History, culture and a burning passion for food and wine collide in the Province of Lugo. Explore a city surrounded by ancient Roman walls, hike in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and sip your way through one of the oldest and most picturesque winemaking regions in Spain.
Things to do in Lugo
Lugo is the captivating provincial capital and is encircled by Roman walls built in the 3rd and 4th centuries. The walls are more than two kilometres long, 15 metres high and dotted with dozens of defensive towers. Stone staircases make it easy to climb the walls and stroll along the battlements.
Construction on Catedral de Santa María started in the 1100s and continued for centuries. You’ll notice the eclectic mix of styles, including Romanesque, Gothic and Neoclassical. Light streams through the stained-glass windows and onto the elaborate altar. Walk through the atmospheric cloister and climb the towers for dizzying views over the city.
The Province of Lugo is brimming with restaurants and tapas bars where you can enjoy local Galician cuisine. Try boiled octopus and steamed mussels from the Cantabrian Sea, Galicia-style empanadas and hearty stew made with chickpeas, chorizo and pork shoulder.
Vineyards cling to cliffsides in the Ribeira Sacra winemaking region. Located in the south of the province, the area is famous for the Mencia grape. The region is dotted with bodegas where you can sample the fruity, medium-bodied reds. Learn more about the centuries-old viticulture industry at the Wine Interpretation Centre in Monforte de Lemos.
Wine isn’t the only reason to visit Ribeira Sacra. Rugged canyons, deep gorges and lush forests make it one of the top places to hike in Galicia. Walk through wildflower-filled meadows and enjoy breathtaking views from the Balcones de Madrid scenic lookout.
Getting around Lugo
The Province of Lugo is easy to get around by car, bus and train. The city of Lugo is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Trains run between Lugo and Madrid in five hours, while rental cars offer the freedom to explore the Province of Lugo at your own pace. Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport is a five-hour drive away.