Santiago de Compostela: Your Ultimate 3-Day Guide to Galicia's Pilgrimage Capital

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Getting to Santiago de Compostela by Train - the AVE Experience

After a few days in Madrid, I took the train northwest to Santiago de Compostela. This was my first "real train journey" through Spain - and I was thrilled. Everything runs perfectly at Madrid Chamartin station, and the AVE high-speed train is exceptionally comfortable. Traveling at speeds up to 300 km/h, the journey takes three hours through picturesque landscapes to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.

By Plane: Quick and Convenient

Santiago de Compostela Airport is about 13 kilometers from the city center. Eurowings and Lufthansa fly direct from Germany. The bus company Freire offers budget-friendly transfers to the center for just €2.

Best Time to Visit Santiago de Compostela

The humid ocean climate guarantees mild temperatures year-round:

Summer (June-August): 20-27°C, perfect for exploring
Spring/Autumn: Ideal weather but pack rain gear
Winter: Frequent rain but fewer crowds

After Madrid's sweltering heat, I found the 30°C pleasant upon arrival. The city owes its lush greenery to regular rainfall.

First Impressions: A City Between Tradition and Modernity

With around 100,000 residents, Santiago de Compostela feels more like a charming town. I reached my Hotel Meliá Santiago Plaza in minutes by taxi. After unpacking, I headed to the perfectly preserved old town - a steep but rewarding 20-minute walk from modern hotels. I was slightly annoyed I didn't book one of the boutique hotels in Santiago's historic center, but the uphill walk gave me time to appreciate the famous cathedral dominating the skyline.

Where to Stay in Santiago de Compostela

Luxury Option: Parador Hostal de los Reyes Católicos

The historic Parador on Praza do Obradoiro is probably the best accommodation in Santiago de Compostela. This five-star hotel, originally a hospital, features four cloisters, spacious gardens, and a museum.
"Some pilgrims treat themselves to luxury after the strenuous Camino de Santiago," explains deputy manager Ana Lago Garcia. The views of Obradoiro square are breathtaking - definitely visit for a drink in the inner courtyard.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives

Hotel Montes: Charming option in the historic center
Meliá Plaza Santiago: Modern comfort (where I stayed)

Pro tip: Check Turismo Santiago de Compostela's website for comprehensive accommodation listings.

Santiago de Compostela: UNESCO World Heritage and Pilgrimage Destination

Founded in the 9th century, this university city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The cathedral, completed in 1211, makes Santiago one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage centers. Its university, founded in 1495, ranks among Spain's oldest.

Santiago de Compostela marks the endpoint of several Camino de Santiago routes, with the famous Camino Francés beginning in the Pyrenees. Over 300,000 people make the pilgrimage annually - a dramatic increase from fewer than 100 pilgrims when the route gained UNESCO status in 1983. At the end of their journey, pilgrims receive the so-called "Compostela", a much-coveted certificate. On the Praza do Obradoiro, I watch all the people who have taken on the hardships of the Way of St. James and are now celebrating in Santiago de Compostela, treating the blisters on their feet. Honestly, that wouldn't be for me, but to each his own.

Through the alleyways of the old town: Instagram spots and music

 After visiting the market, I lose myself again in the many alleyways, enjoy tapas on a terrace, and have my photo taken in one of the smallest alleyways, the Rúa de Entrerruas, which is only 90 cm wide. Let's see how many "likes" the photo gets on Instagram.

Curious: Rua Oliveira is even narrower at just 70 cm wide.

Bagpipe music can be heard here and there (you will search in vain for flamenco in Santiago de Compostela), a relic of the Celtic heritage in northern Spain. Coupled with Spanish joie de vivre and life on the streets, the result is a very bizarre mixture - interesting! Santiago de Compostela boasts a vibrant music scene, encompassing everything from traditional Galician music to contemporary sounds.

Your 3-Day Santiago de Compostela Itinerary

Day 1: Historic Center and Cathedral

Morning: Explore the Cathedral of Santiago
Afternoon: Wander through historic alleyways
Evening: Drinks at the Parador

Day 2: Markets and Monasteries

Morning: Mercado de Abastos for local flavors
Afternoon: San Martín Pinario Monastery
Evening: Alameda Park for sunset views

Day 3: Culture and Nature

Morning: Ciudad de la Cultura
Afternoon: Bonaval or Belvis Parks
Evening: Farewell tapas tour

Top Attractions in Santiago de Compostela

The Cathedral of Santiago: Heart of the Pilgrimage

Though I am not typically drawn to religious grandeur, Santiago's cathedral is unmissable.

Practical Info: Open daily 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM, free admission. Flash photography prohibited.

Pilgrims can embrace a sculpture of St James dressed as a pilgrim, though I politely declined. The tomb in the crypt attracts countless visitors. Don't miss the "Botafumeiro" - a massive 53kg censer swinging at 68 km/h.

Fun Traditions:

Legend grants three wishes when first seeing the cathedral
Pilgrims traditionally knock three times on the gate

Mercado de Abastos: Galicia's Culinary Heart

The market hall, minutes from the cathedral, showcases Galician specialties: green peppers, cachelos potatoes, and abundant seafood.

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

San Martín Pinario Monastery: Baroque Splendor

The second-largest religious building after the cathedral, this 17th-century monastery boasts a 100-meter baroque facade. The garden setting creates perfect photo opportunities.

Picture-Perfect Squares

Praza das Praterias: Best cathedral views from the south portal steps
Praza da Quintana: Popular student meeting place

Green Spaces: Parks and Nature

Alameda Park:  Created in the 19th century and featuring numerous sculptures, it is the largest and most beautiful park in the city and is extremely popular among locals. From the Paseo da Ferradura, you have one of the most stunning views of the old town and cathedral from a gigantic 42-metre-high eucalyptus tree.
Instagram is calling! The giant plant is also known as the "tree of lovers", where lovers can enjoy pure romance on a bench. The granite benches, featuring artistic cast-iron backrests, are interesting and perfect for lingering and enjoying nature amid the city.

Other Parks:

Parque Bonaval: Rooftop city views
Parque Belvis: Hedge labyrinth

I would have loved to visit the Museo do Pobo Galego (with everyday artefacts from Galicia's history) in Bonaval Park - mainly because of the striking spiral staircase, which is a popular Instagram motif. However, the museum is closed on Mondays, and there was no time to visit the next day.

Galician Cuisine: What to Eat in Santiago

Must-Try Dishes

Pulpo a la Gallega: Boiled octopus specialty
Pimientos de Padrón: Small green peppers with salt
Tarta de Santiago: Delicious almond cake
Estrella Galicia: Internationally renowned dark lager

My Coffeeshop Recommendations

Traditional: Café Paradiso (historic center) - perfect for Tarta de Santiago. Very historic: Café Casino close to the cathedral 
Modern: Café Adelia  - hidden gem in upper old town with excellent coffee and pastries
Find comprehensive restaurant listings (including vegan/vegetarian options) on Santiago Turismo's website.

Shopping Beyond Souvenirs

The historic center offers more than tourist trinkets:

Katuxa Joyeria: Unique handcrafted jewelry
Cesta Tenda: Local specialties like regional cheeses and award-winning wines

Look for quality seals on shop windows.

Modern Santiago: Ciudad de la Cultura

Before departing, I visited this contemporary contrast to historical sights. Located on Monte Gaia summit, the complex features futuristic buildings housing museums, libraries, and sports facilities. The library's minimalist restaurant with wooden decorations offers striking architecture.

Language in Galicia

Approximately three million people speak Galician alongside Spanish in northwest Spain. Galician resembles Portuguese, though I heard more Spanish during my visit (likely due to Spanish tourists).

Getting Around Santiago

All mentioned attractions except Ciudad de la Cultura are easily walkable from the historic center.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in Santiago de Compostela?

Three days provide ample time to explore major attractions, enjoy local cuisine, and experience both historical and modern aspects.

Is Santiago de Compostela worth visiting without doing the Camino?

Absolutely! The city offers rich culture, stunning architecture, and excellent food independent of the pilgrimage experience.

What's the best way to get from Madrid to Santiago?

The AVE high-speed train offers comfort and scenic views during the three-hour journey from Madrid.

Final Thoughts: Why Visit Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela exceeds expectations as merely the Camino's endpoint. This Galician gem perfectly balances:

UNESCO World Heritage sites with vibrant university atmosphere
Historical significance with modern cultural attractions
Traditional Galician cuisine with international flair
Pilgrimage traditions with contemporary city life

Whether you're interested in spiritual journeys, architectural marvels, or culinary adventures, Santiago de Compostela delivers an unforgettable experience. The city serves as an ideal base for exploring Galicia's autonomous region, offering three days of culture, nature, and gastronomy. My report about Ferrol and the Northern region of Galicia will follow soom. 

Most photography by Xaime Cortizo, a local Santiago photographer. Highly recommended for professional shoots.

*This trip was sponsored by Turespaña, though all opinions remain my own.*

You are interested in visiting more Spanish cities? Then you may wish to read my articles about Cádíz, Granada, Málaga and Sevilla.