What to visit in a day if you are near Santiago de Compostela
The city of Santiago de Compostela offers not only a rich history and culture, but also the possibility of exciting day trips to nearby destinations, either organised by one of the many agencies or on your own. In this post we will tell you some of the frequent places to visit and what to do in each of them:
Rías Baixas
- Visit to the island of La Toja: Take a bus or car and head to the nearby island of La Toja, known for its hot springs and tranquil atmosphere. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the thermal baths, stroll through the beautiful gardens or visit the church of San Sebastian.
- A stroll through Cambados: Head to the charming town of Cambados, famous for being the birthplace of Albariño wine. Explore its old town, admire its traditional architecture and visit some of the local wineries to taste Albariño wine. Don't forget to try the delicious seafood too.
- Combarro and its old quarter: Combarro is a charming place worth visiting. Stroll along its cobbled streets, admire the hórreos (granaries) and enjoy the sea views. You can also try fresh seafood in the local restaurants.
- Silgar beach in Sanxenxo: If you are looking to relax on the beach, visit Silgar Beach in Sanxenxo. It is one of the most popular beaches in the area with fine sand and crystal clear waters. You can sunbathe, stroll along the promenade or enjoy water sports.
- Walk along the Route of the Lighthouses: Take a drive along the Lighthouse Route that will take you through beautiful coastal landscapes and allow you to visit several emblematic lighthouses. Some notable lighthouses are Cabo Home Lighthouse or Cabo Silleiro.
Finisterre and Costa da Morte
- Cape Finisterre: The highlight of your trip will be a visit to Cape Finisterre, located on the Atlantic coast. Here you will find stunning cliff scenery and the famous Finisterre Lighthouse. Enjoy the panoramic views of the ocean and if the weather permits, watch the sunset which is especially beautiful from this point.
- Beaches: Finistère has beautiful beaches along its coastline. Langosteira Beach is one of the most popular beaches with its calm waters and golden sand. Weather permitting, you can relax on the beach, stroll along the shore or even take a dip in the ocean.
- Walk along the harbour: Explore the port of Finisterre where local fishermen bring in their daily catch. You can stroll along the quayside and enjoy the seafaring atmosphere. Don't miss the fresh seafood restaurants where you can sample local delicacies such as barnacles, octopus and mussels.
- Museum of the Sea: If you are interested in maritime history and culture, visit the Museo do Mar in Finisterre. This museum offers exhibits on traditional fishing, sailing and life at sea. You will learn about the local people's relationship with the ocean and how it has influenced their way of life over the centuries.
Ribeira Sacra
- Catamaran along the Sil river canyon: One of the best ways to explore the Ribeira Sacra is to take a catamaran trip along the Sil river canyon. Enjoy panoramic views of terraced vineyards and towering cliffs as you cruise along the tranquil waters of the river. Learn about the history and culture of the region from the guide on board.
- Visits to wineries and wine tastings: The Ribeira Sacra is known for its wines, especially those made from the Mencía and Godello varieties. Take the opportunity to visit some local wineries and discover the wine production process. Take part in wine tastings to sample the unique flavours and aromas of the region.
- Monasteries and viewpoints: The Ribeira Sacra is home to several historic monasteries worth visiting, such as the Monastery of Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil or the Monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil. Explore their impressive architecture and immerse yourself in the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere of these places. Also, don't miss the viewpoints along the canyons of the river Sil from where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views.
A Coruña
- Tower of Hercules: The Tower of Hercules is one of the main points of interest in A Coruña and is considered the oldest working Roman lighthouse in the world. Climb the tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Old town: Explore the old town of A Coruña, known as the Old Town. Stroll through its narrow cobbled streets, discover charming squares and admire the historic architecture. Don't miss the Plaza de María Pita, which is the heart of the city and houses the Town Hall.
- Promenade: A Coruña has a beautiful promenade called "Paseo Marítimo de La Marina". Enjoy a pleasant walk by the sea, breathe in the fresh air and admire the views of the harbour and the beaches. On the way, you will see Riazor beach and Orzán beach, perfect for relaxing.
- Domus Museum: If you are interested in science and technology, visit the Domus Museum. This interactive museum explores the human body and life in society in a playful and interesting way. It is a educational experience for all ages.
- Art galleries: A Coruña is home to several art galleries that are well worth a visit. These include the Luis Seoane Foundation and the Contemporary Art Centre, where you can see works by local and international artists.
Conclusions
And that's it for this post about day trips from Santiago de Compostela! I hope you've enjoyed reading and that these suggestions inspire you to explore the beautiful places near this charming Galician city!
