The Ultimate Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Guide in 2024
Santiago de Compostela Spain is known for being the ending point for one of Europe’s most grand pilgrimage routes, the Camino de Santiago.
Pilgrims embark on their journey from all across the globe and follow the shells from numerous Camino routes to stand in front of the impressive Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. The journey is life-changing, soul-shaking, healing, and so much more.
This is a comprehensive Camino de Santiago pilgrim guide for those planning, walking, or arriving in the lively city of Santiago de Compostela.
In this guide find popular Santiago de Compostela pilgrim points of interest, where to sleep, and more. Also included are some of the best things to do in Santiago de Compostela and popular day trips.
This is my complete Santiago de Compostela guide for pilgrims, a magical city in Galicia Spain.
Table of Contents
- The Significance of Santiago de Compostela Spain
- How Much Time Should Pilgrims Spend in Santiago de Compostela?
- Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Points of Interest
- Best Places to Stay in Santiago de Compostela for Pilgrims
- What to See in Santiago de Compostela Spain
- Santiago de Compostela Tours Beyond the City
- The Official Start of the Camino Finisterre Muxía
- Santiago de Compostela Planes, Trains, & Buses
- Overview | Complete Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Guide
The Significance of Santiago de Compostela Spain
The famous Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela is said to be the supposed resting place of the Apostle of James. His relics are believed to lie in the crypt under the grand altar in the church.
The city of Santiago de Compostela can seem like an unusual place for one of the Apostles to be buried, but there are stories that James had been to Spain to preach Christianity after Jesus’ crucifixion.
There is no historical evidence that Saint James actually did come to Spain. Yet, the legends say that James came to Galicia to try to convert the Pagan Celtic tribes, where he was met with resistance from Queen Lupa. He returned to the Holy Land where he was eventually beheaded in 44 AD by Herod.
The story goes that the Apostle of Saint James’ body was returned to Spain shortly after his death. His relics were accompanied by the loyal disciples of Theodore and Athanasius who sailed on a “stone boat” to a mooring post in Iria Flavia near Padrón. The route can be followed to this day on the Camino Espiritual via boat on the Way of the Cross.
Again, they are met with resistance by Queen Lupa and they visit her at Castro Lupario where they ask for help but would be deceived by her. She would send Theodore and Athanasius to Pico Sacro where a dragon would emerge from a cave and their oxen would turn into wild beasts. Miraculously, they were able to slay the dragon and tame the beasts.
Queen Lupa was said to be so surprised to see them alive that she converted to Chrisitianity (or so the legend goes).
Saint James was buried and hidden somewhere in Galicia. The relics were forgotten, but discovered by Pelayo, a shepherd who saw a bright light in a field in the 9th century. The relics were moved underneath the Cathedral de Santiago, just in time to help stop the Moorish invasion and ultimately the movement of Islamic religion from the south of Spain.
A miracle some would say.
To this day, the debate continues whether Saint James’ body is buried under the Cathedral.
No matter what, It’s impossible to deny the impact and importance of Saint James’ relics being found and buried in Santiago de Compostela. The discovery of his body fueled and kept Catholicism in Spain.
The Camino de Santiago Before Christianity
However, if you look back in time well before the rise of Christianity, Galicia has always been a spiritual hot spot. Celtic and Druid tribes worshipped the Sun and were in tune with the stars and seasons. Before that, there were even early civilizations that built megalithic structures.
It was believed that the origins of the Camino started as a fertility path that followed the constellations. Couples would follow the way and visit healers and medicine women who lived in the caves. There are certain places in Galicia where it’s possible to see evidence of the earlier days of the Camino, like Monte Pindo, one of the most sacred mountains in the region.
The route was eventually adopted and modified by the church. Many of the old pagan structures were covered by modern-day religious sites and churches.
How Much Time Should Pilgrims Spend in Santiago de Compostela?
For many pilgrims, Santiago de Compostela is the end of the journey. The bustling city is full of life, energy, and delicious food, and is a major transportation hub to explore deeper into the best things to do in Galicia or to“head home.”
The Old Town in Santiago is fairly compact and easy to explore on foot. Many pilgrims that reach Santiago de Compostela will spend a day or two visiting the main highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some pilgrims say one day is enough time in Santiago after the long, quiet, and reflective walk.
On my first visit, I made the mistake of only spending a half day in Santiago de Compostela. If you have the time and patience, two days in Santiago de Compostela is a good amount of time. This easily allows for a mixture of sightseeing, visiting a few museums, indulging in the cuisine, and taking care of all the pilgrim logistics.
However, Santiago de Compostela can stand on its own feet as a solid tourist destination. Santiago de Compostela offers plenty of things to do and worthwhile day trips that make the city a must-visit destination in Spain.
Even those who are not visiting Santiago de Compostela as a pilgrim will be allured by its beauty and charm.
Santiago de Compostela can be visited with ease in two or three days. Many pilgrims will stay for only a night and continue their journey to the “End of the World,” on the Camino Finisterre Muxia.
The First Steps of the Camino Journey
In the planning stages of the life-changing Camino de Santiago pilgrimage? Choose a Camino route that fits best with your schedule and interests.
These are some of my best Camino de Santiago tips for first-time walkers. It’s important to pack light for the Camino and carry only what you need. Another place to start is by browsing these Camino de Santiago FAQs.
The most popular Camino de Santiago route is the Camino Francés, with Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port France being a popular starting point. There are numerous iconic villages on the Camino Francés and solid infrastructure with plenty of Camino France Albergues (pilgrim hostels).
Additionally, there are numerous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes, like the Primitivo (Original Way), Camino Norte (along the hilly north coast), and the numerous paths of the Camino Portuguese. The most popular place to start the Camino Portuguese is Porto.
Each Camino de Santiago route offers chances to get off the beaten path. There are some of the most popular Camino Frances detours along with spectacular alternative routes on the Camino Portuguese.
Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Points of Interest
These are some of the top Santiago de Compostela pilgrim points of interest in the city.
Praza do Obradoiro
If walking the Camino de Santiago this is where all the various Camino routes end, the Praza do Obradoiro. This open plaza faces to the west and was the “main entrance” where the famous and intricately carved doorway Portica de Gloria is.
➜ Today, the only way to see the Portica de Gloria is to book a guided tour or a private tour
There is no place in the world like Praza do Obradoiro. Pilgrims from all across the world, with different religious backgrounds and reasons end the journey here. Many will collapse, others cry, some celebrate, and some lovestruck couples get engaged here.
The energy in Praza do Obradoiro is magnetic, benevolent, and pure magic.
Throughout the day, you may hear the hauntingly beautiful sounds of the gaita, or the traditional Galician instrument like a bagpipe playing. Pilgrims arrive throughout all hours of the day.
At night, the plaza can be busy with musicians playing or festivities bustling. Other times, the plaza is quiet and the perfect place for a reflective stroll.
The Praza do Obradoiro is open all day and every day. It is one of the most iconic and special places in Santiago de Compostela for pilgrims.
Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Office
After arrival in the Praza do Obradoiro, most pilgrims will make their way to the Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Office, or the Pilgrim’s Welcome Center.
Here is where modern-day pilgrims receive their official “Compostela” for completing whichever Camino route they walk. To receive the document, you must show your “Credenciales,” or Pilgrim passport, which is stamped daily along the way.
For pilgrims, one of the best things to do in Santiago de Compostela is to receive your credential!
Volunteers speak multiple languages and receiving the credencial has always been a pleasant and moving experience. Many have walked the Camino multiple times and are curious and encouraging about your journey.
☛ Remember that no matter which Camino route you walked, you must have walked the last 100 kilometers and obtained 2 passport stamps per day
The Compostela is free as long as you walk your Camino pilgrimage for religious or spiritual reasons. The Compostela Certificate officially comes in Latin and is stamped and dated on arrival. In addition to the standard Compostela, there is an option to purchase a “Distance Certificate.”
Camino Distance and Route Credentials can be purchased for 3 Euros. These are typical and official distances, so it won’t include the actual kilometers walked to Santiago de Compostela. Many people opt to have both certificates.
On the way out at the cashier, there is a nice tube container that protects and stores the document. It is available to purchase for €2.
Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Office | Find it here: Rúa das Carretas, 33 | Hours: 9:00 – 19:00 | Closed Christmas Day & New Year’s Day (Pilgrims can get their Compostela in the Cathedral on these two days | Official Website of the Pilgrim’s Office
Besides receiving the pilgrim credencial, the Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Office acts as a welcome center. There is a nice garden area to relax and shuffle items. There is also a nice place to store backpacks if planning on attending mass.
Pilgrim Mass in English in Santiago de Compostela
If seeking to attend mass in Santiago de Compostela in English, there is a Roman Catholic Mass every day except Wednesday in the Chapel connected to the Pilgrim Welcome Center. The Pilgrim’s Office Chapel is through the doors and to the left in the Welcome Center.
Pilgrim’s Office Chapel English Mass | every day except Wednesday at 10:30
Tips on Receiving the Compostela
The Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Office can be extremely busy, especially in the afternoon. Try to make this your first stop after arriving at Praza do Obradoiro. To avoid a long line and an unpleasant experience, try to arrive before the noon mass.
With COVID protocols and tightened security in place, be prepared to scan a QR code outside of the building, which secures your place in line.
In all honestly, I’ve arrived at the Pilgrim office before 10 a.m. every time and never had to utilize the QR code. I usually wait less than 10 minutes in line to get my final stamp and credencial.
Tourist Information Center
The official city Tourist Information Center is located down the hall from the Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim building. It makes for an ideal stop after receiving the Compostela.
The staff that works here is extremely helpful and friendly. This is also where you can pick up a Camino Finisterre Muxía pilgrim passport if planning to continue walking to the sea.
The Tourist Information is happy to provide tips on the best things to do in Santiago de Compostela and the region of Galicia Spain.
Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela
Some pilgrims will feel called to visit the inside of the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela. This iconic landmark was built in the early 12th century in the Romanesque style but infuses a mixture of many different architectural styles.
There are multiple entrances, but most enter from the Praza das Praterías with its famous Fonte dos Cabalos. No backpacks are allowed inside the Cathedral so you’ll need to stow bags in facilities found throughout town.
On my last visit, the high altar had reopened and it was possible to “embrace the Apostle.” Many pilgrims travel all this way to speak to the statue of Saint James and give him a hug.
Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela | Daily: 7:00 – 21:00
Pilgrim Mass & Botafumeiro
Others hope to catch a pilgrim mass to see the giant botafumeiro swing from the ceiling inside the cathedral. The botafumeiro, is a massive silver incense burner and is said to weigh over 175 pounds.
The swinging of the botafumeiro is a tradition and ritual that has been used for centuries inside the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela. The giant incense was originally used to fumigate the terrible smell of the pilgrims, many of whom were sick with disease from the long journey.
Back in the day, many pilgrims died on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Those medieval pilgrims who did arrive were often in rough shape and smelt terribly.
The botafumeiro is an impressive feat and it takes a handful of volunteers to handle it. To see the botafumeiro swing at mass is now considered more of a luxury than a necessity. If you want to guarantee that the botafumeiro swings, the typical requested fee is around 400 Euros.
Psst… I’ve had really good luck to see the Botafumeiro swing on the Friday Pilgrim Mass at noon. Like all things in life, there are absolutely no guarantees.
In the Cathedral there are daily pilgrim masses held throughout the day. Mass in the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela is held in Spanish. Pilgrims are honored with their arrival in Santiago by the pilgrim’s country being spoken during mass.
Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela Mass | Daily: 7:30, 9:30, 12:00, 19:30 | Official Website
Casa Ivar
Did you pack too much or want to store items that are waiting for you when you arrive in Santiago? Casa Ivar is a trusted and awesome place to store luggage. Pilgrims send items while walking the Camino de Santiago or before their journey begins.
I’ve personally used Casa Ivar storage to keep my laptop while I walked the Camino Portuguese from Porto Portugal.
Ivar can hold luggage for up to 60 days and charges by the size of the package. Payment is due upon arrival.
Casa Ivar Luggage Storage | Find it here: Rúa Nova, 7 | Hours: Varies by season, check the current hours here
Pilgrim House
The Pilgrim House is a resource center for pilgrims who are seeking guidance before or after the Camino de Santiago. The building functions as a community center and is a quiet place to reflect. The space is also a respectful place to connect and speak with other pilgrims and volunteers.
Onsite, the Pilgrim House has a small kitchen, gathering space, an open-air patio, and Wi-Fi. They do offer free luggage storage for the day in the common space. Laundry service is another great service provided by the Pilgrim House (6 Euros for washing and drying).
The Pilgrim House is a resource to help process the enormity of the journey. They provide a daily pilgrim debriefing every day at 16:00 to discuss the journey with fellow pilgrims and can lead reflective meditations.
There are no beds at the Pilgrim House, but rather, a resource for pilgrims starting or ending their journey.
The Pilgrim House also collects pilgrim’s used gear from walking sticks to backpacks. Pilgrims starting their journey can browse for last-minute supplies, or pilgrims who end their journey can leave behind gear.
Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim House | Find it here: Rúa Nova, 19 | Hours: 10:00 – 18:00, Closed Wednesday & Sunday and can shut down during winter | Official Facebook Page
Useful Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Amenities
There are tons of amenities available for pilgrims in Santiago de Compostela. Find everything from supermarkets, laundry facilities, luggage storage facilities, gear shops, and more.
Upon arrival in Santiago de Compostela, I typically wash all of my clothes at a laundromat.
An awesome laundry mat I’ve used in the center of Santiago de Compostela is Hortas 10 Laundry. This is the ultimate place for pilgrims to wash their laundry. The place is eclectic with fun posters and inspirational quotes scattered across the wall. Wi-Fi is available alongside a pilgrim playlist on Spotify. They also have another location, SC18 Laundry on San Clemente Street. I’ve also used the centrally located Lavandaria da Troia.
In the historic center, there are lots of little “mom and pop” tiendas that have all you need for planning meals or packing a picnic. Outside the historic city center, near Alameda Park are the larger supermarkets like Carrefour Market, Gadis Supermarket, and Supermercado Froiz. All of these supermarkets are within walking distance.
Places to Stay in Santiago de Compostela for Pilgrims
As Santiago de Compostela is a pilgrim hub, there are a wide variety of places to stay inside the city center and beyond.
The accommodation options in Santiago de Compostela vary from pilgrim albergues, to private hostels, hotels, apartments, and the luxury 5-star Parador Hostal Reis Catolicos.
Santiago de Compostela Xunta Albergues & Albergues Outside of the Center
➜ Albergue de Monte do Gozo is a huge block-style pilgrim complex built on the hillside of Monte do Gozo. The facilities sleep over 400+ pilgrims and is found on the Camino Frances Way. The Albergue overlooks Santiago de Compostela and is a little over 3 miles from the cathedral. Find all amenities at the facilities from a restaurant to a cafe, bike storage, and laundry. During the summer months, there’s access to the swimming pool for an additional fee.
Monte do Gozo also offers private rooms and a hostel.
➜ Monte do Gozo Albergue | 400 beds / 900+ spaces in private rooms available to book
➜ Albergue de Peregrinos San Lázaro is the final and closest Xunta Albergue to Santiago de Compostela. The basic albergue is under 2 miles from the Cathedral but is right next to a convenient bus stop. This is a typical Xunta albergue with all the amenities.
➜ San Lázaro Albergue 110 beds / €12 per bed
Popular Santiago de Compostela Albergues
➜ Seminario Menor de la Asunción is a huge pilgrim facility (250+ beds) located in a seminary nestled above Bevis Park. It’s located a little ways from the center, but still within a casual walk to the center. This Albergue has everything including a restaurant, a small shop, private rooms, a common area, a kitchen, a laundry room, and an ATM. I had a nice sleep in a private room for around 25 Euros. Book here
➜ Albergue Santiago KM0 is located steps away from the Pilgrim Office and Cathedral. This centrally located albergue boasts a terrace, open rooms, a kitchen, and one of the best locations
➜ The Last Stamp is a popular albergue located in the history center with multiple rooms over 5 floors with the facilities located in the basement
➜ Albergue Azabache has everything you need and is located in the heart of the city.
➜ More Budget Hostels and Albergues in Santiago de Compostela
Other Accommodation in Santiago de Compostela
Here are some of the top-rated places to stay in Santiago de Compostela which are a mix of pensions, guest houses, and hotels.
➜ Hospedería San Martin Pinario is found in an old monastery built in the 16th century that’s now a hotel with private rooms, restaurants, cafe, and is right across the way from the cathedral. A substantial breakfast is available every morning. They offer pilgrim discounts if you contact them directly.
➜ Pensión O Códice is a popular pension with bright and open rooms, many with views of the Cathedral. Sleep like a baby with the soundproof windows
➜ Casa Celsa-Barbantes is a 2-star hotel that’s close to the cathedral with high guest ratings
➜ Hotel Plaza Obradoiro is located in the main plaza. This modern hotel has one of the best locations in the city for a fair price.
➜ Hotel Rua Villar is a restored 18th-century house that is now a popular hotel in the center of town
➜ Casa da Balconada is a comfortable guesthouse with an inviting and caring host that’s close to all the action
➜ Browse all the places to stay in Santiago de Compostela Spain
Parador de Santiago de Compostela Hostal Reis Catolicos
Paradors are found throughout Spain. These luxury hotels are always housed in significant historical buildings. The Parador de Santiago is no different. Built in the 15th century, this was one of the original pilgrim hostels gifted by Isabel and Fernando during Spain’s Golden Age.
Hostal Reis Catolicos is no longer a pilgrim hostel although the signboard still says that. The luxury 5-star hotel is steps away from the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela in the Praza do Obradoiro and boasts old-world charm and a highly-rated restaurant.
➜ The ultimate splurge at the end of the Camino is to stay at the Parador de Santiago – Hostal Reis Catolicos
The Free Pilgrim Meal from Hostal Reis Catolicos
As a gift to pilgrims, the Hostal Reis Catolicos still offers the first ten pilgrims who arrive in Santiago de Compostela a free meal. The free pilgrim meal voucher is issued by the Pilgrim Office and is given to the first ten pilgrims each day who qualify for the official Compostela.
The meal is served in the Enxebre Restaurant and is part of a 500-year hospitality tradition! I was fortunate to receive this after walking a Winter Camino. It was such a nice bonus and I am thankful that I had this opportunity.
What to See in Santiago de Compostela Spain
Many of the best things to do in Santiago de Compostela are found in the UNESCO-recognized Old Town. If you only have one day, stick to the cathedral, old town, and nearby sites.
However, with a few days, it’s easy to see a majority of the Santiago de Compostela highlights. Maybe even add a day trip out to the beautiful coastline of Galicia.
Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela & Old Town
Again, those pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago will walk to Praza do Obradoiro and celebrate a long or short journey in front of the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela.
More historic plazas in the Santiago de Compostela Old Town include the sprawling Praza da Quintana, Praza da Acibecharía (Inmaculada), and the Praza das Praterías with its famed horse fountain.
The cobblestone streets are a delight to wander and are lined with local shops, tapas bars, cafes, restaurants, garden plazas, and more.
Free Walking Tour
Free Tour Compostela offers a free walking tour in English and covers a nice overview of the city in around 2 hours. This is a great tour for pilgrims as a majority of the highlights focus on the importance the Camino de Santiago played in developing the city into what we see today. Free Tour Compostela is a local company that utilizes local guides.
Tours vary depending on the season. Remember, guides survive on tips, so make sure to share the love.
Pilgrim Museum
The Museum of Pilgrimage is a fantastic museum. Located in the center of the city and highlights pilgrimage routes across the world but focuses mainly on the Camino de Santiago. Inside find tons of information on the modern-day pilgrimage to the history of the Camino routes.
There are plenty of interactive displays, like the one that highlights the unique instruments of Galicia. The museum has interesting videos that show what the way was like for medieval pilgrims. Each room has information sheets in English and multiple languages.
The final floor showcases what volunteers have done along the way and is a reflective space to share your journey.
Since Covid, the Museum of Pilgrimage is free and is worth a visit. There is locker storage available while touring the museum.
Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Museum | Find it here: Praza das Praterías, 2 | Hours: Tues – Fri: 9:30 – 20:30, / Sat: 11:00 – 19:30 / Sun & Holidays: 10:15 – 14:45, Closed Monday | Free Admission | Official Website
Mercado de Abastos
Where the Mercado de Abastos sits has always been a bustling part of the city. The newer market complex was built from granite in 1941 and boasts two plazas and hall-style buildings. The market sells fresh flowers, meats, wine, seafood, and beautiful produce. There are over 70 vendors that set up shop in the local Mercado de Abastos.
Hungry pilgrims can enjoy a bakery or eat at one of the many restaurants. These restaurants highlight fresh seafood and Galician wine. Nave 5 Abastos is five restaurants in one of the main food halls that allows you to sample a wide range of dishes. Abastos 2.0 is another popular restaurant that is mentioned by the Michelin Guide.
The best time to visit the market is in the morning or at lunchtime. The main marketplace shuts down at 16:30.
Alameda Park
Alameda Park is an awesome urban park in Santiago de Compostela. Find beautiful gardens, sculptures, fountains, plenty of benches, viewpoints, and even a church. Alameda Park boasts some of the best views of Santiago de Compostela.
During the day street performers play, making it a lively and fun place to relax. Take a stroll, or escape to a quiet part of the park.
Delve into the Cuisine in Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela has no shortage of amazing restaurants, tapas bars, cafes, and more. One of the best things to do in Santiago de Compostela is to experience the excellent cuisine.
For tapas, one of the most lively streets is Rúa do Franco. Arguably, one of the most popular tapas bars is A Taberna do Bispo where the staff are friendly and tapas are delightful. However, you can’t go wrong hopping from tapas bar to tapas bar along this foodie street.
For a more local experience, head one street over to Rúa da Raíña, where tapas are free with a drink purchase.
Wine lovers should sample Albariño, the beloved white wine produced in Galicia.
Parque de San Domingos de Bonaval
Santiago de Compostela is blessed with so much green space and is home to endless parks, green spaces, and gardens. One of the more interesting is San Domingos de Bonaval Park. Here find lots of grassy spaces to relax, a convent, and an ancient cemetery.
Santiago de Compostela Tours Beyond the City
With a few days in Santiago de Compostela, you may opt to take a full-day tour outside the historic city.
➜ One of the most popular tours is to visit the “End of the World” highlights as a daylight. Stops include Finisterre, Muxia, Ezaro Waterfall, and more. This Death Coast Tour is a full-day trip from Santiago de Compostela.
➜ Explore the unique estuaries of the Rias Baixas and beautiful Galician villages like Combarro. Take a boat ride and enjoy fresh mussels and wine on this full-day tour from Santiago de Compostela.
The Official Start of the Camino Finisterre Muxía
Some pilgrims arriving in Santiago de Compostela may feel called to continue walking. Pilgrims can walk to the “End of the World” by following the arrows on the Camino Finisterre Muxia.
The Camino Finisterre Muxía route is the only Camino route that departs from Santiago de Compostela. This Camino route begins right from the Praza do Obradoiro in front of the Cathedral.
There are two ending locations. Pilgrims can finish in either Finisterre Spain (Fisterra) at the lighthouse, or others may feel called to finish in the sleepy fishing village of Muxía Spain.
Both villages have a 0.0-kilometer marker, both are located on the Costa da Morte (Death Coast), both have a lighthouse, and each place has its own unique vibe and charm. If you have the time, it’s ideal to visit both.
The Camino Finisterre Muxia typically takes 3 – 5 days to complete but is dependent on the route.
The Death Coast is one of the most beautiful places in Galicia, so slow down and enjoy the journey.
Things to See on the Death Coast
The Camino Finisterre Muxía leads pilgrims to the Costa da Morte or the Death Coast. This rugged and beautiful coastline is one of the most underrated regions of Galicia (in my humble opinion).
From stunning white sand beaches, like Os Muiños, to tranquil waterfalls, and the special hike up Monte Pindo there is something for every type of pilgrim or visitor.
The lived-in village of Cee may be my favorite place to explore the area.
Santiago de Compostela Planes, Trains, & Buses
Santiago de Compostela is connected to Spain and beyond with an airport, train station, and bus station.
Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)
The Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport is located just to the east of Santiago de Compostela in Lavacolla. If you walk the Camino Frances, you’ll walk right past the airport along the way to Santiago.
The airport is small but connects to destinations in Spain, Europe, and the UK. Currently, twelve airlines fly to and from the Airport of Santiago de Compostela including Aer Lingus, Vueling, Ryanair, and Iberia.
There is a convenient airport bus (Line 6A) that connects the airport to the city. The airport bus also stops in front of the train and bus station and costs only 1 Euro.
Santiago de Compostela Train Statio & Bus Station
The Estación de Tren de Santiago de Compostela and the Estación de Autobuses de Santiago de Compostela are located right next to each other. The stations are a little outside of the city center but are only about a 15-minute walk.
Train tickets are sold by Renfe and connect to all major destinations in Spain. There are automatic ticket machines and tickets for purchase at the counter. Find it here.
The bus station offers numerous bus companies and bus routes. Alsa bus company takes passengers across Spain and into Portugal. Monbus carries passengers out to the Death Coast to Finisterre and Muxia. Find it here.
Overview | Complete Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Guide
This is a complete Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim guide for those planning to walk the grand pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago. This detailed guide includes the significance of Santiago de Compostela, places of interest for pilgrims, where to stay, and the best things to do in Santiago de Compostela.
For some pilgrims, Santiago de Compostela is the final ending point of the Camino de Santiago journey. However, some may feel called to walk farther. This Santiago de Compostela pilgrim guide also includes resources and links on how to plan for the Camino Finisterre Muxia and highlights of the underrated Death Coast.
Santiago de Compostela is a fantastic and worthwhile historic city to visit in Spain.
Is there anything I’m missing in this Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim guide? Please let me know in the comments below!
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