- Travel Enthusiast
- Nov 14, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 30
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA: YOUR ULTIMATE ITINERARY
Santiago de Compostela is the historic heart of Galicia and the final stop on the Camino de Santiago. Its cathedral dominates the skyline, while stone-paved streets and old monasteries give the city a timeless feel.
The Camino ends here, but for visitors, Santiago is just the beginning. Gardens, markets, and lively squares make it a city full of character and atmosphere.
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to products and services we recommend. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps us continue to create helpful travel guides. Thank you for your support.*
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA HIGHLIGHTS
Short on time? Here are the spots you shouldn’t miss:
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela – The awe-inspiring endpoint of the Camino, with its majestic façade and the famous Portico de la Gloria that pilgrims have admired for centuries.
Museum of the Cathedral – A treasure trove of sacred art, ancient manuscripts, and archaeological remains that trace the cathedral’s evolution through the ages.
Praza do Obradoiro – The grand main square where the cathedral, the Raxoi Palace, and the Hostal dos Reis Católicos create Santiago’s most iconic view.
Hostal dos Reis Católicos – Originally built as a pilgrim’s hospital in 1499, today it’s a historic Parador hotel with a striking Plateresque façade.
Old Town – A maze of narrow medieval streets, Romanesque churches, and lively squares that capture Santiago’s timeless charm.
Mercado de Abastos – The city’s bustling market, second only to the cathedral in popularity, filled with fresh seafood, cheeses, and Galician flavors to sample.
Parque da Alameda – A leafy park with elegant walkways and stunning views of the cathedral spires.
GETTING TO AND AROUND SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Getting around Santiago de Compostela:
The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot, with most highlights close together. For longer distances, there’s a good local bus network, plus taxis if you need them.
Getting to Santiago de Compostela:
By train – High-speed trains connect Santiago with Madrid in about 4 hours and with cities across Galicia in less. There are also direct services from places like A Coruña, Vigo, and Ourense. Trains arrive close to the center, making it an easy option.
By bus – Long-distance buses link Santiago with Madrid, Porto, and many Galician towns. Travel times are longer than the train, but it’s a solid budget option.
By plane – Santiago Airport (SCQ) is just 15 minutes from the city, with regular buses and taxis to the center. It has direct flights from several Spanish and European cities, making it ideal if you’re coming from further away.
By car – Roads are good, and driving gives you the freedom to explore Galicia’s countryside and coast. Parking in the Old Town is tricky though, so it’s best to leave the car just outside the center.
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA ITINERARY
Most people spend just one day in Santiago de Compostela, and Day 1 already covers the main highlights. If you stay longer, you can experience more of the city’s culture or head out on day trips to explore Galicia’s coast and countryside.
DAY 1
Morning: Start at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the city’s most famous landmark and the symbolic finish line of the Camino. Explore its interior and chapels before heading to the Portico de la Gloria, the cathedral’s Romanesque masterpiece only accessible on a guided tour. Then, continue into the Cathedral Museum, where sacred art and manuscripts trace centuries of history. To make the most of your visit, join a guided tour that covers all three.
Then, step out into Praza do Obradoiro, Santiago’s grand square framed by the cathedral, the Raxoi Palace, and the Hostal dos Reis Católicos. Originally built as a pilgrim’s hospital in 1499, today it’s a historic Parador hotel with a striking Plateresque façade.
If you’d like to experience its interior, you don’t need to be a guest – the restaurant is open to all, offering a chance to enjoy Galician dishes in a beautiful setting and explore parts of the cloisters and courtyards.
Afternoon: Walk through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of winding streets and lively squares. Pause at the Mercado de Abastos, Santiago’s bustling market, to experience the atmosphere and sample a Galician bite.
Evening: Head to Parque da Alameda, just outside the Old Town, where tree-lined paths lead to the Mirador da Ferradura and its famous views of the cathedral spires.
DAY 2
If you’ve got another day in Santiago, take time to experience more of its culture, history, and flavors beyond the main landmarks. Here are a few options you can pick and choose from:
Cidade da Cultura – A striking modern complex celebrating Galician arts and exhibitions – a bold architectural contrast to the Old Town’s medieval charm.
Monastery of San Pelayo – A serene Romanesque monastery where Benedictine nuns sell traditional almond pastries – a delightful regional touch.
Museo do Pobo Galego – Tucked inside a former convent, this museum brings Galicia’s history, traditions, and culture vividly to life.
Museo das Peregrinacións (Pilgrimage Museum) – Dedicated to the Camino de Santiago, with fascinating exhibits about the history, art, and traditions of pilgrimage.
Parque de Belvís – A peaceful green space on the edge of the Old Town, with a camellia hedge labyrinth and lovely views of Santiago’s historic skyline.
Mercado La Galiciana – A modern food hall filled with stalls serving Galician favorites, from cheeses and seafood to creative tapas, all in a buzzing setting.
Prefer to venture beyond the city? These full-day excursions let you experience some of Galicia’s most stunning coastal and cultural highlights:
Costa da Morte Day Trip – Journey along Galicia’s rugged “Coast of Death”, where dramatic cliffs, wild Atlantic views, and historic fishing villages meet. Highlights include Cape Finisterre, often called the “end of the world”, the sanctuary of Muxía, the Ézaro waterfall, and lighthouses that dot this striking coastline.
Lugo & Cathedrals Beach Full-Day Tour – Combine history and natural wonder with a visit to Lugo, home to Europe’s only intact Roman wall, and the spectacular Playa de las Catedrales. At low tide, its towering rock arches and caves form one of Spain’s most beautiful and unforgettable beaches.
WHERE TO STAY IN SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Staying overnight? Here are some great places to stay in Santiago de Compostela:
Mid-Range / Boutique:
Casa da Balconada – A cozy, family-run guesthouse in the heart of the Old Town, offering comfortable rooms and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Hotel Praza Quintana – A charming hotel right beside the cathedral, combining comfort, modern touches, and an unbeatable location.
Luxury:
Parador de Santiago – Hostal dos Reis Católicos – One of Spain’s most iconic hotels, this former royal hospital sits on Praza do Obradoiro. It offers luxurious rooms and exquisite Galician dining.
A Quinta da Auga – A Relais & Châteaux boutique hotel set in a restored 18th-century mill, offering eco-friendly luxury with a spa, gardens, and a serene riverside setting.
Historic with Charm:
San Francisco Hotel Monumento – A beautifully restored monastery only minutes from the cathedral, with cloisters, a garden, and an indoor pool for a calm retreat in the city.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
How many days do you need in Santiago de Compostela?
You can see the highlights – the Cathedral, Museum, Praza do Obradoiro, and Old Town – in a day. But Santiago reveals itself best with time – two days lets you enjoy its parks, markets, and museums at a gentler pace, while a third day opens the door to day trips along the Galician coast.
What is so special about Santiago de Compostela?
Santiago de Compostela is best known as the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago, one of the most important pilgrimages in the world. Its Cathedral is believed to hold the tomb of Saint James the Apostle, making it a major religious site since the Middle Ages. Beyond its spiritual importance, the city is also famous for its well-preserved Old Town, lively markets, and strong Galician cultural identity.
Why does the Camino end at Santiago de Compostela?
The Camino ends in Santiago because its Cathedral is believed to be the resting place of Saint James the Apostle. Since the 9th century, this site has drawn pilgrims from across Europe, making it one of the most important spiritual destinations in the world.
What does Santiago de Compostela mean in English?
“Santiago” means Saint James, while “Compostela” comes from the Latin campus stellae, or field of the star. The name recalls the legend of a star that guided the discovery of Saint James’s tomb in the 9th century.
BEYOND SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Got extra time? Here are a few amazing places outside Santiago de Compostela that are worth checking out.
Islas Cíes – A protected national park with turquoise waters, soft sandy beaches, and trails through pine forests. Often called the “Galician Caribbean”, these islands are reached by ferry from Vigo and feel like an untouched paradise.
A Coruña – A vibrant coastal city home to the Tower of Hercules, the world’s oldest functioning lighthouse and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Beyond its maritime landmark, you’ll find lively plazas, a long seaside promenade, and plenty of Galician charm.
Pazo de Oca – A baroque estate with manicured gardens, serene ponds, and elegant stone bridges. Often nicknamed the “Galician Versailles”, it’s one of the most beautiful historic gardens in Spain.
Ourense – A riverside city known for its hot springs, from the scenic Termas de Outariz to the historic As Burgas in the center. Natural thermal pools make it the ideal spot to slow down and relax.
Combarro – A picturesque fishing village known for its hórreos (stone granaries) lining the waterfront and narrow streets filled with traditional houses.
