10 Awesome Day Trips from Santiago de Compostela Spain
The historical city of Santiago de Compostela is privileged to be surrounded by rolling hillsides and incredible river valleys. While the city itself is landlocked it is only a half an hour’s drive to access the closest beach.
Santiago de Compostela is most famous for being the ending point of the Camino de Santiago route. The stunning Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is said to house the relic of Saint James, making it one of the most popular pilgrimages in the entire world.
The city itself can stand on its own feet as a top destination in Spain. However, to appreciate the diversity and magnificence of Galicia, take one or a few day trips from Santiago de Compostela. As the capital city of the autonomous region of Galicia, the city is well connected to nearby destinations with frequent departures from its busy train and bus station.
From the rugged shores of the Atlantic coastline, underrated medieval cities, and stunning landscapes of mighty river valleys, there are so many places to explore from Santiago de Compostela.
Included in this Santiago de Compostela day trip guide are logistics on how to reach each site. I’ve only included day trips from Santiago de Compostela that take less than an hour and a half to reach by public transportation or popular tour options.
Here are ten of the best day trips from Santiago de Compostela.
Table of Contents
- Tips & Resources for Planning Day Trips from Santiago de Compostela
- Finisterre, Muxía, & The Death Coast to See the Ocean
- Pontevedra & Rías Baixas
- Ribeira Sacra to See One of the Most Underrated Treasures of Galicia
- A Coruña A Port City Filled with Celtic History
- Cambados & The Albariño Wine Region
- Ourense for Roman History and Hot Springs
- Vigo The Gateway to the Cíes Islands
- Cathedrals Beach One of Spain’s Most Beloved Beaches
- More Ideas for Day Trips from Santiago de Compostela
- Conclusion | The Best Day Trips from Santiago de Compostela
Useful Tips & Resources for Planning Day Trips from Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is well connected to Galicia and major destinations in Spain through its Intermodal Station. This transportation hub includes the Santiago de Compostela Bus Station and the Santiago de Compostela Train Station. The Intermodal Station in Santiago de Compostela is found to the south of the historical center and is less than a 20-minute walk from the center.
The Santiago de Compostela Intermodal Station is also conveniently connected to the airport (SCQ) via the 6A Bus. This frequent bus departs from the airport, passes near the city center, and drops in front of the Intermodal Station. It is budget-friendly and only costs 1 Euro.
There are also car rental agencies available in the parking lot of the train station.
The train station is in the front of the building while the bus station entrance is behind the train tracks. Take the footpath over the tracks to reach the bus station.
The train station offers regional trains that connect Santiago de Compostela to major hubs throughout Spain and medium-distance trains that offer more local services throughout Galicia. Trains are operated by Renfe and can be purchased online, at a ticket booth, or from a ticket machine in the station. There is a small cafe onsite.
➜ Find the Santiago de Compostela Train Station Here
The Santiago de Compostela Bus Station offers local and long-distance buses. For most of these day trips from Santiago de Compostela, you’ll need to utilize the bus company Monbus. There are some Alsa Buses that run through Galicia, but I find Monbus to connect more towns and cities in Galicia than Alsa does.
Alsa does offer international buses to Portugal, with Porto being about 4 hours away.
The bus station offers a nice cafe and locker storage. Tickets can be purchased from onsite vendors or ticket machines.
➜ Find the Santiago de Compostela Bus Station Here
Before exploring these day trips, I think it’s worth noting that Santiago de Compostela is a fantastic city and deserves at least a day or two to explore. Two days in Santiago de Compostela allows time to visit a few museums, indulge in the local gastronomy scene, and appreciate the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Old Town. There are also numerous green spaces and the streets are a delight to stroll. Don’t rush through this incredible destination in Spain!
⁉️ Psst… Are you arriving in Santiago de Compostela as a pilgrim? Check out my ultimate Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Guide
Online Resource
I find these websites most reliable when planning day trips in Galicia.
- Renfe for Train Tickets
- Monbus for Bus Tickets
- Moveila to check in with transportation options
- Alsa Bus Company for Bus Tickets
- A super helpful website for using public buses in Galicia Spain
Camino de Santiago
Many of these popular day trips can be found along the numerous Camino de Santiago routes. If something really piques your interest, you may be more interested in walking a Camino route that passes by these attractions and sights.
The Camino de Santiago is a life-changing journey and can be intimidating to plan. These are some of my game-changing tips for first-time pilgrims. Make sure to take extra good care of your feet, pack only what you need, and follow the yellow shells. The most important thing is to walk the Camino your way, just like in life, we all must put one foot in front of the next
1 | Finisterre, Muxía, & The Death Coast to See the Ocean
The Death Coast (Costa da Morte) is something special. This rocky coastline is found between the stretches of Malpica and Finisterre and was known for its many shipwrecks, ultimately giving this area the name of the Death Coast.
The Death Coast is magical. The untouched landscape is home to some of the most underrated white sand beaches in Spain. Be mindful that the water here is a little cold, but don’t let that deter you from a swim.
The gastronomy is rich with delicacies like Percebes or gooseneck barnacles found on the jagged stones in the sea. The region is blessed with charming fishing villages, seaside promenades, and incredible views.
Nestled along the coastline find waterfalls, like the famous Ezaro Waterfall, or mystical mountains filled with history and legends, like Monte Pindo.
Many pilgrims who walk to Santiago de Compostela may feel called to follow the Camino Finisterre Muxía, a Camino route that takes them to the “End of the World.” The route takes 3 – 5 days and can either end at the sea in Finisterre or at the fishing village of Muxía.
The Death Coast can also be reached by public transportation. As many pilgrims or visitors don’t have time to walk to the End of the World, it is one of the most popular day trips from Santiago de Compostela.
How to Day Trip to the Death Coast | Easy Tour from Santiago de Compostela
Those travelers who only have one day to visit the Death Coast from Santiago de Compostela should consider joining an organized tour to make the most of a full day. Most tours include the popular stops of Fisterre, Muxía, Ezaro Waterfalls, and other nearby attractions.
➜ Excursion to Finisterre + Muxia + Costa da Morte is a popular tour option from Santiago de Compostela that includes seven stops. This is a full-day tour jam-packed with places to see.
➜ Finisterre y Costa da Morte is another popular and highly rated full-day tour from Santiago de Compostela that stops at small villages, the Ezaro Waterfall, and more.
If you don’t have enough time to walk to“the End of the World” it’s fairly easy to visit either Finisterre or Muxía as a day trip from Santiago. If visiting independently for one day, it’s best to choose between one village or the other. Most pilgrims opt to visit Finisterre to see the Cape with its lighthouse.
By bus, Finisterre and Muxía are around 2 hours from Santiago de Compostela depending on what route the bus takes. Sometimes it’s over two hours for one direction. That is why if planning to visit the Death Coast as a day trip, it’s better to pick one and spend the entire da there.
🚌 Bus Santiago de Compostela to Fisterra/Muxía | Bus Company: Monbus | Average One-Way Bus Fare: €6.70 – €7.20 | Duration: +/- 2 hours
2 | Pontevedra The Gateway to the Rías Baixas
Pontevedra is a fantastic historical city to the south of Santiago de Compostela. It is the capital of the Galician province of Pontevedra. The city is considered the gateway to the Rías Baixas, or the lower estuaries.
The Old Town of Pontevedra is a delight to wander and is filled with numerous landmarks. Perhaps one of the more unique churches is the Igrexa da Virxe Peregrina, which is shaped like the iconic seashell of the Camino de Santiago. The Convent of San Francisco and the hilltop Basilica of Santa María are also quite impressive. With so many religious monuments, it’s no wonder that Pontevedra is found on the Camino Portuguese Way.
One of the best things to do in Pontevedra is to wander throughout the Old Town. Many of the streets twist through the city and open into large plazas. These plazas are filled with tapas bars and visitors spill out into the city’s squares to soak in the ambiance.
I loved this extremely lively city and Pontevedra was one of the most pleasant surprises. The energy and atmosphere of the city today charmed me.
The Leréz River cuts through the city and boasts numerous bridges, including the medieval bridge of Ponte do Burgo. This river also flows to the nearby Ría de Pontevedra, one of the incredible lower estuaries of Galicia. The Rías Baixas is a must-see place in Galicia.
From Pontevedra, the charming village of Combarros is a short bus ride away. This fishing village is found along the magnificent Variante Espiritual Camino route and is filled with stone crosses and horreos (stone granaries).
How to Day Trip Pontevedra, A Lively and Cool Medieval City
Pontevedra is an easy day trip from Santiago de Compostela because it’s well connected to Santiago de Compostela via train or bus. If you are looking to explore more in-depth the Rías Baixas, a guided tour may be a better option.
🚆 Train Santiago de Compostela to Pontevedra | Company: Renfe | Average One-Way Train Fare: €6 – €8 | Duration: Under an hour
🚌 Bus Santiago de Compostela to Pontevedra | Bus Company: Monbus | Average One-Way Bus Fare: €5.65 Euros | Duration: Around 1 hour
Rías Baixas Tours from Santiago de Compostela
There are numerous guided tours to the Rías Baixas from Santiago de Compostela. These tours focus on small villages and the estuaries rather than Pontevedra city. As the area is known for its wine, most include a stop at a winery.
➜ Excursion to Rias Baixas with Winery showcases the small villages of the Rías Baixas and its famous white wine of Albariño. This guided tour also offers the option to take a boat ride to see the mussel farms.
➜ Full-day Excursion to the Rías Baixas and Isla da Toxa is a full-day tour of small villages and the island of Toxa.
➜ Rías Baixas – Arousa Island, Combarro and Mussel Boat highlights the natural landscapes and the gastronomy of the lower estuaries. Arousa Island is a spectacular place to visit in the Rías Baixas.
3 | Ribeira Sacra An Underrated Place in Galicia
One of the most underrated regions in Galicia is the Ribeira Sacra. This incredible region is home to vineyards, canyons, ancient monasteries, and so much more. The name translates to Sacred Shores and with numerous river valleys and stunning landscapes, it’s one of Galicia’s greatest treasures.
Two of the most important Rivers of the Ribeira Sacra are the Sil River and the Minho River (Miño River). These rivers are dotted with tiny villages with incredible views.
Along the Sacred Shores find numerous vineyards built from stone terraces. The wine varietals of the Ribeira Sacra are mostly Mencia (red) and Godello (white), but the region consists of five subclimates that produce a wide range of wines.
The unofficial gateway to the Ribeira Sacra is Monforte de Lemos. This historical city is found on the Camino de Invierno and is also home to the Wine Center of the Ribeira Sacra. However, many stages of the Camino de Invierno twist through the Sil and Miño River valleys, making it one of the most breathtaking Camino de Santiago Routes.
Ribeira Sacra Tours from Santiago de Compostela
As this area is gaining more popularity, a few day tours from Santiago de Compostela visit the region of Ribeira Sacra. This is the easiest way to make the most of this region and to see a small number of highlights of the region as many are spaced throughout the area.
Alternatively, rent a car to explore the attractions at your leisure.
➜ Excursion to Ribeira Sacra with boat from Santiago de Compostela offers natural landscapes, a visit to a monastery, and a chance to wander through a small picturesque town in the Ribeira Sacra
➜ Tour from Santiago to Ribeira Sacra with a boat trip is a full day trip packed with viewpoints, villages, and a boat trip
➜ Ribeira Sacra, “Heroic Wines” Private Tour from Santiago de Compostela is a must for those interested in the spectacular wines of the Ribeira Sacra region.
4 | A Coruña A Port City Filled With Celtic History
A Coruña is found to the north of Santiago de Compostela and is the gateway to the Rías Altas (upper estuaries). This port city is filled with Roman history, has a fantastic Old Town, and is Galicia’s second-largest city.
There are lots of things to see and do in A Coruña. By far the most famous landmark is the Torre de Hércules, the oldest existing Roman Lighthouse. It was built during the late 1st century A.D. and is today recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To see this sight, take a stroll down the Paseo Marítimo, one of Spain’s longest promenades at almost 13 Km. Highlights include the Aquarium, the Hercules Tower, and the octopus sculpture.
The Old Town of A Coruña is filled with delicious tapas bars and restaurants. Being a port city, this is an excellent place to sample fresh seafood.
How to Visit A Coruña | Easy Day Trip from Santiago de Compostela
As the city is the provincial capital of A Coruña it is well connected to Santiago de Compostela. A Coruña is one of the easiest day trips from Santiago de Compostela.
🚌 Bus Santiago de Compostela to A Coruña | Bus Company: Monbus | Average One-Way Bus Fare: €7 | Duration: 1 hour – 1.5 hours
The train between Santiago de Compostela and A Coruña is super fast and convenient.
🚆 Train Santiago de Compostela to A Coruña |Company: Renfe | Average One-Way Train Fare: €8 | Duration: 30 minutes
➜ This full-day tour includes A Coruña and its impressive Hercules Tower and Betanzos from Santiago de Compostela
5 | Cambados & The Albariño Wine Region
One of the most charming small villages found on the Ría de Arousa is Cambados. This village is also the gateway to the Albariño Wine Region. While many of the vineyards are found near Cambados, the Rías Baixas itself has nearly 50 vineyards that are open to visitors.
The village of Cambados has a few bodegas within the village proudly serving Albariño wine. One of the most well-known wineries is located in the Pazo de Fefiñáns, a palace dating back to the 16th century. The palace has fun little touches, like the terraces that resemble wine glasses.
The large open plaza has old gateways to the city and the San Bieito Church. The small town boasts numerous plazas and lovely streets. There is also a popular Parador Hotel in the center of town.
One of the best views comes from the A Pastora viewpoint. This is right near the ruins of Santa Mariña Dozo which houses a cemetery. Don’t miss the nearby Ethnographic and Wine Museum.
Take a stroll to all that remains of the tower of Saint Sadurniño. It is actually found on a tiny island called “A Figueira” which is steps away from Saint Tomé, the oldest neighborhood in Cambados.
How to Day Trip to Cambados Village
Cambados village can be easily reached via bus.
🚌 Bus Santiago de Compostela to Cambados | Bus Company: Monbus | Average One-Way Bus Fare: €5.50 | Duration: +/- 1.5 hours
➜ Private Rias Baixas Wine Tour from Santiago de Compostela includes Cambados on its day trip itinerary.
With a car, it’s easy to explore nearby treasures like Arousa Island, vineyards in the nearby countryside, or the incredible hiking trail of Ruta Da Pedra e a Auga (trail of stone and water).
I loved this village so much that I spent two nights in Cambados as part of a southern Galicia road trip. There is so much to see near Cambados that I recommend more than a day trip.
6 | Ourense for Roman History & Hot Springs
Ourense is a historical city found on the Camino Sanabrés route. The city has connections to the Romans who loved soaking in the city’s hot springs. The thermal pools can be found in the heart of the Old Town and various locations along the Minho River.
The Ourense Cathedral is found in the center of the Old Town. This Cathedral boasts a gothic dome and has a Portico de la Gloria like the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. There is a Roman bridge and numerous attractions with ties to the Camino de Santiago.
Ourense is the capital of the Ourense province in Galicia. The city has a vibrant university vibe and tons of tapas bars serving up traditional Galician cuisine.
How to Day Trip to Ourense
Ourense is one of the more popular day trips from Santiago de Compostela for pilgrims. Many come here to soak in the hot springs after a long journey.
The fastest way to reach Ourense is the high-speed train.
🚆 Train Santiago de Compostela to Ourense |Company: Renfe | Average One-Way Train Fare: €18 | Duration: 40 minutes
The bus to Oursense is quite a bit longer but is much cheaper than the train.
🚌 Bus Santiago de Compostela to Cambados | Bus Company: Monbus | Average One-Way Bus Fare: €9.25 | Duration: +/- 2 hours
7 | Vigo the Gateway to the Cíes Islands
Vigo is Galicia’s most populous city and is located on the Ría de Vigo. This is the lowest estuary of the Ríax Baixas.
Vigo has a lovely historic Old Town. One of the most popular places to visit is the Monte do Castro with its Celtic hilltop ruins and old fortress remnants. There are plenty of incredible views of the city and estuary. The hilltop is a popular public space with gardens and fountains.
Vigo is the gateway to the Cíes Islands. The Cíes Islands are part of the Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia and are extremely regulated. To access the Cies Islands you must reserve a permit. There are no hotels or places to stay on the Cies Islands, but limited camping is allowed with prior booking.
The Romans referred to the Cíes Islands as “the Islands of the Gods.” The Cíes Islands are one of the most special places to visit in Galicia with the three islands offering idyllic hiking trails, lighthouses, and white sand beaches.
How to Day Trip to Vigo & Tips for Visiting Cíes Islands
Vigo is connected to Santiago de Compostela by bus or train. The train is typically faster than the bus.
🚆 Train Santiago de Compostela to Vigo | Departure Location: Santiago de Compostela Train Station |Company: Renfe | Average One-Way Train Fare: €10- €12 | Duration: +/- 1 hour
🚌 Bus Santiago de Compostela to Vigo | Departure Location: Santiago de Compostela Bus Station | Bus Company: Monbus | Average One-Way Bus Fare: €7.75 | Duration: +/- 1.5 hours
If planning to visit the Cíes Islands you may wish to sleep in Vigo to cut down on travel time and logistic reasons. Most ferries to the Cíes Islands depart in the early morning and tour operators can assist with obtaining a permit.
During the summer months, the Cíes Islands have more access points including Baiona and Cangas.
8 | Cathedrals Beach & Ribadeo
Hands down, Cathedrals Beach is the most famous beach in all of Galicia. Praia das Catedrais is only a short distance from Ribadeo, a small port city found on the Camino del Norte route.
With its stunning stone archway, Cathedrals Beach has become an extremely popular place to visit in Galicia. During the busy summer months and some holidays, you’ll need to make a reservation to stroll the sandy beaches of Cathedral Beach.
Make sure to follow the tide charts as it can only be visited at low tide.
As Cathedral Beach is quite far from Santiago de Compostela, it’s best to join an organized tour to visit.
Day Trip to Cathedrals Beach from Santiago de Compostela
➜ Excursion to Catedrais Beach, Pancha Island, and Asturias is a full-day trip from Santiago de Compostela to Cathedral Beach and the beautiful village of Tapia de Casariego of the Asturias region. There are a few stops to villages and islands to break up the day.
➜ Excursión to Playa de las Catedrales, Lugo & Ribadeo stops at the Beach, the famous Roman City of Lugo, and Ribadeo
More Ideas for Santiago de Compostela Day Trips
While the above places are the most popular day trips from Santiago de Compostela, these points of interest are also worth mentioning.
9 | Climb Pico Sacro, an important mountain found on the Camino de Invierno route that can be reached via local bus from Lestedo village. The mountain is home to a peculiar mountain cut and quartz caves. The jagged hillside offers some of the best distant views of Santiago de Compostela
10 | Tui is only a little over an hour from Santiago de Compostela with a car. Head to this hilltop medieval village with a famous Cathedral. The village overlooks the Minho River. If you wish, head across the river to the white-washed town of Valença Portugal built within the walls of a spectacular fortress.
Conclusion | The Best Day Trips from Santiago de Compostela
In short, these are some of the best day trips from Santiago de Compostela. This fantastic city offers so much to see and do, but one of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of this region is by taking a day trip.
This diverse day trip guide includes useful tips and resources for using public transportation from Santiago de Compostela. While most of these attractions and cities can be reached independently, sometimes it’s best to join an organized tour for logistics and time.
These Santiago de Compostela day trips include the stunning Death Coast, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hot springs, sacred valleys, and white sand beaches. Galicia is truly one of the most diverse regions in Spain.
Have you taken any of these day trips from Santiago de Compostela? Is there a day trip you loved that I’m missing? Let me know in the comments below!
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