Walking Through Santiago De Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region. It is a fantastic place to explore, wandering around its alleys and quaint granite streets. It’s pocket-sized, making it a lot easier to soak in the local atmosphere.

This relatively small city is packed with big history. We’ve walked the streets of Santiago De Compostela noting sites worth a visit so you can plan your visit here.

The Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

Long-gone centuries live on in the city’s arcaded streets and magnificent stone architecture, of which the famous cathedral is the jewel in the crown.The cathedral is Santiago’s most famous building, with a Romanesque structure and later Gothic and Baroque elements.

As the story goes, Santiago city was the end of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, and the alleged burial site of the Biblical apostle St. James. His remains reputedly lie within the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, consecrated in 1211, whose elaborately carved stone facades open onto grand plazas within the medieval walls of the old town.

When here, take a guided tour of the Cathedral’s rooftop to enjoy fantastic panoramic views of Santiago (they run every day from 10am to 8pm and it lasts approximatelyone hour).

The Old Town of Santiago

Santiago is divided in two main districts: the Old Town (Zona Vella) and the New Town (Zona Nova).

All aspects of this area are perfectly preserved, making you question if you are in a real city, or simply a themed world created by the likes of Disney.

The old town of Santiago combines medieval architecture, Renaissance rationale and Baroque theatricality. Just wander around observing this harmonious blend, exploring the maze of narrow streets abounding in old houses and little squares, such as those of Fonseca, Platerías, Feijóo, San Martín and San Roque. Take your time here and soak in the atmosphere.

Galician Wine Trails

Take a stroll through the Galician countryside, exploring the local vineyards. One of the great things about being in Santiago is that many of these wineries are nearby. So when you feel the need to explore a bit more of the lush Galician countryside, check out best vineyard tours near Santiago for a breath of fresh air.

Martin Codax is one of the vineyards situated on top of a hill with views out to the sea.  Some of their tours include visits to the winery with tastings, visits to the vineyard and winery with tastings and an opportunity to actually harvest the grapes at harvesting time.

Address: Burgans 91, Vilarino, Cambados, Spain

The Marquese de Vizhoja family-run winery is managed by two brothers and was founded almost 50 years ago. Their stunning white wines can be enjoyed all over the world. If you want to see the winery in action and visit the beautiful vineyards, then you should take a trip to the province of Pontevedra, a mere 90-minute drive from Santiago.

Address: Finca La Moreira, Arbo, Pontevedra

Palacio de Fefinanes is almost a century old! This winery produces great Galician white wines from the local Albariño grape. The winery is located in the main square of Cambados – the capital of Galician Albariño wine, only 45 minutes from Santiago. The palace is a historic and interesting building in itself, and when paired with a winery visit and tasting, it’s a fantastic way to spend an afternoon in Galici.

Address: PrazaFefinans, Cambados, Spain

There are many more amazing Galician wine trails. If you need any extra help planning your delicious journey here, just give us a call on 1800 242 353.

Santiago De Compostela Parque Alameda

Alameda Park is a large park located in the heart of Santiago de Compostela. It was designed to resemble the grounds of a grand country estate, which is surely does. This stunning park has more than 90 (!) different types of plants. The park also hosts concerts and performances throughout the year.

The three main paths you see in the park were designed to accommodate the three different social classes that existed when the park was formed. The path on the right was for lower class people; the central one was for nobility; and the one on the left was for teachers, clergymen and other educated professionals.

Go for a stroll along the Paseo da Ferradura, get a nice tree-framed view of the Cathedral, sit by the statue of writer Valle Inclán or take a picture with the statue of ‘As Marías’… take a moment to really enjoy your time here.

If you need help planning your visit to the Old Town of Santiago De Compostela just give us a call on 1800 242 353 – we’d be happy to help.