Galicia: Spain's Hidden Gem of Witchcraft and Wizardry

To See is to Believe…

Galicia may not have a place on your list of upcoming destinations, but in a country still working through its identity crisis (Madrid wanting to be London, Barcelona just wanting to be alone), the autonomous region in North-West Spain has managed to carve out its own little niche as the land that time forgot. Relying upon its wedding to traditions of superstition and witchcraft to attract tourists, the region is able to differentiate itself from the rest of the country and it’s only a matter of time before it starts to pay off. Here’s why the region why Galicia may well be one of the most underrated destinations in Europe in 2017!
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The seafront town of Caion bathed in sunset

First off, let’s sort out that empty stomach!

Let’s face it, travelling on an empty stomach is not only undesirable, it may as well be impossible. Luckily, Galicia has you covered. It’s location along the Costa da Morte (coastline of death) may sound ominous but we like to think that it is your hunger that is being killed rather than the countless shipwrecks the rocky coast is famous for… totally makes us feel more at ease when jumping into the sea. It is here, in the most reclusive region of Spain that you will experience the true Spanish cuisine as restaurants such as the famous O Fogar do Santiso near Santiago serve up culinary delights such as octopus cooked in the traditional style of this maritime state. The only thing you may struggle with is saving space for desert!

Just a castle on an island in a bay

Liquid courage anyone?

I mean, what kind of holiday isn’t paired with a healthy glass (or three) of a local drink? With a rich history of wine production in the Rias Baixas, Galicia has you covered, all you have to do is decide white or red? If however wine is not to your fancy, be sure to take a swig of the locally produced orujo, a herbal liquor usually served after lunch to get you ready for the afternoon’s activities.

The land of witchcraft and wizardry

Hogwarts may be where they learn their craft, but Galicia is definitely where witches go to perform their spells! This superstition is perhaps best observed at the burning of the queimada, an alcoholic drink set on fire in a clay cauldron whilst a centuries’ old incantation is sung over it, calling for the drink to rid the recipients of the devil that threatens them… Think Macbeth, but with people videoing it on their camera-phones. Interestingly, this obsession with superstition, witches and owls goes hand-in-hand with the fervent religious sentiment in the region in which every village has their own Church, Saints’ holidays and Catholic practices. It is this blend of the two that makes the Gallego culture uniquely fascinating!

Wander-Lust

With a blend of both small cities (La Coruna, Vigo) and rural villages, it is perhaps no surprise then that Galicia is perfect for a small escape from the realities of a stressful life. However, while its water-filled forest areas such as Verdes and volcanic spa pools in Ourense (we promise not all of the water is from the rain!) are perfect for taking a relaxing hike in, it is in the Camino de Santiago that the region has attracted worldwide attention. Through the promise of good food, great wine and a true escape from reality, El Camino (the world’s 3^rd largest pilgrimage) attracts thousands of walkers every year to its romantic Cathedral where locals profess to have the remains of St. James buried. With various starting points that can make the route last anywhere from 5 to 35 days, the Camino de Santiago is the ultimate form of escapism, forcing walkers to live off the generosity of others in communal hostels and what can be attained in cafés along the way.

Bring your dancing shoes!

Great so you’ve had your fill of nature and food for the day and just want to dance… Perfect. Forget those dingy bars and clubs that you’re used to because Galicia in the summer has an ace up its sleeve. Throughout the summer months, every village has its own little party to celebrate the passage of time, bringing in a live band or two and an open-air bar designed specifically to get both locals and visitors dancing. Arrive around midnight to get a hang of the Latin flavour as well as a few early drinks in before jumping in. With many fiestas lasting until late morning the next day, it may be an idea to pick up some churros for breakfast before moving on!

The finishing line of the Camino de Santiago

3 Simple ideas to Save Money on your Travels!

Attention: Adventures needed!

Travelling, I’m sure you know, is a hell of a lot of fun but, unfortunately, can also be extremely expensive. For this reason, we here at Latte Wanderer decided we would fill you in on a few different techniques you can use to shave a few pounds off of your next trip! After all, the more money you save on flights and accommodation, the more you can spend on the experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

As usual, be sure to follow us on Instagram for all the latest news as well as Rakbo, a new online magazine I write for full of articles and advice on topics from travelling to studying to interior design!

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles:

Right so you’ve chosen your destination and already have an idea of what you want to see, now you just have to actually get there. The best way to get there often depends on where it is that you’re going. Within America for example the best way Is often to drive. Joining together with friends and driving across America on your holiday will not only save you money (especially when you factor in just how expensive planes are on that side of the world!), but can also be a great way to give you more freedom en-route, allowing you to take detours to other points of interests! Thankfully, in more connected continents such as Europe and Asia, you have a number of alternatives when it comes to travelling, including high-speed trains and low-cost flights.

By now it is fairly common for people to use price-comparison sites such as Skyscanner in order to find the best deals on flights but price guarantees and money-back schemes are often less-used. Companies like Expedia that offer to match your lowest price (and give you a voucher off your next trip) on anything from planes, trains and hotels are can be combined with money-back sites such as Quidco that give you cashback for going through them. It may only be few pounds but every penny counts, not to mention that you can earn miles with each purchase! Oh, it’s also worth doing your checking on incognito mode, sites that track cookies can tell if you’re looking for flights and are more likely to give you a higher cost…

For people in the UK you can also pop down to your local train station and pick up a 16-25 railcard that gives you 33% off train tickets (London to Edinburgh for less than £40? Yes please!).

Lake by the roadside in the Scottish Highlands

Accommodation:

Unfortunately, accommodation can often the most expensive part of a trip, adding up as the days go on. Fortunately for those of us who travel with the intention of our accommodation being solely a base from which we can go on our adventure, it becomes a lot easier to put up without the little luxuries on offer in hotels in return for more spending money! For people on a shoestring budget, hostels are definitely a good way to go, with companies like YHA (in the UK) providing an extensive range in accommodation throughout the country for cut-prices compared to their hotel counterparts. Alternatively, there is always Airbnb. As I eluded to in a prior article, not only can staying in an Airbnb be a far more interesting way to experience a new place than a standard hotel, but with many of them below £30 a night, it can also be the cheapest!

- Still need convincing? Click here to get £30 off your next Airbnb booking! -  

Courthouse in Oxford, Mississippi

Packing:

So you’ve sorted out your flights at a cut-price rate and snagged yourself some accommodation that doesn’t break the bank. The next step? Your bags. We all love having an outfit for every occasion, but how often do you ever actually wear it all? Airlines are notorious for adding on extra fees for every small detail of you trip, but none is more avoidable than the checked bag cost. It may not seem like much with prices from £20 for the cheapest checked luggage, but when you consider that it may well be half empty for a short city-break and that that price is only one-way, it becomes an avoidable expense that you could easily spend better enjoying your destination!

West Lake, Hangzhou