2025 Santiago de Compostela Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚇 Transportation: not really needed as everything is central 📷 Photo Spots: surely the cathedral! 🍜 Local Cuisine: really good! Octopus is a must try! 🏠 Accommodation: Hotel Compostela: loved it!! 💡 Tips Try to go to the mass in the cathedral at least once and definitely wonder around the city! I got to also enjoy fireworks as I went on national holiday! The hotel: 1000% recommended, the breakfast was delicious and the staff was amazing!

Finally arriving at Santiago de Compostela, I can now visit the city's most famous landmark—the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral! This cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela and is one of the most renowned pilgrimage sites for Catholics, boasting a history of over 400 years! Although I am not a Catholic, I was deeply impressed by the grandeur and magnificence of the Gothic and Baroque architecture of the cathedral 😍. Each facade of the cathedral features different lifelike statues. Inside, the ceilings are very high and the interior is resplendent with gold. Everyone queues up to visit the burial place of James, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. There are many pilgrims every day, so it's advisable to allocate time for queuing to enter.

[Restaurant María Castaña🥘] Introducing Restaurante María Castaña, a restaurant located near the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain! The dishes I tried were paella, pork, and octopus! All three dishes were really delicious:) If I may give you a tip, if you ask for no salt when ordering paella, you will be able to enjoy the food even more~ Also, Santiago is famous for seafood, so I hope you try the octopus dish called pulpo de gallego!! The chewy texture is attractive:) #Spain travel#Spain#Paella#Octopus #Small city travel#Hidden restaurant #Winter travel#Restaurant exploration#Safe travel#City travel

[SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, APOSTOL🎉] The APOSTOL festival in Santiago, Spain is held every year on July 25th, but the entire program of exhibitions, plays, performances, and concerts starts about ten days earlier! At noon on July 24th, the cathedral bells ring to announce the events that will take place that night:) The streets and squares are filled with lights✨, and the fireworks in front of the cathedral🎇 are truly fantastic!! How about going to a festival where many people gather and you can enjoy rides~? #SpainTravel #Spain #Festival #AmusementPark #2019Travel #LifeShotSpot #LifeTravelDestination #SafeTravel #CityTravel

#summervacay Okay, so everyone talks about the big cathedral in Santiago de Compostela (and yeah, it’s epic), but this little city’s got more than one holy hangout. Wander just a bit and you’ll stumble into lesser-known churches and mini-cathedrals that are honestly super cool in their own quiet way. Places like Igrexa de San Fiz or the Monastery of San Martín Pinario feel like secret gems. Fewer crowds, more space to soak it all in. They’ve got that old stone, candle-lit, mysterious vibe, and some seriously beautiful altars and ceilings if you bother to look up (you should). The best part? These spots are peaceful. No big tours, no loud cameras clicking, just soft footsteps and old wood creaking under your shoes. It’s like stepping into the past without the chaos. So yeah, don’t just stop at the main cathedral. Santiago’s full of low-key spiritual corners waiting to be discovered. Slow down, take a peek, and enjoy the quiet magic.

#summervacay The cathedral in Santiago de Compostela is the moment. Even if you're not doing the whole Camino pilgrimage, stepping into that plaza and seeing this giant, dramatic masterpiece hit you in the face, it's goosebumps city. The vibe is heavy in the best way. Pilgrims crying, hugging, laying on the ground like they just finished a marathon (which... they kinda did). The outside is all detailed stone and towering spires, super impressive. But the inside? Whoa. It's massive, golden, and full of history. You can actually hug the statue of St. James (yep, it's a thing), and if you catch the botafumeiro swinging during mass? Full-on chills. It’s like a giant incense-swinging spaceship. Even if you’re not religious, it’s got this ancient, peaceful energy that makes you wanna whisper and walk slow. Total main character moment. This cathedral isn’t just a church, it’s a whole mood, a destination, and honestly, kinda unforgettable.

#summervacay Santiago de Compostela is one of those places that hits different. Even if you’re not doing the whole epic Camino pilgrimage, the energy here is something else, peaceful, a little emotional, and super charming. The old town? Absolute fairytale. Cobblestone streets, cozy little cafes, and buildings that look like they’ve seen centuries of stories. The cathedral is obviously the star of the show. It’s huge, dramatic, and kinda gives you goosebumps when you see all the tired but smiling pilgrims arriving. Even if you’re just there for the pics, it’s got this wow factor you don’t expect. Food scene? So good. Tapas, Galician octopus, and local wine hit totally different after a day of wandering. And at night, the town is super chill but still alive, street music, cute bars, and that soft glow from the old lanterns. It’s spiritual, it’s historic, and it’s honestly just really pretty. Santiago’s got that slow, soulful travel magic you didn’t know you needed.

Amazing tour of the rooftops of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Tour can be booked in advance online or from the Cathedral Museum, or you can turn up on the day and hope they have a slot. There are lots of steps to climb as you can imagine but well worth it for the amazing views and you will have a guide to tell you about the history. We joined a Spanish tour (I think they have tours in English at certain times if you ask) but there was a qr code given which you could access a pdf version of the information in English. Tickets were 12 euros per adult and the tour lasted an hour, tickets also included entrance to the museum. Our tour was at 12pm so we could hear the pilgrims mass going on inside the Cathedral beneath our feet, which added to the experience.

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip [End of the Pilgrimage] A soul-shaking journey at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral ✨ The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, located in northwestern Spain, is a holy place where travelers from all over the world visit as the end point of the Camino de Santiago (pilgrimage route) ⛪️ The majestic facade and the golden altar inside are impressive. The sight of people praying quietly made me feel like my soul was cleansed. When I actually visited, the whole town was enveloped in kindness to welcome pilgrims, and there was a mysterious atmosphere that healed the fatigue of the journey ✨ Access is about a 15-minute walk from Santiago de Compostela Station. The journey to the cathedral while walking through the old town can also be enjoyed as part of the trip 🚶♂️ 🎯 Tips: Don't miss the ceremony where the cathedral's "Botafumeiro (giant incense burner)" moves! It may not be held on some days, so it is recommended to check the schedule on the official website before visiting. Whether you're traveling alone or as a couple, this is a place you'll want to visit at a turning point in your life. If you want a memorable trip, you definitely can't miss this place ✨ Domestic travel #couples trip #solo trip #absolutely free trip #Spain trip #Santiago pilgrimage #World Heritage Site #Cathedral tour #Journey of the soul

Six years ago, I walked from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Fisterra. I had many feelings, met many good people, and had many stories. I was full of gratitude and thanksgiving. Five years later, I set out again. I arrived in Santiago twice and took a bus to Muxía. I felt the destructive power of tourism culture. Now is a good time for tourism experience. Of course, the classic French road is very endurance-testing to complete the entire 700 kilometers. So if you want a short experience, you can start from Sarria or Palas de Rei, which is about 100 kilometers away from the end. You can also get a certificate. Now the certificate is printed, not handwritten. The process of getting the certificate is simple. It only takes a few minutes. The scene of the long queues in the pilgrim office is no longer there. I originally planned to walk the Northern Road and the Portuguese Road again, but unfortunately the serious commercialization made me lose the motivation to explore and pursue. Note ⚠️Stamp each point, which is the proof of your journey.

🚩 Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain 🏖️ Catedral De Santiago 📷 Photos taken in the Obradoiro Square 🍜 You must try Cocido and Pulpo a la Gallega 💡 Tips#spain_vacations #spaintrip #spain #galicia #travel #citydaytours

If you want to experience authentic history and art in Spain, I recommend a hotel group: PARADORES. This is a state-owned group with 98 hotels and 6,000 rooms. The reason I recommend this is because it is state-owned, and the country integrates tourism resources. Most of the hotels in the group are located in historical sites, and some are in the best natural scenery. In other words, their locations are basically in the most core tourist resource areas. The hotel's design, culture, and service, coupled with the surrounding scenic spots, can reflect the authentic Spanish history and art. Here are a few examples: 1. Parador de Alcalá de Henares: Located in the suburbs of Madrid, it is the hometown of the great writer Cervantes, the oldest university city in Spain, and a World Heritage city. Every year on April 23, World Book Day, the Cervantes Literature Award ceremony is held in the auditorium of the University of Alcalá. 2. Parador de Cuenca: Located in the World Heritage city of Cuenca, about 1 hour away from Madrid by high-speed train. It is the hotel where the current King and Queen of Spain spent their honeymoon. 3. Parador de Ronda: Ronda is located in Malaga Province, Andalusia, southern Spain, the most romantic place in Hemingway's writings. It is the town where the oldest bullring in Spain is located, and it is also built on a cliff. 4. Parador de Santiago de Compostela: A five-star hotel located on the main square where the Santiago Cathedral is located. It is the oldest hotel in Spain and perhaps the oldest hotel in the world. It was originally a pilgrim hospital. 5. Parador de Granada: Excellent location, right in the Alhambra Palace scenic area. Super difficult to book. So having a meal there is also a good choice. 6. Parador de Jaén: Jaén is located in Andalusia and is a famous olive oil producing area in Spain and the birthplace of Sanmao's "José." 7. Parador de Salamanca: The World Heritage city of Salamanca is a famous university city, and the 800-year-old University of Salamanca brings a strong cultural heritage to the ancient city. 8. Parador de Toledo: Toledo is an ancient capital of Spain, not far from Madrid, a World Heritage city. This hotel is very popular. 9. Parador de Segovia: The World Heritage city of Segovia is world-renowned for its ancient Roman aqueduct, Snow White castle, and roast suckling pig. This hotel offers panoramic views of the ancient city. 10. Parador de Mérida: A World Heritage city located on the Spanish-Portuguese border, famous for its ancient Roman ruins. The International Classical Theater Festival is held here every summer in the ancient Roman amphitheater in the ancient city. There are many Paradores hotels, and they are widely distributed. If you think they are very expensive, then you are wrong. In fact, the prices of many of their hotels are quite affordable.

Every year, nearly half of all pilgrims choose to embark on the Camino Francés, a route listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO that now attracts countless modern travelers. UNESCO specifically pointed out: "The most complete pilgrimage infrastructure since the Middle Ages is preserved here." From sanctuaries to Romanesque churches, from shell markers to pilgrim passports, this route uses living tradition to tell you why 800 years later, it is still the most moving choice to the Holy City. 1. The Gate of Faith Above the Clouds O Cebreiro is always shrouded in mist in the early morning. This small village at an altitude of 1,300 meters is the first stop for pilgrims entering Galicia. Pallozas, ancient circular houses made of stone, are scattered on the hillside, with roofs covered with thick thatch, as if time has stopped here. 2. Two roads, one choice Descending from Ocebrero, pilgrims face their first choice at Triacastela: the straight route, which passes through quiet villages, oak forests and pastures along the way, with occasional shepherds slowly driving their flocks. Detour: Turn south toward the monastery of Samos, a sixth-century ancient complex hidden in a valley surrounded by mountains. In the early morning sunshine, the monks' chanting echoed in the corridors, and the shadows of the thousand-year-old cypress trees were cast on the stone walls, as if whispering the weight of history. 3. Underwater Memory Portomarín is a town that has been "reborn". In the 1960s, the entire old city was submerged under water due to the construction of a reservoir. Only a few churches were carefully dismantled, and the stones were numbered and rebuilt on a new site. 4. Knights and Pilgrims The name Palas de Rei translates to ‘King’s Palaces’ and legend has it that it was inspired by a royal palace that was built here in antiquity. Today, this bustling town is an important stopover for pilgrims and includes the remains of the 12th-century Romanesque portico of the church of San Tirso. 5. A pilgrimage on the tip of your tongue The pilgrims’ pace slows down between Melide and Arzúa – the food here is enough to make you forget your fatigue. 6. The final trek Next to the ancient stone bridge of Santa Irene, the 17th century "holy spring" still flows today. It is said that its clear water can cure stubborn skin diseases. Continue on to A Lavacolla, a place whose name is a stark reminder of the medieval tradition of pilgrims bathing here to purify themselves. When the hills of O Monte do Gozo appear on the horizon, it means the holy city is within reach - this is where pilgrims first saw the spire of Santiago Cathedral, where medieval pilgrims would kneel and weep, and where modern travelers would raise their mobile phones to take pictures. Some say that the real magic of the pilgrimage lies not in reaching the end, but in the unexpected encounters along the way - sharing bread with an old German man at dusk in Samos; listening to locals playing guitar and singing folk songs at night in Portomarin; being awakened by the church bells in the early morning in Melide... These fragments are pieced together to form unique memories, and make this thousand-year-old road a "must-go" in everyone's life.

#Travel Guide #Camino de Santiago 💙 This is a famous pilgrimage route in Spain that starts from various routes in Europe and ends at the final destination, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. 💛Yellow arrows and scallops symbolizing the pilgrimage route! Imagine yourself walking the pilgrimage route. Just thinking about it makes my heart pound! How wonderful would it be if I could experience this adventure at least once in my life? 😉 ♥️Pilgrimage Routes There are various routes for the pilgrimage route. French Route: This route starts from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and is the most famous route on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Portuguese Route: This route, the second most famous, starts from Lisbon, Portugal. You can also start from Porto. Since it is a route that walks along the Atlantic coast, you can walk while enjoying the coastal scenery. Silver Route: This route starts from Seville. Northern Route: The oldest route. This route starts from Irun. It is characterized by many mountain paths. 💕I walked the French Way. In the distant future, I want to challenge the Portuguese Way and the Northern Way. Just thinking about it makes my heart ache! I hope to meet you on that path🥰

After 25 days non-stop of walking, finally reached Santiago de Compostela..bravo!

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 💡 Tips

this is the Capital of Galicia Spain Northwest where you can find the famous Cathedral de Santiago where the old and historical town located there's a lot to see in Compostela as well as museum and historical places. you can book online or there's a train 🚂 will bring you the historical places and it cost 6 uero for adults and for kids are 4 uero. #spain #trip #travel #galicia #compostela #santiago

If you’re a Catholic Christian, this is a must visit sacred place. The old town is absolutely beautiful as it’s the end point of the pilgrimage.

#2024Travel Review Santiago de Compostela, meaning "Santiago of the Starry Fields", is the capital of the Galician Autonomous Region in Spain. Although it has a population of less than 100,000, it has attracted much attention for its profound historical and cultural background. According to legend, James the Great, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, was buried here, making it a pilgrimage site for Catholics. Since the Middle Ages, countless pilgrims have embarked on a journey from all over France to northern Spain via different routes, forming the famous "Way of Saint James". In 1985, the ancient city of Santiago de Compostela was listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, which is an affirmation of its unique historical and cultural value. The "Road to St. James" in Spain and France were separately listed as World Cultural Heritage in 1993 and 1998 respectively, further demonstrating the importance and influence of this pilgrimage road. Today, Santiago de Compostela is not only a holy place in the hearts of believers, but also an excellent place for tourists to explore Spanish history and culture. Whether you are strolling through the streets of the ancient city or embarking on the Way of St. James, you can feel the unique charm and long history of this city.

#2024TravelReview Santiago de Compostela Cathedral (Catedral de Santiago de Compostela) is the core of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela. It is located in Santiago de Compostela, the capital of the autonomous region of Galicia, Spain. . This place is not only a holy place in the hearts of Catholics, but also the resting place of James, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, attracting countless believers to make pilgrimages. As the end point of the Way of St. James, this church has witnessed the faith journey of countless people. After several expansions, the church incorporates a variety of architectural styles including Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Silversmith and Neoclassical, showing rich historical and artistic value.

#2025OverseasTravelEvent 29 years old, thinking about how to end my 20s I suddenly went on the Camino de Santiago because I had many worries. I started alone without any information and was at a loss, but the countless people I met and memories I made during the month of walking 800km, I've traveled to many countries, but it was a great opportunity to learn about the fun of traveling and the reason for traveling. I definitely recommend the Camino de Santiago to those who like walking and want to have time to think. ㅎㅎ #Pilgrimage #CaminoDeSantiago

Great experience in 1 day trip.

The final destination of the Camino de Santiago. Admission to the cathedral is free. The mass is also worth seeing. However, in spring and autumn, when there are many pilgrims, it can be very crowded and you may have to stand at the very back. There is a fee to enter the art museum next to the cathedral, but pilgrims can get a discount. There is also a service that allows you to climb to the top of the cathedral with a guide, so this is a must-see! However, since reservations are by the hour and there are language restrictions, we recommend that you make a reservation early when you arrive.

City tour

Best route ever Check the photos !

This year, I completed the Camino De Santiago. It took me thirty-two days to walk from the east to the west of Spain, step by step. It was an extraordinary experience, and I highly recommend trying it. Experience this simple life where every day is just about walking, doing laundry, eating, and sleeping, but each day is fulfilling and joyful. You'll meet many people with different stories along the way, making it a truly unique experience.