Galician Days: A Family Escape Through Santiago de Compostela, Vigo & the Isles of Cíes
Santiago de Compostela: History with Heart We began in Santiago de Compostela, arriving late but ready to dive into its old town charm. There’s a quiet beauty to this city that’s hard to describe until you’re there. Waking up and wandering its cobbled streets early in the morning, before the heat and the crowds, was one of my personal highlights. The Cathedral of Santiago, the endpoint for thousands of pilgrims each year, holds a peaceful gravity. You don’t need to be on a religious journey to appreciate the stillness inside. The Praza do Obradoiro, just in front, is perfect for people-watching or simply sitting and soaking it all in. Around every corner, you'll find a sense of old-world wonder — stone archways, tucked-away tapas spots, and locals beginning their day with quiet intention. We spent the morning exploring, ducking into the Mercado de Abastos for some local food flavours and fresh empanadas, before heading to the train station for the next leg of our journey.
Train Travel in Galicia: Scenic and Simple Travelling from Santiago to Vigo by train was a breeze — just over an hour of relaxed, scenic riding, no stress, no hassle. I always recommend this to clients looking to avoid the pressure of car hire or long transfers. The route winds gently through forested hills and sleepy towns, the kind of journey where even teenagers look out the window.
Vigo: Ocean Views and an Old Soul We arrived in Vigo, Galicia’s coastal city with a working port and a laid-back edge. It’s less polished than Santiago but no less interesting. The old town of Vigo felt refreshingly real — families on balconies, narrow winding streets, small squares with kids kicking footballs. Climbing up to the Castro Fortress was well worth the effort. The views from the top are absolutely spectacular — sweeping panoramas of the ocean and the cluster of Cíes Islands shimmering in the distance. It’s one of those places where the scale of nature takes your breath away. There’s also plenty of culture here if you have time. The Museo del Mar (Museum of the Sea) was a surprise hit, telling the story of Galicia’s deep connection to the ocean.
Isles of Cíes: Simple, Wild, and Soulful From Vigo, we caught a ferry to the Cíes Islands, part of a protected national park and arguably the jewel of the trip. There are no cars here. No shops or noise. Just the sound of waves, birds, and the crunch of sand underfoot. We camped for two nights — a proper digital detox! The beach at Praia de Rodas, once named one of the best beaches in the world, really is as dreamy as it looks. Fine white sand, crystal-clear water, and very few people. We hiked gently up to the Faro de Cíes lighthouse, where the cliffs drop dramatically to the sea below. It’s wild and wonderful, and a little surreal. At night, we lay on the sand looking up at more stars than I’ve seen in years — no light pollution, just a clear Milky Way stretching overhead. Meals were simple — picnic lunches, campsite café dinners — and that was part of the charm. It reminded us that comfort doesn't always come from luxury. Sometimes, it’s the ability to slow down and do absolutely nothing.
Back to Vigo: From Sand to Spa After two nights on the islands, we returned to Vigo for a final three-night stay at Attica21 Vigo, a sleek, modern hotel with spa facilities and a rooftop terrace. The contrast to the tents couldn’t have been more welcome or more appreciated!
We flopped by the pool, enjoyed long hot showers, and gave ourselves space to unwind. The hotel’s location meant we could still explore or hit the beach at Samil if we wanted to, but we didn’t feel the need to pack the days out. It was about balance — just enough activity, and plenty of rest.
A Holiday with Freedom Built In What I loved about this itinerary was its gentle flow — cultural exploration to nature escape, ending in comfort and calm. We never felt rushed, and each family member had space to enjoy it their way.
Travelling as a group of six – three adults and three teens aged 15, 16, 17 – meant our trip had to hit the sweet spot: enough variety to keep everyone engaged, with plenty of freedom built in. Our days unfolded with just the right balance of structure and spontaneity, ensuring both shared experiences and individual space. It was family travel with room to breathe – the kind of setup that keeps everyone smiling way after the sun has set.
?? If this sounds like your kind of escape, I’d love to help you plan something equally balanced and memorable. Whether it’s Spain, another slow-travel itinerary, or a bespoke mix of city, sea, and stars — just get in touch. Let’s make it happen.
