Diving into Galicia!

We decided to tell you about Galicia — the westernmost continental region of Spain and one of the most vibrant and impressive areas in the country!

Santiago de Compostela

The capital of the region, Santiago de Compostela, is a large city surrounded by small port towns. This layout brings both advantages and drawbacks: for example, the seafood cuisine here is exceptional — try Norwegian lobsters, mantis shrimp, scallops, mussels, and a wide array of other sea creatures. Fun fact: just 30 years ago, the region was known as the “king” of Europe’s drug trafficking routes. However, that time is long gone, and today the area is considered very safe.

Safety

Unlike Barcelona, many Galician cities are known for being very peaceful. In public places like parks, locals often leave their belongings unattended without fear of losing them. Street crime levels are low, and the risk of falling victim to pickpocketing is minimal. The police in Spain are known for being friendly and approachable — you can easily walk up to them for a chat, have a coffee, or even invite them for lunch if they’re off duty.

The People

Galicians are also very friendly. At first, especially without speaking the Galician language, you may not become close friends right away, but sharing a beer and chatting about everyday life is always welcome. There's no discrimination based on origin, race, or religion, as Galicia itself is not only a port region but also a cultural crossroads between Spanish, Portuguese, and its own native Galician traditions. Locals deeply cherish their regional language, which is grammatically and lexically similar to a blend of Spanish and Portuguese. When visiting Galicia, be sure to explore both the small fishing villages and the slightly larger towns — A Coruña, Ferrol, Lugo, Vigo, and others. Only then will you truly feel the spirit of the region and understand the philosophy of its people.