The best hiking routes in Galicia

Galicia offers a choice between two distinct walking environments: the exposed Atlantic coast and the steep, wooded granite valleys of the interior borderlands. Along the northern coast, paths follow low-lying estuaries and sandy beaches where the underfooting alternates between loose sand and wooden boardwalks. In contrast, the inland border areas feature ancient stone paths, oak forests, and steep granite slopes that require steady footwork over uneven rocks and leaf litter.

For coastal walking, the protected area of Litoral Norte provides flat trails over sand dunes and rocky shorelines, while the Rio Minho estuary offers tidal mudflats and reed beds. If you prefer rugged, mountainous terrain, the southern borderlands contain the Serras da Peneda e Gerês and the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês. Here, the landscape is shaped by traditional pastoral farming, with stone-walled meadows, granaries, and high-altitude granite plateaus that lack shade.

In October, the deciduous forests of the inland valleys turn deep orange, making it a distinct season to observe the changing foliage. While the coastal paths near towns can get busy with day-trippers, the high-altitude trails in the Serras da Peneda e Gerês are generally quieter. Expect steep, sustained climbs in the interior, rather than the gentle, rolling coastal walks found near the river estuaries.