Car Hire Santiago de Compostela

The western edge of northern Spain is surrounded by beautiful countryside, lusher than you’ll find in the nation’s drier southern and central regions. The rugged coast beckons close by, or you can head east for a road trip to the fine cities of Santander, Bilbao and San Sebastian.

The historic heart of Santiago de Compostela is quite small and full of pedestrianised areas and one-way streets, so parking to explore on foot is advisable. You’ll find plenty of car parks close by, with some open at all hours and offering all-day prices.

The city is ideally located for seeing more of Galicia. Drive around an hour south to Vigo and you’ll find a bustling port city with a great nightlife. You can also get the ferry here over to the Islas Cíes, the three striking islands off the coast that have some of the best beaches in all of Galicia.

Alternatively, head east to the ancient city of Lugo – which boasts astonishing Roman fortifications and an array of impressive monuments.

As you’re in Spain, you’ll need to drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Speed limits are usually 50km/h in towns and cities, and a maximum of 120km/h on motorways, known as ‘autopistas’, while many rural roads have a limit of 90km/h. Always check the signs for the route that you are on however.

You’ll find a couple of autopistas linking Santiago de Compostela to further afield, with the AP-53 taking you south-east. The AP-9 runs south along the west coast to Pontevedra, in around an hour, and then to the border with Portugal. Or you can head north to reach A Coruna and the coastal destination of Ferrol, in about an hour and a half.

Some of the major roads have tolls, so do bear this in mind when planning your journey.

Pilgrims may make their way to Santiago de Compostela every year – but the city is also popular with visitors from Spain and across the world, keen to discover the cobbled streets, and the historic Romanesque and Baroque gems they hide.

It’s also becoming an increasingly exciting destination for culinary adventurers, with Galician seafood some of the finest in Europe.

The pilgrim’s rest

For the Camino pilgrims, the endpoint is the city’s cathedral – a huge, captivating structure that combines several architectural schools into its mighty edifice.

The mixture of styles is largely due to how long it took to finish the building, with work starting in 1075 and officially finishing in 1211 – but with even later additions. Its colossal bell towers beckon you inside, where further intrigue awaits.

The main attraction is the tomb of Santiago (or Saint James) and its many relics, but there are also hundreds of sculptures and impressive arches and porticos.

Recent restoration work is helping some neglected corners to shine too. Don’t worry if some spaces are closed as there’s plenty more to see, including a rooftop tour offering the best views in the city.

The sea’s bounty

While San Sebastian may get most of Spain’s food renown, Santiago de Compostela is an increasingly exciting place for those who love to eat. The old town is full of atmospheric restaurants steeped in tradition, serving up the freshest Galician seafood dishes in the region.

Pulpo – octopus – is on the menu across town, along with the Spanish staples of jamon, chorizo and cheeses. Try some unusual local specialities too, such as percebes – the local goose barnacles that you’ll find in numerous places, such as A Barrola on Rua do Franco.

If you’re unsure what to order, rely on the pulpo a la gallega (boiled octopus with paprika) and the dessert of tarta de Santiago – a delicious almond cake invented in the city. You can also buy some at the city’s bustling market, Mercado de Abastos.

Soaking up history

The old town of Santiago de Compostela is a UNESCO World Heritage site, where some of the most intriguing buildings hide their stories. Get a sense of scale and space in Praza do Obradoiro, a vast yet simple square adjacent to the cathedral.

 Without cars, restaurants or tourist shops, it’s a more serene version of many grand Spanish squares. Head to the north side to see the stunning Hostal dos Reis Catolicos, built in the 15^th century and now a hotel.

On the other side of the cathedral you’ll find Praza da Quintana and the Mosteiro de San Paio de Antealtares, a 9^th-century monastery. If you’re fascinated by the pilgrimage you can also get a strong insight into it at the Museum of Pilgrimage and Santiago at Praza das Praterias.

Learn about Saint James himself – including the different ways his story has evolved over the centuries – and the origins of the pilgrimage. As a bonus, the building provides great views of the cathedral towers.

A historic city that offers the best of Galicia, hire a car in Santiago de Compostela for the ideal way to see the local sights, and the unique region beyond.