Santiago de Compostela travel

Santiagode Compostela Travel Guide

Santiago de Compostela is one of the most magical cities in Spain. Santiago de Compostela (Old Town) is located in Galicia, situated in the far north-west of Spain. Most people picture Spain as a hot, arid land, but if Europe had a rain forest, it would be here. Rain off the Atlantic has colored Santiago's granite green with moss.

History of Santiago de Compostela

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Being the capital of the Galician region in north-western Spain, everyday life in Santiago is modern and chic. Awarded recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage City in 1985, Santiago de Compostela is a historical gem and one of the most impressive cities in Spain. This famous pilgrimage site in north-west Spain became a symbol in the Spanish Christians' struggle against Islam. Destroyed by the Muslims at the end of the 10th century, it was completely rebuilt in the following century. With its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings, the Old Town of Santiago is one of the world's most beautiful urban areas. Also read:-Luxury Boutique Hotels in London

Weather in Santiago de Compostela

Temperature variation is the prime element of Weather in Santiago de Compostela. Considering humidity, temperatures feel cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a chance of rain or snow throughout most of the year. The weather conditions are influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. In general, the weather is cool and moist. Summer (June-August) is the best time to visit. The middle-year months have comfortably cool weather with high temperatures that are comfortable. These months see the least precipitation with 4 to 5 days of precipitation per month. June August is the busiest season for tourism in Santiago de Compostela.

Visa Policy in Santiago de Compostela

Spain is a part of Schengen Visa Scheme which allows visitors to travel all participating countries without a visa. Visas for Spain are not required by the nationals of European Union countries, regardless of the purpose or length of stay. A passport valid for three months beyond the length of stay and issued within the past 10 years is required by nationals (USA, Australia, Canada, Great Britain) except European Union Countries holding a passport or national ID-Card, which is valid for the duration of the stay. European Union Nationals are not required to possess return tickets or show sufficient funds. A transit visa will allow entrance into the international transit area and not into Spain. The travelers are not allowed to leave the airport. UK residents should apply to the Spain Visa Application Centre. If the travelers are NON-European Union National, planning to stay longer than 90 days they should apply for residence visa from the Spanish Embassy in their home country before departure. Visitors are allowed to bring pets into Spain, provided that they carry the Pet Passport or International Vaccination Health Certificate with them. Also read:-Easy way to apply for Passport

Best way to go Santiago de Compostela

Whatever travelers preferred means of transport, getting to Santiago de Compostela is easy thanks to its good transport connections with the main cities in Spain and Europe. Santiago de Compostela Airport is an international airport. It is the second busiest airport in northern Spain. The airport is located in the parish of Lavacolla, 12 km from Santiago de Compostela. There are regular flights between Santiago de Compostela International Airport and major European cities such as London, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Bilbao. From the airport, travelers can reach Santiago by taxi for a fare of about 21. You can also take the bus which will drop you to the historic center, costing 3. There are Bus services to destinations including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Bilbao, and to other European countries like Portugal, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland. The bus station is conveniently located close to the historic center. The train is another convenient way to get to Santiago. There are daily trains linking the city with Madrid, San Sebastin, Hendaye and Barcelona. Also read:-Ice Festivals Around the World You Cannot Miss

Expenses in Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is an excellent place for those vacationers who want to plan a short break or even a longer stay. 40 ($45) is the average daily price for traveling in Santiago de Compostela. The average price of food for one day is 9.43 ($11). The average price of a hotel for a couple is 41 ($47).

Accommodation in Santiago de Compostela

When it comes to accommodation in Santiago de Compostela, the city has varieties of accommodation to offer, including luxury hotels, boutique hotels, budget hotels. As the students' populations are dominated in the city so the budget hotels are having a long list in Santiago de Compostela. The budget hotel starts from INR 4897 per night. Extravagant and luxury lovers can opt from luxury accommodation in Santiago de Compostela. The luxury accommodation starts from INR 14, 897 per night. Some of the famous hotels include Parador Hostal Dos Reis Catolicos, Costa Vella etc. The Parador de Santiago - Hostal dos Reis Catlicos, located at Plaza do Obradoiro 1, and the Hotel Spa Relais & Chateaux A Quinta da Auga, at Paseo Da Amaia 23/b, are excellent examples of upmarket Santiago de Compostela lodgings. If those don't exactly meet your needs, make sure you check out the Moure Hotel, at Calle Loureiros, 6, and the Hotel Montenegro, at Ra de Xelmrez, 18, two places where you'll be sure to find a bargain. Santiago de Compostela is home to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. If you want to stay near this world-famous attraction, the San Francisco Hotel Monumento is just 0.2 miles away. Another option is the Hotel Palacio del Carmen, Autograph Collection, which is about 0.4 miles. Also read:-Worlds Smallest Hotel Volkswagen Beetle in Jordan Desert

Dining in Santiago de Compostela

The Galicia region is famous for seafood. Santiago is a hub of authentic Galician Culinary. Spain is a nation in love with fish and seafood, and a great deal of it is supplied by Galicia from the Atlantic: Crawfish, razor clams, cockles, mussels, scallops, crabs, lobsters are all divine here. The best offerings can be found on Rua do Franco as well as Rua do Vilar. Besides the fresh fish, local specialties include charcoal grilled meat, cured ham, beef and other cold meats like chorizo, salchichon, and morcilla. Travelers can enjoy the dining experience at La Casita, A Casa da Vina, China Ming

Shopping in Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela has two particular local crafts, silverware and black gem also known as Jet Stone. Travelers can get a good collection of the local handicrafts in the shops near the Cathedral. The Old Town is a hub of different kinds of shops. The famous shops are Ruas Nova Vilar, San Pedro, shops surrounding the Cathedral are the main shopping areas. Travelers can find international brands, prestigious Spanish franchises, Galician fashion, food shops, and gift shops, among many other offerings. Also read:-The Worlds First Feni Cellar In Goa

Bar and Nightlife in Santiago de Compostela

Travelers who love tonight out can have so many options to hang out in Old town. The unparallel nightlife experience can be to go from bar to bar, enjoy various kinds of drinks and enjoy with people whom you meet there. The student populations and thousands of pilgrimage every year from different corners of the world have given the Santiago de Compostelas nightlife a mix of cultural influences. Santiago de Compostela is a university city so students add charm to the nightlife of the city. There is plenty of choices to choose from more than thousands of characterful bars and live music venues. The famous bar includes Chocolate bar, Pub Momo, Fuco Lois and the number goes on. Also read:-Pattaya Walking Street Pattaya Nightlife

Top Tourists attractions in Santiago de Compostela

Being the holy land of Saint James (known in Spain as Santiago), people from all over Europe travel to Santiago de Compostela. Santiago de Compostela is a city with a staggering artistic and historical wealth. Its one of the most important destinations in the Catholic world, But the place is full of breathe taking sights which will leave tourists wide-eyed.

Catedral de Santiago

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This is the prime attraction for tourists, all over the world traveling to Santiago de Compostela. The most sacred Christian monument in Spain, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a sight worthy of an arduous pilgrim's journey. The cathedral was renovated numerous times in different architectural styles, including Gothic, Plateresque, and Neoclassical. According to Christan Pilgrims, St James was buried in the Catedral. Travelers need a lot of time to explore every corner as the entire city is built around this monument. Much of the interior is in the baroque style, like the silver High Altar, where the Pilgrim Mass takes place every day at noon.

Camino de Santiago

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Its a Catholic pilgrimage to the saints supposed final resting place at the cathedral. If the travelers plan to complete the most popular route of Camino de Santiago. the Camino Frances from St. Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, the walk will take you about 30 to 35 days; in order to achieve this time, you would need to walk between 23 and 27 kilometers per day (14 to 16 miles). Whether the travelers are taking the full pilgrimage or just part of the journey, walking along the Camino de Santiago in Spain offers visitors a number of great sights and opportunities for cultural experiences. Also read:-10 scientifically impossible places that actually exist || Ngtraveller

Hostal de Los Reyes Catlicos

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This magnificent building is a splendid example of Gothic Plateresque architecture, with a decorative facade and four interior courtyards. It was founded in 1499 and was used as lodgings for the pilgrims who had ended their long journey along the Way of Saint James and finally reached their destination. It is a former pilgrims hostel. This historic building is renovated and converted into a luxurious Parador hotel. The guests can enjoy a comfortable stay. Parador hotel is a five-star luxury hotel.

Casco Antiguo (Old Town)

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the atmospheric Old Town of Santiago extends south of the cathedral and the Plaza de las Plateras. At the center are two parallel streets, the Ra Nueva and the Ra del Villar with the 18th-century Casa del Den at its near end. The narrow lanes of the old town mark the long ago centuries of intercontinental trade and intercultural encounters. The narrow lanes are a hub of restaurants, Cafes, and boutique. Tourists can enjoy strolling around these charming pedestrian streets. Also read:-Top 10 Hotels In Boston Which Provides World Class Involvement

Centro Galego de Arte Contemporaine

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Galician Contemporary Art Centre offers an excellent view of the modern-day culture of the region. The center is dedicated to contemporary Galician art, and it is displayed in the exhibition halls. Exhibition halls are having sleek architecture. Visitors can take in stunning views of the historic quarter. From the buildings terraces. The art center also offers temporary exhibitions and art displays along with the permanent collection of art. The Contemporary Art Centre presents excellent exhibitions of modern art (including film and video) from Galicia and the rest of the world in spacious, well-lit halls.

Colegiata de Santa Mara la Real de Sar

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The Church of Santa Mara a Real do Sar is a church located in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Among the beautiful architecture of Santiago, this little collegiate Church has a special place. This is a Romanesque building. This place is worth seeing in Santiago. The arcaded colonnades feature wonderful decorative details and offer views of a peaceful garden. The church is open daily for the public. Also read:-Visit the Idyllic and Blissful Allure of Desert-The Six Senses Zighy Bay

Casa do Cabildo

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This is another historic building in Santiago de Compostela. The construction, in fact, aimed at closing the square, creating a remarkable scenic and urbanistic effect. The Casa do Cabildo is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in the Galicia region. In 2011 the building was renovated and converted into exhibition space. This historic monument is a part of the Association of Museums in Santiago. When art exhibitions are hosted in Casa do Cabildo, then it is open to the public.

Museo do Pobo Galego

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The Museum of Galician People was created in 1976 with the objectives of research and the preservation, dissemination, and promotion of Galician culture in all areas, and, specifically, to create and develop a museum at the service of these goals. In 1977 the museum has opened its first room for the public. Each room in the museums depicts the Galician traditional customs. Different rooms present Galician clothes, music, painting, sculpture, architecture, and archaeology.

Cidade da Cultura de Galicia

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This building is a stunning contrast to the historic buildings in Santiago. The City of Culture is having three parts a museum that hosts temporary exhibitions, a library, and a central plaza for outdoor performances. Although most of the people limit their travel to Barcelona, Sevilla, and Granada when they visit Spain, there is SO much more to this varied country. Theres no better way to start exploring the Spain less traveled than to hit up the Galician capital of Santiago de Compostela.