Galicia is in the northwest corner of Spain, and is the wettest
and greenest region of the country. Its provinces are Lugo, A
Coruna, Pontevedra and Ourense. Inland, Galicia has hills, meadows,
forests and handsome old towns. Much of Galicia still has a medieval
quality and small-holdings are farmed using traditional methods
with oxen and horses used for ploughing. Galicia is Spain's main
sea-faring region, three of its four provinces have an Atlantic
coastline; the Rias Baixas on the southern part of Galicia's
west coast has lovely beaches backed by pine-covered hills. Galicia's
cuisine is based on seafood and many people still make a living
from the sea. Vigo in Pontevedra is the most important fishing
port in Spain. Santiago de Compostela draws large numbers of
visitors as it stands at the end of a legendary pilgrimage route
and centres on an awe-inspiring cathedral.
Ourense is the capital of the province
of Ourense, in the south of Galicia. It is around 50 miles from
the coastal city of Vigo.
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