Travel to Santiago de Compostela with travel insurance from Essential Travel

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Information on Santiago de Compostela with single trip travel insurance from Essential Travel

Travel to Santiago de Compostela

This once hugely important pilgrimage town and capital of Galicia, northwest Spain, is a Mecca for countless tourists and pilgrims who come to gaze at the magnificent cathedral or join in the festivities of the Apostle of Saint James, every year.

Getting there

Santiago de Compestela Airport, 10kms to the east of the city, receives international flights and 10 flights per day from Madrid. Shuttles are available and there is a regular bus service into town; however, taxis are the fastest option. For those travelling to Santiago by car, the A-6/E-70 heads northwest from Madrid and intersects with the A-9/E-1, heading south to the city. There are two trains a day from Madrid and one from Bilbao. Buses go from Madrid’s Estacion sur de Autobuses but are infrequent and unreliable.

Information on Santiago de Compostelas key attractions

Santiago’s cathedral is striking; its baroque façade, the masterly Door of Glory, and the giant incense burner (botafumeiro) leave a lasting impression on visitors. On the huge and monumental square outside, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos has welcomed travellers for centuries. A picturesque old town and a university occupy the meandering alleys and plazas at the back of the cathedral, and are ideal for exploring on foot. Three bustling streets to take note of are: the 12th century Franco, Vilar and Nova. Nearby are the baroque San Agustin Church and the medieval food hall.

Out and about

A fitting complement to this great city would be a visit by car to the numerous ancient villages lining the pilgrimage route. La Coruña is a favourite for tourists with its attractive old quarter of stately townhouses and peaceful squares; while Pontevedra’s delightful old quarter is full of handsome churches and palaces. Alternatively, Vigo has a charming yacht-filled marina and a raffish fishing quarter.

Leisure options

Santiago de Compostela’s other claim to fame is its delicious seafood which is served up in some fine restaurants. The Festival of the Apostle of Saint James is also well known for its consumption of vast amounts of lobsters and scallops in the saint’s name. Being a university town, Santiago de Compostela has a lively and exciting nightlife centred on the old streets, which are lined with bars.

Safety

Although Santiago de Compostela is a city of considerable religious significance, it still, unfortunately, suffers from the blight of pickpockets, especially around festival time. Visitors are a lot more susceptible to dangers and annoyances in an unfamiliar environment and should therefore remain alert. Driving is also potentially hazardous. We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance for yourself and your family.

Weather in Santiago de Compostela

The Galicia region has a temperate climate, especially in the winter with minimal temperatures of about 5C. The maximum temperature goes up to 20C in summer giving pleasant weather conditions throughout the year.

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