Galicia is a land of striking contrasts. Here, jagged Atlantic rías border deep valleys, and fog-covered mountains hide villages where time seems to stand still. Far from the popular tourist routes that wind along the coast with its famous lighthouses, another Galicia awaits — one that is inland, mountainous, and rugged. Amid these landscapes, at over 1,300 meters above sea level, lies the highest-altitude settlement in the entire region.
That title belongs to Cepedelo — a tiny village perched at 1,330 to 1,341 meters above sea level. Administratively, it is part of the municipality of Carballeda de Valdeorras in the province of Ourense, right on the border with Zamora. This place is miniature in every sense: according to the 2023 census, only 17 people live here permanently. However, the population grows during holidays and weekends, as those who once left return to their roots. Its unique location, breathtaking mountain scenery, and absolute tranquility make Cepedelo a vivid example of the most remote and elevated part of Galicia.
Life at the summit
Life in Sepedelo is entirely shaped by mountain laws, with the climate taking center stage. Winters are cold, with frequent frosts and snowfalls that can cut the village off from the outside world for days. Summers, in contrast, are mild and pleasant without oppressive heat. Yet the harshness is offset by what has become a true luxury in today’s world—peace and quiet. The absence of traffic, a close bond with nature, and exceptionally dark skies perfect for stargazing set a slow and measured pace for daily life.
There’s no city noise here—no rush or bustle. Days begin with birdsong and end beneath the silent dome of the Milky Way. Locals are used to solitude and cherish the opportunity to live in harmony with their surroundings, where each day brings new views of the mountain slopes and valleys that shift with the seasons and changing weather.
Mountain records
It’s important to note that the highest point in Galicia is not in the village itself, but on a mountain summit. This peak is Peña Trevinca (Monte Peña Trevinca), reaching an elevation of 2,127 meters. It sits right on the border between the provinces of Ourense and Zamora, near Sepedelo, and forms part of the Serra do Eixe mountain range. This summit is a landmark for climbers and mountain enthusiasts throughout the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula.
Besides Cepedelo, Galicia has several other settlements located at significant altitudes. In the province of Lugo, Pedrafita do Cebreiro stands out, specifically its famous center, O Cebreiro, situated at around 1,330 meters above sea level. This is a landmark site on the French Way of the Camino de Santiago. In the province of A Coruña, one of the highest municipalities is Sobrado (about 510 meters), known for its monastery. And in Pontevedra, a notable example of a mid-altitude village is A Cañiza, which sits at approximately 570 meters above sea level.
By the way, Galicia is an autonomous community in the northwest of Spain, known for its Celtic heritage, the unique Galician language, and its distinct culture. The region is famous not only for its seafood and Albariño wine, but also for its stunning natural landscapes. However, its interior, mountainous areas, like many other rural parts of Spain, face the problem of depopulation. Tiny villages like Cepedelo are vivid symbols of this ‘Empty Spain’ (España vaciada), where the traditional way of life persists but the future remains uncertain.
