Regarding the tourism industry in Spain, northern Spain, especially Galicia especially have been very much a hidden treasure and hidden within lies a treasure more specifically called Viveiro. Of all the autonomous regions of Spain Galicia is considered the most remote and therein lies the charm of Viveiro hidden desire to be discovered. Galicia has always been regarded as a poor rural region, whose economy is dependent on agriculture and fishing and did not lend itself to modernize and yet insofar as tourism is concerned it is this constant contact with the past that gives the region its appeal and charm.

Galicians are very proud of their culture and their language and their Celtic heritage is what makes them unique (they feel) within modern day Spain. Galicia always seemed to be an area very closed and inward being fiercely resistant to any formal external invasion and in many ways this degree of isolation was very much dependent on the geographic location of the region. In what was a mountain to climb slowly but surely Galicia is now trying to manage successfully the twin track of its regional lifestyle with a much more modern society and thankfully this appears to have had very positive results field of tourism with little sign of negative effects ..

Viveiro can be found on the northern coast of Galicia and Northern Spain, almost mid-way between Ribadeo and seaport (and birthplace of Francisco Franco Bahamonde better known there under General Franco) of Ferrol. It is on the part of the northern coast of Galicia known as the Rias Altas which is not as overdeveloped as the more developed and possibly better known western shores of Galicia, the Rias Baixas. The Rias are slightly gentler forms more flexible and coastal scenery of the Norwegian fjords, but the principle is much the same thing? Entries Rias Altas are deep and make the almost perfect natural harbor and still almost perfect (if not very cold at times that you have to remember is that the North Atlantic Ocean here) points for swimming .

All stops on this stretch of beautiful coastline, Viveiro is perhaps the best and most interesting. Viveiro is a curious place, right at the tail of the Ria particular, it is not uncommon to see small boats stranded on mud flats at low tide. Viveiro is a busy place in summer and it is not unusual to see a steady stream of tourists and holiday makers passing through. In winter, however, is another story and was described as a strangely dead. However, as they say, I guess that's what it boils down to "floats your boat" with respect to what attracts you what you're interested in that sometimes there is a degree of attractiveness of being able to go somewhere that is quiet and unspoiled.

After the tourist season, Viveiro can be that place. The time of year that perhaps Viveiro is the best known is Easter. Viveiro has an Easter Festival which is quite a serious event that culminates with a candlelit procession throughout the town enacting the "Stations of the Cross." If you happen to be in Viveiro at this time of year, then this festival and possession can be quite a moving event.

Galicia and Northern Spain in particular in general have long been considered a hidden gem in the Spanish tourism industry as a whole. The climate is much milder than in the south of the Iberian Peninsula and all the autonomous regions in Northern Spain can provide all the necessary ingredients that can be a successful holiday.

The Atlantic coast of northern Spain has beautiful sandy beaches while inland mountain ranges are criss-crossed by many footpaths. If you look at all the autonomous regions that make up modern day Spain, Galicia is the most remote areas. Located in the northwestern corner of Galicia in the Iberian Peninsula is a green, rain swept through the area noted for its diverse landscapes, where cliffs alternate with coastal plains and "rias".

Galicia is the proud home of one of the most visited religious pilgrimage in the world, whereas a more mundane nature of the region is famous for its excellent food especially fruits Wed Indeed, an entire tourist industry has emerged around Saint Jacques de Compostela and the Way of Saint-Jacques while otherwise known as the Camino de Santiago. "

Galicians, whose origins are Celtic, are fiercely proud of their culture and language. Historically, always classed as the poor relation of some of the richest regions of Galicia other economies that do not easily lend itself to modernization. Because of its location and partisan traditions Galicia was always fairly inward-looking having managed to survive through the centuries without ever really been conquered by anyone. Only very briefly an independent monarchy in the 10th and 11th centuries.

Bordering Portugal to the south and bounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean to the west Galicia could offer its inhabitants little in the way of new lands for cultivation. The end result of all this is that like Ireland in the north of Galicia, emigration became a major industry. Thankfully slowly throughout the 20th century Galicia has begun to develop a way to manage the traditional lifestyles with a modern community to ensure that none of its rich history is lost.

Galicia has always maintained close links with the sea and the port cities of Vigo and La Coruna are centers of culture and industry. As befits a province that has such confidence in the sea, the seafood here is among the best in Spain and fisheries is vital to the economy. And the main ports of the coast of Galicia is dotted with tiny fishing villages. The coast of Galicia, which was devastated in 2002 with the sinking of the tanker Prestige was able to recover slowly, and in some cases is now better than ever.

The main geographical point on the Galician coast is probably Cape Finisterre which is the westernmost part of mainland Spain. Inland, the hills that are quite often in the mist hiding the rest of Celtic settlements throughout the region. Other examples of the Celtic tradition can be found in the stone cross at a crossroads and junctions throughout the region, just as the continued use of old traditional stone barns in many villages.

As with other Celtic regions, love music and the arts is very common in Galicia and its own traditional language, Gallego, Galicia has a traditional musical instrument of the bagpipe! The other way to the Celtic tradition is also represented in Galicia lies in art and cultural forms. Regarding the Galicians, there is a certain melancholy to their traditional songs and poetry and this too they have in common with the Irish, Breton, Scottish, Welsh and other Celts. Regarding Galicia (as with the County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland), as someone who has experienced one of the storms from the Atlantic perhaps this is understandable.

An attractive region

Just between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sierra Cantabria you'll find Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria. Saint Jacques de Compostela is the main attraction of the region, but this is not the only reason why you should visit this part of Spain. The cave paintings, medieval churches, and delicious cuisine based on fish, they form the north-western Spain. After visiting this part of the country, an image will remain engraved in your mind: a clam shell. They are everywhere: on the plates, billboards that show you the direction to the shrine of the most important in Spain, Santiago de Compostela. Santiago means "Saint Jacob, and pilgrims visiting the shrine has adopted the shell as a symbol.

Changes over time

For many pilgrims of the past, much of this area was inaccessible because of a string of spectacular mountains. This chain of mountains, the Cordillera Cantabria and is now the reason why many tourists choose the north-western Spain as a holiday destination - the scenery is breathtaking. You'll also be surprised by the picturesque apple orchards, with green valleys and the delicious cuisine that made rapid progress. Cider, not wine, is the popular beverage and cheese offesr contain many shapes and flavors.

Places to Visit

A Coruna (or La Coruna), was the capital of Galicia. The "crystal city" is worth seeing for its monuments. Plaza de Maria Pita, with its arcades, was named after a local heroine who saved the city from British invasion in 1589. Beside the square is dominated by Palacio Municipal, a building that also houses a small museum Clocks. "Saint Jacques de Compostela is the jewel in the region. Saint Jacques de Compostela attracts pilgrims from all over Europe for more than a millennium now. 

The city is famous for its churches and monasteries, the cathedral stands between four different squares, and Gelmirez Palace, the former Metropolitan Palace, is now a designated space for exhibitions. Saint Jacques de Compostela has much to offer: San Paio of Antealtares monastery, the Museo de Arte Sacro (Museum of Arts Saint), and the Museo de las Peregrinación (Pilgrim Museum). The area is absolutely lovely, if you want to visit Spain, consider going in north-west. This will be an enjoyable experience that will make your vacation a relaxing atmosphere.