GALICIA

PROVINCES: La Coruña, Lugo, Pontevedra, Ourense

Galicia is the northwestern most region (autonomous community) of Spain. It sits above Portugal, borders the Spanish regions of Asturias and Castilla y Leon to the east, the Atlantic coast to the west and the Bay of Biscay to the north. The name Galicia comes from the Latin name Gallaecia, associated with the name of the ancient Celtic tribe that resided above the Douro river, the Gallaeci. The cuisine and customs of the region still show the celtic influence.

The weather in Galicia can change dramatically from one micro-climate to another. La Coruña in the northwest tends to be cooler and rainier. Inland areas such as Ourense have more extreme temperature - quite hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. Pontevedra in the southwest of the region tends to have the best, mildest weather.

Galicia has it's own language, called Gallego, which is very similar to Portugese. Although you may find some old-timers in the interior who still speak only Galician (Gallego), almost everyone today speaks Spanish.