More about: 4 Best Day Trips from Santiago de Compostela
Galicia is one of Spain's most historic regions. Its capital is famous for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, but the city and its surroundings hold many more secrets for travellers to discover.
1. Guided tour of the old town of Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is one of the most visited cities in the world. The reason for this is the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, which thousands of travellers (religious or not) make on foot every year from different parts of northern Spain, culminating in its cathedral, which houses the remains of the apostle.
However, the city of Santiago de Compostela has much more to offer than its cathedral, and the best way to discover it is by taking a guided tour of the historic city centre. Best of all, many of these tours are based on the concept of a free tour, so price will not be an issue.
What does this tour consist of?
On a free tour, travellers are only required to pay for their reservation, which can be done online to secure your spot, something highly recommended given the high demand for these tours.
An expert guide will take you and a group of up to 30 people to the most relevant places in the city while telling you its history from a dynamic and practical point of view, completely different from the information you can find in any guidebook. Once the tour is over, you decide how much to pay the guide.
Itinerary
In Santiago de Compostela, this tour focuses on the old town, is available in English and Spanish, and lasts about two hours. The group departs from a meeting point in the city centre (often the cathedral square). From there, the tour covers:
- The main squares near the cathedral
- The streets of the old town
- The food market
- The hidden monuments of the city centre
- The Alameda Park
Why I like this option
If you only have a few hours in the city, I would recommend spending them on this tour. Firstly, because the city is easy to cover on foot and this tour will show you everything you need to see, and secondly because the atmosphere created by the guides with the group and their recommendations and stories add value that you won't find on any other tour.
Ana's Traveller Tip
In Galicia, whether in summer or winter, it rains very often and excursions are not usually cancelled due to rain. Don't forget to bring an umbrella and suitable footwear.
2. Excursion to Finisterre from Santiago de Compostela
In ancient times, Cape Finisterre was thought to be the end of the known world, being the westernmost point of continental Europe. It is also the last point on the Camino de Santiago. You can visit the site and its surroundings on a day trip to Finisterre from Santiago de Compostela.
When you arrive at Cape Finisterre, you will see a cliff bathed by the so-called Costa de la Muerte (Coast of Death) due to the number of shipwrecks that occurred there in the past. The view is breathtaking, especially if the sea is rough, and you will need warm clothing regardless of the time of year you go. But the tour does not end here.
What this tour consists of
On the excursion to Finisterre, an hour's drive from Santiago, you will also see some of the most beautiful landscapes in Galicia, fishing villages, the Ézaro waterfall and Galician places of worship, among other points of interest.
The tour will be led by a professional guide who will take you in an air-conditioned vehicle from a meeting point in the centre of Santiago de Compostela. The tour lasts one day and is available in English and Spanish.
Food is not included in the tour price, but you will have time to eat at your leisure during the tour. I recommend asking your guide for recommendations, as Galician food is famous throughout the country and the prices are quite affordable.
3. Excursion to the Rías Baixas from Santiago de Compostela
When we talk about the Rías Baixas, we are referring to a group of beaches and coastal areas located on the west coast of La Coruña, about 50 minutes away from Santiago by road. To get there, it is helpful to know the roads in the area, which is why I recommend this organised excursion to the Rías Baixas from Santiago.
You can book your place online for the day that suits you best, and an expert guide will pick you up at the meeting point in the centre of Santiago. It includes a boat trip along the estuaries with mussel and wine tasting. You can take the excursion in English or Spanish, and you can cancel free of charge by giving 24 hours' notice if your plans change.
Itinerary
- Pontevedra and its historic centre, one of the best preserved in Galicia. Here you will find monuments such as the ruins of Santo Domingo and the Church of La Peregrina.
- Combarro, a town whose buildings are examples of traditional architecture. This is where you will take the boat trip with tasting included.
- La Lanzada beach, one of the most famous and extensive in Galicia. As a warning, I will tell you that it is common to find cloudy weather and very cold water on the beaches of Galicia, but the natural beauty is still breathtaking.
- The town of Cambados, with its 17th-century square, arched bridge, traditional buildings and famous church of San Benito.
4. Excursion to Lugo from Santiago de Compostela
Another essential excursion from Santiago de Compostela is the day trip to Lugo and the beaches of Ribadeo. This experience will allow you to discover the north-eastern part of Galicia, which borders Asturias, passing through the inland city of Lugo. The journey takes less than two hours and you will see unique natural landscapes.
This excursion covers one of the least known areas of northern Spain, making it ideal for avoiding crowds and getting in touch with nature.
What does this excursion consist of?
Throughout the day, you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will tell you about the history of all the places you are seeing. The price of the excursion is €60 and includes the services of the guide, admission fees and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle from a meeting point in the centre of Santiago de Compostela. This is what you will see:
Lugo
Lugo is the first stop. This city with more than two centuries of history was one of the greatest exponents of the Roman Empire and is known both for its city walls and its cathedral, two monuments that you will visit on this tour with a professional guide.
The small town of Ribadeo
This is one of the most charming places on the Galician coast. The image you will see there will be the opposite of the grandeur you will find in Santiago de Compostela.
Las Catedrales Beach
The Natural Park in the area and natural enclaves such as the well-known Playa de las Catedrales(Cathedrals Beach) are a sight to behold, unlike any other beach you have seen to date.
5. You may also be interested in
If you are planning a trip to Santiago de Compostela and its surroundings, you cannot miss visiting the jewel in its crown, Santiago Cathedral, so I recommend that you take a tour and marvel at its architectural beauty. If you want more information, take a look at this article on Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Tickets and Tours.