one of the best views in Santiago de Compostela of the cathedral and town from Alameda Park
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The 9 Best Views in Santiago de Compostela Spain & Beyond

Rolling green hillsides. Towering Cathedral spires. An abundance of green spaces where granite buildings compete with the moss. It’s no wonder Santiago de Compostela is filled with incredible viewpoints.

While most know Santiago de Compostela as the ending point of the Camino de Santiago, the city is the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia and is home to a vibrant University. There are plenty of things to do in the city, including savoring its beauty from all its angles and viewpoints.

Some of the best views in Santiago de Compostela are found in the heart of its historic Old Town. Santiago de Compostela has a plethora of green spaces that provide iconic views of the Cathedral and other precious landmarks.

Those who love natural scapes can appreciate the best views from the rolling hillsides and nearby mountainsides. A few of the best vantage points of the city come from the numerous Camino routes that lead pilgrims into the city.

Almost all of these Santiago de Compostela viewpoints are free to visit. There is only one that requires an entrance fee. No matter what, try to catch at least one sunset in the fantastic city of Santiago de Compostela.

Here are some of my favorite viewpoints in Santiago de Compostela Spain.

Table of Contents

1 | Praza do Obradoiro

Pilgrims savoring the end of the journey in the Praza do Obradoiro

While not technically a scenic viewpoint, the Praza do Obradoiro is one place in Santiago de Compostela that you must see to understand.

Each day, hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of people arrive at this large plaza in front of the Cathedral after completing their Camino de Santiago route. The Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela typically marks the end of their pilgrimage.

Some pilgrims have been walking for days, others weeks, and a few even months to reach the Obradoiro Plaza. It is a sight to behold with many people celebrating, crying, or simply collapsing in gratitude for this life-changing experience.

Whether you walked here as part of a Camino de Santiago route, or simply visiting the underrated city of Santiago de Compostela, it’s impossible to deny the special energy in this plaza. There is no place in the entire world like the Obradoiro Plaza.

Spend time here people-watching, or sit in the plaza and gaze up at the impressive Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

2 | The Urban Alameda Park

Alameda Park is an urban park in Santiago de Compostela. It is steps away from the historical center and provides breathtaking views of the city.

The best way to reach the park (for even more views) is to walk from the Cathedral down Hortas Street. Continue down the street up the small staircase and look back to be in awe of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. From here walk up to Rúa Campo do Cruceiro do Gaio and turn left to walk into Alameda Park.

This is the grandest entrance to Alameda Park as this area is open and offers city and spire views.

There are a few roads and trails that cut through Alameda Park, all of which provide lovely views. The park itself makes for an ideal place to relax with large trees, gardens, fountains, and greenery. Alameda Park is also home to sculptures, monuments, a church, a cafe, and an open promenade.

When the weather is nice, find musicians and street performers near the Dos Marias statue.

3 | San Domingos de Bonaval Park

Bonaval Park in Santiago de Compostela offers a different perspective on the city and is a great municipal park with trees, paths, and a cemetery
One of the best views of Santiago de Compostela from the Parque San Domingos de Bonaval

A short walk from the fantastic Museo do Pobo Galego, find one of the best urban parks, San Domingos de Bonaval Park.

For one of the best views of Santiago de Compostela, stroll to the top of the grassy hillside.

This city park was once the grounds of the nearby Convent of San Domingos de Bonaval and is free to visit. If looking to tour the Convent of San Domingos de Bonaval, it’s included in the Museo do Pobo Galego ticket.

Bonaval Park is filled with old monuments, a fountain, and lots of footpaths. Perhaps one of the more unique things to see in the park is the old cemetery mausoleum built from granite.

4 | Santiago de Compostela’s Cathedral Roof

The view of Santiago de Compostela as the sunset from Praza de Inmaculada

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is the centerpiece gem of the historic Old Town. While the main cathedral is free to visit throughout the day (or attend mass) some parts must be accessed with a ticket.

The cathedral was built in the early 12th century in the Romanesque style and is the alleged burial place of Saint James.

To walk upon the roof of the Cathedral, you’ll need to purchase the ticket called Cathedral Museum – Decks and Carraca’s Towers (Museo Catedral – Cubiertas y Torre de la Carraca). To access the roof and towers you must join a guided tour. The Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela is almost known for one of the grandest medieval masterpieces, the Portico de la Gloria, or the Door of Glory by Master Mateo. This is also a separate ticket but can be combined with the roof tour.

The rooftop of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral provides panoramic views of the city and offers a different perspective. There is a chance to climb up the tours.

On a clear day, it’s possible to see the surrounding green hillsides of Galicia.

 Cathedral Museum Decks & Carraca’s Towers | Hours: Tours are one-hour slots and run from 10:00 – 14:00 / 17:00 – 20:00 | General Admission: 12 / to add the Portico is 10 so both would be 22  Reserve and Purchase Tickets Online via the Cathedral

5 | Miradoiro de Belvís

people pause to watch the sunset behind Santiago de Compostela in Belvis park
One of the best places to watch the sunset in Santiago de Compostela is from the Belvís Mirador

On a sunny day, there is no denying that the Miradoiro de Belvís is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Santiago de Compostela. The viewpoint is a few steps away from the Belvís Convent and not far from the popular Albergue Seminario Menor, a popular place to sleep for pilgrims.

The viewpoint looks over Belvís Park, a lovely green space lined with trees and trails. The park is also dotted with sculptures and labyrinths made from bushes.

The views over the park with the backdrop of the city are one of my absolute favorites in Santiago de Compostela.

6 | Monte do Gozo

the green space of Monte do Gozo and the sunrise over distant views of Santiago de Compostela
The early sunrise and first views of Santiago de Compostela from Monte do Gozo

Those pilgrims walking the Camino Frances will know Monte do Gozo for their first glimpses of Santiago de Compostela. This is the final hill that descends into the city with about 5 Km left before arriving in front of the Cathedral.

The hilltop sits at just under 1,250 ft (380 m) and is now a park with other facilities. Monte do Gozo is home to a large amphitheater that pulls in some big concerts with headliners like the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen.

Many pilgrims end up sleeping here at the large complex that is the Albergue Monte do Gozo. This massive facility has over 400 beds in shared and private rooms. Onsite find a bar, laundry facilities, vending machines, and even a pool during July and August (for an extra fee).

Some may wish to visit the Escultura de los Peregrinos (Pilgrim Sculpture), a depiction of what medieval pilgrims must have felt when they saw those first views of the cathedral from Monte do Gozo.

7 | The Final Viewpoint of Santiago on the Camino Finisterre Muxia

The Cathedral spires leaving Santiago de Compostela on the way to Finisterre

One of the best views of Santiago de Compostela comes from following the Camino Finisterre Muxia. This route is the only Camino route that leaves from the city of Santiago de Compostela and takes pilgrims to the “End of the World.”

Even if you don’t wish to walk to Finisterre or Muxía you can follow the shells out of town, through the forest, and up to the viewpoint. Find it near the road alongside Rua Sarela de Abaixo.

This is one of the final views of this incredible city for those walking the three or four days to the Death Coast.

8 | Cidade da Cultura de Galicia

The Cultural Center (Cidade da Cultura de Galicia) is located on a hilltop to the southeast of the city. The building itself is unique and was designed by a handful of architects with the head architect being Peter Eisenman. The Cultural Center is home to rotating exhibits, and events, and offers guided tours.

As it is located on the hilltop, there are lovely views of Santiago de Compostela and the iconic landscapes that define the region of Galicia.

The grounds around the building are free to explore with the Camino Sanabrés and Camino de Invierno routes walking past one of the footpaths that leads to the top.

9 | Pico Sacro

a distant view of Santiago de Compostela and the green rolling hillsides of Galicia from the jagged summit of Pico Sacro
Pico Sacro has one of the most special views of Santiago de Compostela

On the final Camino de Invierno Stage don’t miss the opportunity to the mythical Pico Sacro.

The name translates to Sacred Peak and is mentioned in the legend of the burial of Saint James. The story involves Queen Lupa, a pagan queen who was said to rule over the Roman lands of Fisterra, and the faithful disciples of Saint James, Theodore and Athanasius. The legend involves deceit, a dragon, and oxen hidden behind wild beasts, with the ending converting Queen Lupa to Christianity.

Pico Sacro is the main focal point of this legend.

At the top of Pico Sico is one of the best, yet most distant views of Santiago de Compostela. On a clear day, there are panoramic views of Galicia with its beautiful hillsides and valleys. Look close to see the spires of the Cathedral de Santiago. It is truly a special and energetic place.

Pico Sacro has a small chapel and the “Street of Queen Lupa,” a peculiar cut in the mountainside. There are caves and the mountain itself is said to contain an unusually high amount of quartz.

The views of Santiago de Compostela are unforgettable from Pico Sacro.

Conclusion | The Best Views in Santiago de Compostela

the leafy tress near Belvís viewpoint with views of the city and spires of the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela
Another stellar view from the Belvis Mirador

In short, this is a quick guide on where to see the best views of Santiago de Compostela. A majority of these highlights can easily be enjoyed over a two-day Santiago de Compostela itinerary. Add at least an extra day if you wish to discover the diverse day trips out of the city.

Almost all of these viewpoints in Santiago de Compostela are free to visit. From the hillsides, green parks, and city monuments, there are so many places to revel in the beauty that is Galicia.

The city is spectacular, but it’s even more magical at sunset and sunrise.

Wander the cobble stone streets, pause at the Plaza Obradoiro, stroll through an inviting green space, and there’s not doubt that you will see the best views in Santiago de Compostela.

Have you visited any of the Santiago de Compostela viewpoints? Which one is your favorite? Is there one that you absolutely loved that I’m missing? Let me know in the comments below!

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