Santiago de Compostela
There is nothing that can compare to the element of charm and surprise in this little town in Northern Spain. Travellers, walkers and pilgrims from around the world head in the direction of the Cathedral which houses the tomb of St James the Apostle. It’s not the destination of someone wanting a hectic city break, nor is it the destination for someone wanting nightlife. It’s a genuine place for travellers, a meeting point of different generations, cultures and languages. It’s also a home for good Spanish tapas and regional wines.
If you want a break from the norm, with a quaint and yet sometimes powerful charm then Santiago de Compostela is the place for you.
How long would you need?
The main sights in Santiago could be covered easily in two days if you planned ahead. A day trip would also allow you to get a taste of the town.
How to get there
A really simple and easy direct flight from London Stansted taking approximately 2 hours.
Once in the airport in Santiago you have the option of a bus which takes you directly to the centre or taxis. Taxis remain fairly cheap 20 Euros gets you to the city (prices 2016).
Main sights
The Cathedral
The view from the Cathedral roof (you must book in advance)
The market
Several churches
The final section of the Compostela
Several parks of which the largest provided an amazing view of the town and the Cathedral
Some smaller museums on local history (if you like that sort of thing)
Many of the guide books suggests other museums and art galleries (take a look if you want to find out more) however we found that the sites listed above were what made Santiago what it was for us.
Where else to see nearby
A Coruna
A beautiful seaside town known as the ‘city of glass’ due to the glass fronted buildings
Eating out and General costs
The food and drinks in Santiago are of a similar price range in most restaurants. As it is not a site over run with tourists (although there are the typical tourist shops). A really pleasant meal can be bought for under 50 euros for two.
Restaurants Visited
El Cardeal
El Bispopo
What to take
The climate in Santiago is more like summer in the UK from April through to June. After this temperatures increase during the summer. Be prepared for the fact that it can be humid and rain more frequently than in other parts of Spain (it’s this which makes the area around Galica so green and pleasant in comparison with some of the more desert like areas of Spain).
Something a little different…
If you enjoy a good picnic lunch, the market in Santiago caters for every need. The market traders are happy to give you a slice of every meat and cheese they sell and you can even buy regional wines to top it off. We bought amazing vine tomatoes, meats and cheeses and freshly baked bread. All of which surpassed many shop bought equivalents you can get at home.
A Simple guide to the History of the Area
Saint James the Apostle of Christ is said to have travelled to Santiago whilst preaching the gospel. He is said to have died in the area and his bones were encased in a silver casket which now resides beneath the cathedral. The cathedral houses a silver statue of St James which is the final destination for those doing the Camino.
The Camino is simply an old pilgrim route (or routes) which pass through Spain, Portugal and France (depending on the route taken). The routes lead to Santiago with the intention of leading the pilgrim towards the holy site of the burial place of the apostles. Rather like a trip to St Peters Basillica in Rome (but substantially less publicised). Many walkers take this route for religious reasons however there appears to have been an upsurge in walking to ‘discover yourself’ and a recent film entitiled ‘The Way’ highlights its use in this way.