Best of Santiago De Compostela

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is the end of the legendary pilgrimage trek across northern Spain, the Camino de Santiago. Whether you arrive on foot or by other means, the charming Old Town and soaring spires of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela will greet you. Tucked into the northwest corner of the Iberian Peninsula, the Galician capital feels a world removed from other parts of Spain. The autonomous region has its own language and distinctive culture, with unique cuisine and unusual musical traditions that feature flutes, violins, and the haunting sound of bagpipes. The center is a delight to explore, with its magnificent cathedral and many other architectural treasures providing a fascinating window into the past. Plus, its cobblestone streets are dotted with terrace cafés and restaurants, perfect spots for taking in this captivating city.

Previous kimkim travelers have gotten a crash course in Galician culture on walking tours around the historic center. Food tours focus on traditional dishes, including some of Spain's best seafood. After you've explored Santiago de Compostela, you can take in the gorgeous Galician coast on a visit to the Cíes Islands, which are famed for their white sand beaches. The Ancient Romans were so struck by the archipelago's beauty that they called them the "islands of the gods." Galicia's wines have earned worldwide acclaim. The picturesque seaside resort of Cambados is the capital of Albariño, a delicious white grape variety grown in the region. Cambados is also the starting point for memorable vineyard visits along the Ruta del Vino, or wine route, which covers 22 wineries.
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Map of Ultimate Tour of Galicia: Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, & Vigo - 5 Days
Ultimate Tour of Galicia: Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, & Vigo - 5 Days

Spain is the perfect country in which to escape for a few days, and Galicia is one of its most beautiful areas. This five-day jaunt will take you from the cobbled streets of Santiago to the green mountains of the Ribeira Sacra wine country. The cherry on top is a boat tour to the Cíes Islands, a small group of islets with white-sand beaches crystalline waters. 

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Map of Ultimate Tour of Galicia: Santiago de Compostela, Lugo & Vigo - 6 Days
Ultimate Tour of Galicia: Santiago de Compostela, Lugo & Vigo - 6 Days

Even in six days, you can enjoy the highlights of Galicia. This region is as culturally rich and naturally beautiful as any other in Spain, but it's less visited than popular tourist destinations like Catalonia and Andalusia. The itinerary starts in Galicia's capital of Santiago, and from there, you'll travel to inland wine country plus charming coastal cities while also embarking on a boat trip to beautiful offshore islands.

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Map of Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Leon, & Santiago de Compostela - 7 Days
Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Leon, & Santiago de Compostela - 7 Days

One week is all you need to embark on the road trip of a lifetime through Spain. You'll spend the first day in Madrid, seeing the sights and enjoying local cuisine, before hopping in your car and heading north. You'll stop in León, a well-preserved medieval city, then travel through wine country, visit the gardens of country homes, and end the trip in Santiago de Compostela, the last destination on Spain's most famous pilgrimage route.

Get off the tourist trail as you wind your way through Galician towns like Cambados
Map of Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip in Spain & Italy - 14 Days
Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip in Spain & Italy - 14 Days

Venture off the tourist trail in two of Europe's most popular countries, from the Iberian coast to the wilds of central Italy. Start with a road trip on Spain's epic pilgrimage route through Galicia and the Basque Country, stopping for tours in León and Bilbao. The excitement continues in Italy, where after enjoying the best of Rome, you'll travel north to Lazio, famous for its ancient fairy-tale villages.

Start your road trip with a drive to León, a city and province in northwest Spain
Map of Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip in Spain & Italy - 21 Days
Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip in Spain & Italy - 21 Days

Embark on an epic three-week road trip around Spain and Italy, visiting highlights that tourists rarely see. It begins in captivating Madrid, followed by a drive to Galicia and the Basque Country to indulge in rich culture and delicious cuisine. Next, fly to Italy to enjoy the highlights of Rome, and then drive to picture-postcard regions like Lazio and Umbria to visit historic villages and enjoy outdoor adventures.

End your road trip with time spent in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Map of Spain Road Trip: Madrid, León & Santiago de Compostela - 8 Days
Spain Road Trip: Madrid, León & Santiago de Compostela - 8 Days

This eight-day road trip includes the best parts of Spain's rich culture, historic cities, and memorable landscapes. In Madrid alone, you'll tour famous city sights, dine at authentic tapas bars, and take in a live flamenco performance. Then it's time to hit the road as you travel to Salamanca, León, and finally to Santiago de Compostela, the final destination on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

Step inside the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, where the popular Camino de Santiago pilgrimage ends
Map of Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Leon & Santiago de Compostela - 12 Days
Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Leon & Santiago de Compostela - 12 Days

Part of the fun of traveling through Spain is seeing how the culture changes from one region to another. You'll experience this phenomenon over 12 days as you travel from the nation's capital Madrid to Galicia. This is a unique part of the country that has it all, including historical religious sites, unspoiled coastlines, exotic islands, and some of the best seafood anywhere in the world.

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Map of Spain Road Trip: Madrid & Santiago de Compostela - 9 Days
Spain Road Trip: Madrid & Santiago de Compostela - 9 Days

Spain's Galicia region is famous for its beautiful coastline, countryside, and religious pilgrimage sites. You'll experience this first-hand on your own four-wheeled pilgrimage that'll take you from the busy streets of Madrid to the green mountains of Galician wine country and finally to the historic city of Santiago. Throw in an excursion to offshore islands, and you have the ingredients for the perfect Spanish adventure.

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Map of Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Leon, & Santiago de Compostela - 10 Days
Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Leon, & Santiago de Compostela - 10 Days

The best thing about a road trip in Spain is that you're not only guaranteed to see beautiful landscapes but you'll visit incredible cities as well. This 10-day tour offers the best of both worlds as you drive from the capital of Madrid to León and then to Santiago and the heart of Galicia. Along the way, you'll stop for wine tours, river cruises, and even an island hop.

Enjoy the scenery of Galicia, like Praia de Nosa Señora in Cíes Islands
Map of Ultimate Northern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Galicia & Basque Country - 11 days
Ultimate Northern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Galicia & Basque Country - 11 days

Prepare yourself for the road trip of a lifetime. Over 11 packed days, you'll travel from Spain's capital of Madrid to the Galicia region, followed by a coastal drive through the incomparable Basque Country, all while leaving time for an excursion to the Cíes Islands. Little known may they be, these Galician gems are undoubtedly home to what might be the most beautiful European beach: Praia de Roda.

Relax on the white-sand beaches of the Cíes Islands, Spain
Map of Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Leon & Santiago de Compostela - 11 Days
Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Leon & Santiago de Compostela - 11 Days

Spain is the perfect country for a road trip, as the landscapes and culture change from region to region. Over 11 days, you'll drive from the capital of Madrid into Galicia, where you'll indulge in everything from wine tours to boat excursions to islands rimmed with white-sand beaches. You'll even visit the historic city of Santiago de Compostela, the terminus of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. 

Stroll along the famous waterfront of San Sebastián, Spain
Map of Ultimate Northern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Galicia & Basque Country - 12 Days
Ultimate Northern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Galicia & Basque Country - 12 Days

The northern region of Spain is just as rich in culture and beauty as anywhere in Catalonia or Andalusia. You'll see this for yourself on a 12-day road trip that takes you from Madrid into the Galicia region, known for its delicious seafood, beautiful coast, and historical and religious pilgrimage sites. It all culminates with a gorgeous drive through Basque Country and a couple of days in the cities of Bilbao and San Sebastián. 

Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Map of Ultimate Northern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Galicia & Basque Country - 13 days
Ultimate Northern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Galicia & Basque Country - 13 days

There are ways to do Spain differently; this 13-day self-drive road trip is a perfect example. While it begins in Madrid, after two days, you'll leave the glitz behind for the pastoral tranquility of the Ribera del Duero wine country. You'll then continue to Galicia's fantastic food and historical sites before winding up on the rocky Cantabrian coast and the incomparable resort city of San Sebastián.

Visit El Flysch, with its unique rock formations and hiking trails, in Spain's Basque Country
Map of Ultimate Northern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Galicia & Basque Country - 15 days
Ultimate Northern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Galicia & Basque Country - 15 days

On this 15-day excursion through Spain, you'll take the road less traveled but filled with incredible scenery. After a couple of days in Madrid, you'll drive north to wine country and follow the pilgrims' route into beautiful Galicia. You'll sample delicious regional cuisine and visit historic cathedrals before hitting the Cantabrian coast for an unforgettable stay in San Sebastián and day tours to rural Basque Country.

Explore El Flysch, a hiking area with unique rock formations in Spain's Basque Country
Map of Ultimate Northern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Galicia & Basque Country - 16 days
Ultimate Northern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Galicia & Basque Country - 16 days

On this 16-day road trip, you'll see some beautiful regions of Spain, many of which are off the tourist trail. The adventure begins in Madrid, from where you'll hop in a rental car and proceed to the Ribera del Duero wine country and into the river canyons of the Ribeira Sacra. You'll continue to Galicia, a region famous for delicious food and natural beauty, before ending up on the stunning coast of the Spanish Basque Country.

Basque Coast near San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Map of North of Spain Ultimate Roadtrip - 13 Days
North of Spain Ultimate Roadtrip - 13 Days

Immerse yourself in Northern Spain's breathtaking natural beauty, medieval history, and world-class gastronomy on this 13-day road trip. Traverse the dramatic Basque coast, sail to the stunning beaches of the Cíes Isles, and explore the foodie hotspot of San Sebastián. Along the way, you'll discover the world's first winery under the Cantabrian Sea, tour the best of Bilbao's pintxos bars, and marvel at the masterpieces of the legendary Guggenheim Museum.