and a culinary identity unlike any other part of the country. With the Atlantic Ocean at its doorstep and Celtic roots in its culture, Galicia offers travelers a raw and flavorful experience that combines gastronomy, landscape, and authenticity.
If you're a food lover searching for off-the-beaten-path travel in Spain, Galicia’s coastal cuisine is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Galicia is often referred to as the seafood capital of Spain. The region’s waters are rich with marine life, and its fishermen still rely on traditional, small-scale methods.
What to Eat:
Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician-style Octopus) – Sliced boiled octopus seasoned with paprika, salt, and olive oil. Best enjoyed in local “pulperías.”
Percebes (Goose Barnacles) – Harvested from rocky shores, these rare delicacies are served steamed with sea salt.
Navajas (Razor Clams) – Grilled or sautéed with garlic and parsley.
Zamburiñas (Small Scallops) – Often grilled and served on the shell, bursting with flavor.
Empanada Gallega – A savory pie filled with tuna, onions, or shellfish, baked in flaky dough.
Seafood here is often enjoyed simply, allowing the freshness and quality to speak for itself.
Galicia’s signature white wine, Albariño, comes from the Rías Baixas DO (Denomination of Origin) and is the perfect pairing for the region’s seafood-rich cuisine. Its crisp acidity, floral notes, and minerality make it one of Spain’s most beloved whites.
Visit local bodegas in towns like Cambados or Meaño to sample Albariño directly from producers. Many vineyards offer tastings with views of the sea and pairings with oysters or mussels harvested nearby.
1. Mercado de Abastos – Santiago de Compostela
This market is a feast for the senses—colorful stalls of fresh fish, shellfish, cheeses, and meats. Visitors can buy ingredients and have them cooked at nearby stalls or bars.
2. O Grove and A Guarda
These fishing villages are known for their seafood festivals and fresh-off-the-boat fare. Don’t miss the O Grove Seafood Festival in October, one of the best food festivals in Galicia.
3. A Coruña and Vigo
These coastal cities offer an exciting mix of traditional marisquerías (seafood restaurants) and modern Galician cuisine. Vigo’s oyster street, Rúa da Pescadería, is a must for fresh oysters.
Take a seafood cooking class with a local chef
Join a shellfish harvesting tour along the estuaries
Attend a wine and food pairing event at a Galician bodega
Plan your trip around a food festival, such as the Albariño Festival or Octopus Festival in Carballiño
