Marine tourism and fishing tourism are experiencing a boom in Galicia, consolidating themselves as one of the differential tourist offers in the region. These activities, which allow visitors to delve into the daily lives of local fishermen and shellfish harvesters, are flourishing on the Galician coasts, driven by the general increase in tourism in Spain and growing demand, both national and international.
According to Pepe Martínez, director of the Pescaturismo reservation platform, Galicia has registered a notable increase this summer in the number of marine tourism and Pescaturismo excursions. Activities such as mussel farming, octopus fishing, and days with shellfish harvesters in emblematic places such as Baiona, Cambados, Carril and Redondela are being especially popular among tourists. These experiences offer a deep immersion into marine life, allowing visitors to learn first-hand about Galician fishing traditions.
The growth of the sector has not only benefited activities directly related to fishing, but has also promoted the remodeling and preparation of fish markets and ports to organize guided tours. In Burela, a reference port for bonito fishing, tourists can attend fish auctions that combine the tradition of oral bidding with automation.
The profile of tourists who join these experiences is diverse, with a notable presence of visitors from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Scandinavian countries, highlighting the growing interest on the part of travelers from the United States. This increase in foreign demand underlines the international attractiveness that Galician sea tourism has gained.
This trend has contributed to the consolidation of marine tourism and fishing tourism as a key offer in the diversification of tourism in Galicia, highlighting the connection between tradition and local economic development.