Combarro

Combarro, (Galicia) Spain

Combarro is a curious little fishing village in southwestern Galicia known for its more than 30 hórreos lining the waterfront.  These hórreos were originally used to store grains, but nowadays they are mostly used for the storage of just about anything as well as for decoration.  If you walk along the street just behind the hórreos you will find many modest granite houses with stone balconies as well as small bars and restaurants serving fresh seafood and orujo (distilled spirits).

You really can't leave Galicia until you've tried at least one of the many types of orujo produced here.  As you walk up and down the streets of Combarro, it is not uncommon to see people selling it homemade right out of their home.
 

Hórreos in Galicia

Combarro, (Galicia) Spain

Hórreos, or granaries in English, can be commonly found throughout the north of Spain and Portugal, but with the highest numbers in the regions of Galicia and Asturias.  It is said that more than 30,000 can be found in Galicia alone!   Hórreos are typically made of stone or wood and propped up on pillars with a staddle stone at the top to keep its contents dry and free of rodents.  Depending on the geographic area, hórreos can take on other names; for example, in Combarro they are typically called palleiras.