What is Special About Galicia, Spain?

Galicia, a captivating region in northwest Spain, is known for its unique blend of natural beauty and distinct identity. What makes Galicia unique is its stormy coastlines, beautiful views, and a strong sense of tradition, which sets it apart from the rest of Spain. This article explores various aspects of Galicia, including its unique characteristics, cultural differences, and practical advice for those considering moving to this remarkable part of Spain.

Is Galicia Part of Spain or Portugal?

They share historical ties and friendly relationships and are part of the same organisations, such as the EU, NATO, and more. Despite its linguistic and cultural similarities to Portugal, even though there isn’t a strong sense of nationalism, Galicia is an autonomous community of Spain. It has its own government and distinct identity within Spain, maintaining strong ties to Spanish and Portuguese cultures. The historical and cultural exchanges between Galicia and Portugal have shaped its unique character, making it a fascinating region to explore.

How is Galicia Different from the Rest of Spain?

Galicia stands out from the rest of Spain due to its green scenery, often compared to Ireland or Scotland. The region’s humid climate is more relaxed than much of Spain, fostering a landscape rich in forests, rivers, and agricultural land. Galicia also boasts a distinct cultural identity, with its language, Galician (Galego), approximating much more to Portuguese than Spanish. Traditional music, dances, and festivals, such as the Entroido, which is full of colours, customs, and rich cuisine, were initially forbidden by the Catholic Church. Nowadays, the festivities are all over Galacia, being held in Laza, Verín, and Xinzo de Limia. 

Are Galicians Basque?

No, Galicians are not Basque. The Basque Country is another distinct region in northern Spain, with its unique language (Euskara) and cultural traditions. While both areas have strong local identities, they differ in culture, language, and geography.

What is the Nicest Part of Galicia?

Galicia is full of beautiful places, but one of the most excellent parts is undoubtedly the Rías Baixas. This coastal area is known for its stunning beaches, charming fishing villages, and delicious seafood. The Rías Baixas region is also famous for its Albariño wine, adding to its appeal as a top destination in Galicia. The cool marine climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean makes it perfect for discovering some interesting grapes to grow, which allows the production of some wonderful artisanal wines.

Can I Speak Spanish in Galicia?

Yes, you can speak Spanish in Galicia. While Galician is widely spoken, Spanish is also an official language, and most people are bilingual. You will have no trouble communicating in Spanish in most places, though learning a few basic phrases in Galician can be appreciated by the locals. The community locals don’t seem to have a preferred one, though. Some even mention they find it hard to find a “pure Galician” being spoken and that they are taught that there are many dialects and differences between them in schools. So, it’s common to hear a mix of words. For example, some say “ficar”, and in the same regions, others prefer to use “quedar”(identical to Spanish), which means “stay”. However, this mixture is less common when communicating through writing, especially in a more formal context. Some hometowns are known to speak Galician all the time, but they can quickly shift to Spanish, facilitating for the ones not familiar with the local language. 

Is Galician More Like Spanish or Portuguese?

From its Celtic origins progressing to a romantic language, Galician still thrives with its literary tradition and cultural heritage. Galician is a language spoken in northwestern Spain and shares a close relationship with Portuguese. Portuguese holds significant importance as the second most spoken Romance language. It can be linguistically closer to Portuguese than Spanish for these aspects. However, it has evolved to include many elements of both languages, creating a unique linguistic blend. Understanding Galician can enrich your experience, especially when engaging with local traditions and culture. Learning Galician will be much easier if you’re familiar with romantic languages such as Italian, Spanish, Catalan, Portuguese, etc. 

Practical Tips for Moving to Galicia, Spain

If you are considering moving to Galicia, Spain, here are some practical steps and advice to help you navigate the process:

• Visa and Residency: Non-EU citizens need a visa to move to Spain. The most common visa for long-term stays is the non-lucrative visa, which requires proof of sufficient financial means. However, there is a full list of options; you must see which one best applies to you. Once in Spain, you must apply for a residence permit (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero). 

• Customs Clearance: When moving your belongings, ensure they are fully insured and adequately documented for customs clearance. VanOne can facilitate this process, offering tailored services for goods clearance to door-to-door collection and delivery. Let us know how we can help you.

• Language and Integration: While Spanish is widely spoken, learning some basic Galician can help you integrate faster into the local community. Language schools and cultural centres in Galicia offer courses to help you improve your language skills. You can also enrol in online classes. Many websites, such as Galego.org, Memrise, etc., offer free or accessible Galician courses.

• Legal Assistance: Engaging with local legal professionals can help you navigate your move’s administrative and legal requirements. They can assist with residency applications, property purchases, and other legal matters. If you need legal assistance to help you understand the processes, ensure you’re contacting licensed professionals, such as immigration lawyers, relocation consultants, tax advisors, real estate agents, employment lawyers, language translators/interpreters, consular services, custom brokers, etc. Contact your home country’s consulate in Spain for assistance with documentation and any other specific needs related to your move.

• Healthcare and Education: Register with the local healthcare system and explore educational options if you move with children. Galicia has a robust public healthcare system and various schooling options.  

Personal Story: Moving to Galicia

One of our customers shared that one vacation visit was enough to make her decide to stay in Galicia. At first, she planned for a short holiday but ended up postponing the departure twice as the stay kept her longer than she anticipated it was more than wise to understand why. Initially drawn by the region’s natural beauty and rich history, she soon found herself enchanted by the local way of life and festivities. Laura’s journey began with exploring the charming streets of Santiago de Compostela, a city famous for its stunning cathedral and as the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. 

The welcoming locals, vibrant cultural scene, and mix of languages and accents made her feel that the place had the ingredients she’d been looking for to bring more to her creativity process. Her writing was thriving, with inspiration overflowing from everywhere. She immersed herself in the Galician language, traditions and cuisine. However, the idea of being a permanent decision came with challenges. Navigating the visa process as a non-EU citizen required meticulous planning and assistance from local legal experts. Laura also had to adapt to the local climate and integrate into the community. Despite these challenges, Laura found her new life in Galicia deeply rewarding. She cherished the scenic landscapes, the delicious seafood, and the unique cultural experiences. Her story is a testament to the appeal of Galicia and the enriching experience of living in this unique part of Spain.

For those considering a similar move, understanding the visa requirements, seeking professional legal assistance, and engaging with local communities can significantly improve the transition. Galicia offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an appealing destination for expats.

Going to Spain: Moving Abroad With VanOne

At VanOne, we understand the complexities involved in international moves. Our services are designed to make your transition to Galicia easy. We offer comprehensive removals to Spain and other European destinations, ensuring your house removals to Spain are handled carefully. From customs clearance to safely transporting household belongings, we provide many services to meet your needs. Whether you prefer door-to-door service or storing your items in a warehouse, we fully ensure your belongings are intact. Contact VanOne International Movers today and get a free quote!