The Six Natural Wonders of Galicia

Galicia, the Spanish region that pilgrims flow through on St. James' Way (Camino de Santiago), is on the westernmost edge of the continent of Europe. Mediterranean and Atlantic climates meet at this point.

Galicia's coastline of over 900 miles is interspersed with river valleys created by the estuaries that run into the sea. Collectively, they make up an extensive network of rivers and a landscape dominated by gentle valleys and mountains. 

This characteristic mix of mountains, rivers, and climate in Galicia leads to a highly varied group of ecosystems that are home to about 20,000 species of plants and animals.

It also helps explain the unique and surprising natural phenomena found in this region. Let's take a look at six examples. 

For two months of the year, Cabo Touriñán is the last place the sun sets in continental Europe. This happens from March 24 to April 24 and August 18 to September 19. The headland in question is on the Finisterre-Muxía route of the Way in A Costa da Morte, and it shares this natural trait with four other points in Portugal and Norway.

The geological fold of Campodola-Leixazós is in the hills of O Courel. Here, a geological phenomenon that would usually be hidden underground is exposed to the open air. This geological fold has remained intact since the late Carboniferous period, around 350 million years ago, when this side of Europe was practically stuck to America and Africa. 

In Fraga de Catasós, a few miles from the Silver Way (Vía de la Plata), there is a forest of flourishing oak and chestnut trees that have grown nearly 98 feet (30 m) high and 16 feet (5 m) wide. They were planted in the early 19th century, when long, straight planks of wood were needed to build stately dwellings. These 100-year-old chestnut trees are considered the best specimens in Europe thanks to their distinguished appearance. 

The mouths of most rivers in Galicia turn into sea inlets or estuaries. However, there is one resounding exception: the Xallas river flows into the sea in the form of a waterfall, known as the Ézaro Waterfall (Fervenza do Ézaro). Water runs over the granite slopes of Mount Pindo, creating a waterfall that is about 100 feet high.

Endemic species are those that can only be found in a particular part of the world. One of the endemic species in the northwest region of the Iberian Peninsula is the gold-striped salamander (Chioglossa lusitanica). This amphibian is usually 6 inches (15 cm) long, and its tail makes up two thirds of its body. The gold-striped salamander is one of Galicia's natural treasures. This creature is tied to a very specific ecosystem: it lives in dense and humid forests with lichen-filled streams.

There are few places on earth where the highest peak in a mountain range is also part of a coastal cliff. This is the case for Vixía de Herbeira, which at 2,018 feet (615 m) is the highest point of the A Capelada mountains. The height, coastal views, and strong winds and smells create a surprising mix of sensations here.