Car Hire Santiago de Compostela - Mini guide to Santiago de Compostela

The capital of Galicia and once rivalling Jerusalem and Rome in religious importance, Santiago de Compostela draws millions of tourists and pilgrims who come to gaze at its many historic sites or gather for the yearly Festival of the Apostle of Saint James.

The cathedral forms the centerpiece of the pilgrimage and contains a bust of Saint James. Tradition also dictates that cathedral visitors bump their head on the figure of its creator to obtain prudence and wisdom. Other buildings of note include the university and the monasteries of San Martin Pinario and San Paio de Antealtares, plus the Old Royal Hospital.

The ancient heart of Santiago de Compostela is best explored on foot. Amble down the 12th century streets of Franco, Vilar and Nova and visit the university, the Baroque church of San Agustin and the medieval food hall, or sit in the classical squares which border the cathedral’s facades.

The city is famed for its seafood and the best time to visit is during the Festival of the Apostle of Saint James, when foods such as scallops and lobsters, associated with the saint, are consumed. Wines from the region can also be sampled in the many bars that line the old streets.

Other places in Galicia worth a visit include the Costa da Morte, an area of cliffs above the Atlantic, containing the ‘end of the world’ lighthouses. Numerous nearby ancient villages lining the pilgrims’ route to Santiago can also be visited by car.

There are 10 daily flights from Madrid (duration: 60 minutes) and they arrive at Santiago Airport, 12kms from town. Two trains leave daily from Madrid and one from Bilbao. The A-9 motorway from La Coruna is the main route to Santiago, and La Coruna is linked to Madrid by the A-6 road.