Lugo Car Hire

Guide of Lugo

Geography

Lugo sits on a hill on the banks of the River Miño in Galicia, the ‘green heart’ of Spain. The city is surrounded by rolling hills and mountains, while the wider Lugo province encompasses diverse landscapes including agricultural plains, rivers, forests and coast.

Climate in Lugo

Lugo experiences a warm and temperate climate, with mild and relatively wet winters and summers that tend to be cooler than those in other parts of Spain. Temperatures between June and September average between 16°C and 25°C, and rarely exceed 30°C thanks to the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean. Winters are mild, with average temperatures of between 7°C and 13°C.

The city also experiences a significant amount of rainfall compared with other Spanish cities, which explains its lush green and fertile landscapes. November is typically the rainiest month to visit.

Culture

Lugo was an important outpost for the Roman Empire and today it is the only city in the world surrounded by completely intact Roman walls. Within the city walls, there are dozens of other Roman ruins and artefacts, making it a popular destination for history buffs. The city takes huge pride in this rich heritage and celebrates it during events like the Arde Lucus Festival.

Beyond ancient ruins, Lugo is deeply connected to its Galician identity, which has its own language, music, literature and folklore traditions. The gaita, a local version of a bagpipe, often features in traditional music and cultural events.

Things To Do in Lugo

Stroll around the Roman Walls

No trip to Lugo would be complete without visiting the Roman Walls. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the walls were built in the 3rd century AD as a defensive fortification around the city. If that hasn’t sated your appetite for archaeological ruins, take a stroll around the Roman Baths, the Puente Romano and the Puente Romano de San Vicente.

Explore the Historic Centre

Lugo boasts a charming historic centre with winding narrow alleys lined with bustling cafes, bars and boutiques. It’s home to some of the city’s most impressive medieval structures, as well as Lugo Cathedral. Plaza Mayor, with its arcades, cafes and shops, is the social centre of the city.

Brush up on the local history

Several excellent museums in Lugo showcase the city’s extraordinary history and traditions. Museo Provincial de Lugo is the most famous of them all and provides a fascinating insight into the region’s art and archaeology. The Interpretation Centre of the Roman Walls is well worth a visit too.

Visit the cathedral

Along with the Roman Walls, Lugo Cathedral is the city’s most iconic monument. The magnificent Romanesque-Gothic church was built in the 12th century and features intricate carvings, sculptures and a tower with panoramic views of the city.

Take a hike

Lugo is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Take a break from sightseeing and head for a stroll along the River Miño or explore the Fragas do Eume Natural Park, which is packed full of fascinating flora and fauna.

Eating Out in Lugo

Like many of Galicia’s most important cities, Lugo prides itself on its culinary heritage. The city is renowned for its seafood and dishes like pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus), lacón con grelos (pork with turnip greens) and empanada (savoury pies) feature on most menus across town. You’ll also find plenty of hearty stews, local cheeses and special desserts, like filloas (Galician crepes) and tarta de Santiago (almond cake).

Lugo isn’t short on excellent tapas bars, restaurants and cafes, so we recommend following your nose (and the crowds of locals). If you are stuck for inspiration, try Restaurante Campos. Founded in 1952, it is widely recognised as one of the best seafood restaurants in the city and has won countless awards for its Galician cuisine.

Paprica is an excellent spot for contemporary and seasonally-inspired cuisine with the added benefit of a beautiful terrace alongside the Roman walls. Or for meats and grills, head to Asador Coto Real for suckling pig and lamb cooked in a wood-fired oven.

Transport

Airport

The nearest airport to Lugo is Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ), which is located 62 miles (99 km) southeast of the city. While it may not be one of the country’s largest airports in terms of passenger traffic, it offers an excellent range of international and domestic flights from most major European and Spanish cities.

It takes around one hour to drive directly from the airport along the AP-9 motorway. Alternatively, you could hop on a direct bus from the airport to the city centre, which takes between 1.5 hours and 2 hours depending on the schedule and traffic. While there is a train station in Lugo, there are currently no direct connections from the airport to the city. If you do want to travel by train, you will need to take a taxi or bus to Santiago de Compostela Railway Station and pick up a train from here.

Getting around Lugo

Lugo is a highly walkable city thanks to its compact size and most of the main sights are within easy reach of each other. If the weather is good, you could also make use of the city’s many urban bike lanes and paths. Empresa Freire operates an affordable and generally reliable bus service around the city too.

However, if you’re hoping to get out of the city to explore the region’s rural attractions and smaller towns, we recommend hiring a car. While the historic centre has restricted vehicle access, driving around the rest of the city is relatively easy and stress-free. Plus, it will give you more flexibility and freedom to explore at your own pace.