Galicia Adventures: Trying New Foods & Kayaking to La Toja

Today was one of those magical summer days that makes you wish time would slow down. We’re in the coastal town of Vilanova de Arousa in Galicia, where the skies are clear, the breeze is just right, and the salty sea air makes everything taste a little better.

We stayed in for lunch today and feasted on a spread of Galician specialties: fresh sardines, percebes (goose barnacles!), mop empanadas de pulpo (octopus-filled pastries), and a warm bowl of spaghetti tossed with zucchini and cheese. The big outdoor table was the perfect setting for a shared meal with friends.

Not every kid was excited about the zucchini in the pasta—but here’s the thing: we didn’t offer an alternative, and each one of them gave it a try. And ate it! One child even became a sardine superfan after trying them for the first time.

Little Eaters Tip of the Day:

When introducing new foods, keep the atmosphere relaxed and serve the new food alongside something familiar. Avoid pressuring or offering a backup option right away—sometimes a little curiosity and a lot of modeling from adults (and peers!) is all it takes.

In the afternoon, we set out for a kayak adventure to the island of La Toja with Riatur MultiAventura. Each kayak paired an adult with a child, which made for great teamwork, new stories, and the kind of bonding you can only get with paddles and sea spray. The views were stunning, the water calm, and the effort just enough to make us all feel like we earned our ice cream when we got back to the house.

Evening was low-key: a simple dinner of pizza, local charcuterie, and lots of laughter while retelling the day’s kayaking highlights.

Little Eaters Takeaway:

Food experiences are about more than just eating—they’re about connection, discovery, and shared joy. Let kids surprise you. Often, they will.