galicia has to offer.