What to do in Santiago de Compostela

What to do in Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is one of the jewels of Galicia and final destination of the iconic Camino de Santiago, but in this post we want to show that Santiago offers much more than its famous cathedrals, monuments and its representative road.

In this article, we want to take you beyond the conventional and discover with you the authentic essence of this wonderful city, in the original Scoundrel Traveller style.

Discovering Santiago's local wonders

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

It is the main destination for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago and one of the most important temples in Spain. It was built in honour of the Apostle St. James, whose remains are believed to rest in the crypt. The cathedral presents a mixture of architectural styles, such as Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque.

Obradoiro Square

It is the most emblematic square in Santiago de Compostela and is surrounded by historic buildings such as the Cathedral, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, the Palacio de Rajoy and the Colegio de San Jerónimo. It is the meeting point for pilgrims, tourists and locals.

The historic centre

The historic centre of Santiago de Compostela is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, full of churches, squares, monuments and ancient buildings. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. Here you will find a wide variety of bars and restaurants where you can sample Galician gastronomy.

The Monastery and Church of San Pelayo (San Paio)

This religious complex is located in the heart of Santiago de Compostela. Founded in the 10th century, it houses a community of Benedictine nuns. The church of San Pelayo is Romanesque and Gothic in style, and is notable for its Baroque altarpiece and 18th-century organ.

The Abastos Market

Travellers won't let me lie; if there's one place that shows you the authenticity of your destination, it's the market.

This is the main market in Santiago de Compostela and one of the oldest in Galicia. It offers a wide variety of fresh produce, such as fish, seafood, meat, fruit and vegetables. It also has food stalls and bars where you can enjoy tapas and typical dishes of the region.

Living the nature of Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela, with its changing parks and gardens, offers an enchanting landscape that enhances the city. In Santiago, greenery dominates the surroundings and enhances the beauty of the city, with historic gardens such as the Alameda and the South University Campus.

Urban sprawl has driven sustainable development and the creation of new green spaces. Today, the city has more than 5 million square metres of green spaces, which maintain the historic connection between the city and its natural surroundings, providing captivating views that endure over time.

Fervenza de Rubio It is a 5-metre high waterfall formed by the river Záramo in the municipality of Boqueixón. It is a very beautiful and accessible place, surrounded by woods and vegetation.

Merendeiro do XirimbaoRecreational area located on the banks of the river Ulla. There you can enjoy a natural environment with forests, paths and picnic areas. One of its attractions is the O Xirimbao or A Mariola suspension bridge, an 80-metre long metal footbridge that crosses the river.

Monte de Deus A viewpoint located in the north of Santiago de Compostela. From there you can contemplate a panoramic view of the city, with the cathedral and other outstanding monuments. It has some 30,000 square metres of green area with a fountain and indigenous trees.

Alameda Park The most outstanding urban park in Santiago de Compostela. It is located in the historic centre of the city and covers an area of 85,000 square metres. The park originated in the 16th century as a tree-lined promenade surrounding the medieval walls. Over time it was extended and embellished with gardens, fountains, sculptures and historical monuments.

Creating unforgettable memories in Santiago de Compostela

In Santiago de Compostela, the goal of the Camino de Santiago, Travellers can discover a unique and authentic experience that goes beyond the traditional route.

By immersing yourself in the essence of the city, you will be able to confirm for yourself that Santiago de Compostela is much more than just the final destination on the Way of St. James.

Whether you want to explore its impressive architectural heritage, indulge in delicious Galician cuisine, or immerse yourself in its green spaces, Santiago de Compostela will not disappoint.

And because sharing is living, don't miss the opportunity to find out more about how to do the Camino de Santiago in a group.

Santiago de Compostela offers a unique and authentic experience that goes beyond the Camino de Santiago. Immerse yourself in its culture, gastronomy and nature.

This is just a small sample of what to do in Santiago de Compostela, there is much more...

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