Santiago de Compostela holidays

Popular holidays

Biblical landmarks, UNESCO-stamped streets and a 150-year-old market make up city breaks to Santiago de Compostela.

City breaks to Santiago de Compostela

Thousands of Christian pilgrims flock to Santiago de Compostela – the historic capital of the Galicia region in north-west Spain – every year, to follow the legendary Camino de Santiago trail. It ends at the city’s iconic cathedral – the burial place of James the Apostle. And you don’t need to be a follower to feel a certain holiness here. Elsewhere, the old town’s got UNESCO’s stamp of approval, and packs in enough sights to fill a whole day. Tick off an ancient monastery, modern art galleries, and a 150-year-old market where you can pick up everything from fresh seafood to Galician tapas.

Popular hotels in Santiago de Compostela

Top things to see and do in Santiago de Compostela

Shopping

Mid-range buys

If you’re someone who likes to shoehorn a bit of retail therapy into your city breaks, head for the streets surrounding Praza das Praterias. The old town’s big on silverware, so you’ll have to exercise some self-restraint to avoid coming back with a suitcase full of jewellery and trinkets.

Nightlife

Lively evenings

This city might be best known for its historic and religious landmarks, but it also has a university, which means the nightlife’s top drawer, too. Head to Rua de Santiago de Chile or Rua de San Pedro de Mezonzo for bars, clubs and live music venues.

Food & drink

Galician octopus

Octopus stars on many a tapas menu around here, and that’s because it’s a bit of a local delicacy. It’s usually boiled, sliced, drizzled with olive oil and served with potatoes and a sprinkling of salt and paprika.

Facts about Santiago de Compostela

Currency

Euro

(EUR)

Language

Spanish

Time zone

GMT +1

Flight duration

2 to 4 hours 30 minutes from Dublin