Galicia · Spain

Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

The city at the end of the Way, with the cathedral of the apostle Santiago and the granite old town, and Vigo, port of the Illas Cíes, connected to Porto by the Celta train.

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In the photo: Illas Cíes

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The landscape is green and rainy, cut by the rias, arms of the sea that reach into the land, and the cuisine revolves around octopus, shellfish, bread and the white Albariño wines.

Santiago de Compostela, capital da Galícia, grew around the tomb attributed to the apostle James, discovered in the 9th century. Since the Middle Ages, pilgrims from all over Europe walk to the cathedral along the Camino de Santiago, and even today hundreds of thousands arrive on foot or by bicycle each year at the Praza do Obradoiro. The historic center, all in granite, with arcades, churches and monasteries, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

Vigo, 90 km to the south, is the largest city in Galícia and one of the main fishing ports in Europe, on the ria of Vigo. From the port depart the boats to the Illas Cíes, islands with white-sand beaches inside a national park. The Caminho Português da Costa passes through Vigo, and the city is the gateway for those coming from northern Portugal: the Celta train connects Porto to Vigo in about 2h30.

This destination brings together 17 cities: Vigo, Santiago de Compostela, Tui, Sarria, A Guarda, Baiona, Pontevedra, Ribadeo, Arzúa, Lugo, Melide, Ferrol, Betanzos, A Coruña, Fisterra, Muxía, Ourense.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

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Where Santiago de Compostela and Galícia is

Outlines: IGN/CNIG, unidades administrativas, CC BY 4.0. Adapted by Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

✈ Aeropuerto de Vigo (VGO), in Peinador · 9 km to Vigo

✈ Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro (OPO), in Porto (Portugal) · 140 km to Vigo

Confirm before buying. Santiago and Vigo have airports with flights from Spain and Europe. From Madri, the high-speed train takes about 3h30 to Santiago. From Porto, the Celta train takes about 2h30 to Vigo, and from Vigo to Santiago the train takes about 1 hour.

Suggested arrival point: Vigo

Galícia · Santiago de Compostela and Galícia Suggested arrival point

Vigo

Vigo is the largest city in Galícia and a major fishing port on the ría de Vigo, near the border with Portugal. From the port boats sail to the Illas Cíes, inside a national park. The Casco Vello has the rua das ostras and the co-cathedral, and the Monte do Castro overlooks the ría. The Caminho Português da Costa passes through Vigo, and the Celta train links the city with Porto.

Galícia · Santiago de Compostela and Galícia Capital

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galícia and the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago. The cathedral, with the tomb attributed to the apostle James, the Pórtico da Glória and the Botafumeiro, dominates the Praza do Obradoiro. The granite historic center, with arcades, monasteries and the Mercado de Abastos, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Galician, a sibling of Portuguese, is heard everywhere.

Galícia · Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

Tui

Galician city on the Spanish bank of the river Minho, facing Valença in Portugal. The old stone center rises up to the Catedral de Santa María, a 12th–13th-century church-fortress with a Gothic cloister. It has convents, Baroque chapels and, to the north, the Parque Natural do Monte Aloia. It is one of the most sought-after starting points of the Caminho Português de Santiago, about 118 km from Santiago Cathedral.

Galícia · Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

Sarria

Sarria is a small town in the province of Lugo, in Galícia, about 115 km from Santiago de Compostela along the Camino. It is the most common starting point for those who walk the last 100 km—the minimum distance to request the Compostela—and it has many hostels and services for pilgrims. The Rúa Maior, the Camino street, runs past the churches of Santa Mariña and do Salvador and the tower of the old fortress, up to the mosteiro da Madalena, from the 13th century. Galician and Spanish are spoken.

Galícia · Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

A Guarda

A Guarda is a fishing village in the extreme southwest of Galicia, where the Minho river meets the Atlantic, facing Portugal. Above it rises the mount of Santa Trega, 341 meters high, where the ruins of a castro settlement stand, with round stone houses, an archaeological museum, a chapel and views of the Minho estuary. In the center, the Castle of Santa Cruz recalls the 17th-century wars with Portugal, and the harbor, with colorful houses, is known for its lobster. It is the first Galician village on the Portuguese Coastal Way. Galician and Spanish are spoken.

Galícia · Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

Baiona

Baiona is a village on the Galician coast, about 25 km from Vigo, in a bay sheltered in front of the Cíes islands. The Monterreal peninsula is surrounded by walls, with a sea-side rampart walk; inside them is a historic parador. On 1 March 1493 the caravel Pinta arrived in Baiona with the first news of Columbus’s voyage, and a replica of the ship is in the harbor. On the top of the hill, the stone statue of the Virgem da Rocha has a viewpoint, and the town centre preserves the old Romanesque collegiate church and a covered cruceiro from the 15th century. Galician and Spanish are spoken.

Galícia · Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

Pontevedra

Pontevedra is a Galician city on the estuary of the same name, about 60 km from Santiago de Compostela. The historic center, made of granite, was closed to cars and is explored on foot through squares such as Praça da Leña, Praça da Ferrería and Praça da Verdura. There are the Igreja da Virgem Peregrina, with a scallop-shell floor plan, the Basílica de Santa María a Maior, the Convento de San Francisco, the Gothic ruins of San Domingos and the buildings of the Museu de Pontevedra. To the north, the Ponte do Burgo crosses the Lérez river, and the Ilha das Esculturas hosts outdoor art. It is a stop on the Caminho Português central and the Caminho da Costa.

Galícia · Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

Ribadeo

Ribadeo is a Galician town on the ría de Ribadeo, which borders Asturias, on the northern coast of Galicia. About 10 km away is the Praia das Catedrais, with rock arches that can only be explored at low tide. In the centre, Plaza de España includes the Torre dos Moreno, a 1915 modernist house built by emigrants who returned from the Americas, and the pazo de Ibáñez, now the town hall. At the mouth of the ría are the isla Pancha, with two lighthouses, and the 17th-century fort of San Damián, opposite the ponte dos Santos. It is a stop on the Caminho do Norte, the first Galician town. Galician and Spanish are spoken.

Galícia · Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

Arzúa

Arzúa is a village inland in Galicia, about 40 km from Santiago de Compostela, where the Camino Francés and the Camino del Norte join for the final stretch to the cathedral. It is known for the Arzúa-Ulloa cheese, made from cow's milk, with a protected designation of origin and its own festival in March. On the rua do Caminho are the church of Santiago and the chapel of Madalena, remnants of an old convent and pilgrims' hospital from the 14th century. About 3 km away, in Ribadiso, the medieval bridge over the Iso River and the old pilgrims' hospital make one of the best-known stops on the Camino. Galician and Spanish are spoken.

Galícia · Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

Lugo

Lugo is an inland city in Galicia that began as the Roman Lucus Augusti around 15 BC. It is surrounded by a complete Roman wall of about 2 km and 71 towers, a World Heritage site; you can walk along the top of it around the entire circuit. Inside are the cathedral, Praça Maior, the Museu Provincial and the museum of the Domus do Mitreo, with remains of a Roman house. By the river Minho are the thermal baths and a bridge of Roman origin, and 14 km away is the Roman temple of Santa Eulalia de Bóveda. It is a stop on the Caminho Primitivo, about 100 km from Santiago, and in June the Arde Lucus festival revives its Roman past.

Galícia · Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

Melide

Melide is a village in inland Galicia, about 55 km from Santiago de Compostela, where the Caminho Primitivo meets the Caminho Francês. It is known for polvo à feira, boiled and served on wooden plates in the pulperías on the rua do Caminho. At the entrance to the village, the capela de San Roque stands beside a 14th-century cruceiro, considered the oldest in Galicia, and in the centre are the church of the former convent of Sancti Spiritus and the Museu da Terra de Melide. On the way out is the church of Santa María, and before reaching it is the medieval bridge of Furelos. Galician and Spanish are spoken.

Galícia · Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

Ferrol

Ferrol is a Galician city on a deep Atlantic ria, about 55 km from A Coruña, linked for almost three centuries to the Spanish Navy. The bairro da Madalena, planned in the 18th century with straight streets, has houses with glass galleries, modernist buildings and the concatedral de San Xiao. Next to the arsenal are the Museu Naval and the Exponav, about shipbuilding, and at the mouth of the ria the castelo de San Felipe guards the entrance to the port. The praia de Doniños, open to the ocean, is a few kilometers away. It is the starting point of the Caminho Inglês for Santiago. Galician and Spanish are spoken.

Galícia · Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

Betanzos

Betanzos is a medieval Galician town at the meeting of the Mandeo and Mendo rivers, about 25 km from A Coruña. The historic center climbs a hill with three Gothic churches: San Francisco, with the tomb of Fernán Pérez de Andrade supported on a bear and a boar, Santa María do Azougue and Santiago. In the old convent of Santo Domingo is the Museu das Mariñas, and down below is the Parque do Pasatempo, created by an emigrant who returned wealthy from Argentina, with grottos and figures from around the world. On the night of August 16 the town releases a huge paper balloon. It is a stop on the Caminho Inglês. Galician and Spanish are spoken.

Galícia · Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

A Coruña

A Coruña is a Galician city on an Atlantic peninsula, about 75 km from Santiago de Compostela. At the northern tip stands the Torre de Hércules, the only Roman lighthouse still in operation and a World Heritage Site. The glass galleries along avenida da Mariña lead to plaza de María Pita and the Old Town, with the colegiata de Santa María do Campo and the San Carlos garden. The castle of San Antón houses the archaeological museum. A seaside promenade skirts the peninsula, with the beaches of Riazor and Orzán, the Aquarium Finisterrae, the Domus, the Casa das Ciências and monte de San Pedro.

Galícia · Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

Fisterra

Fisterra is a fishing village on the Costa da Morte, in Galicia, about 90 km from Santiago de Compostela. About 3 km away is the cabo Fisterra, the finis terrae of the Romans, considered the end of the known world, with the lighthouse from 1853 and the kilometer-zero marker of the route many pilgrims walk after Santiago. On the way to the cape is the church of Santa María das Areas, with the Cristo de Fisterra. In the village the castelo de San Carlos houses the Museu da Pesca, and the port, with the lonxa, shows the coastal fishing. Galician and Spanish are spoken.

Galícia · Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

Muxía

Muxía is a fishing village on the Costa da Morte in Galicia, about 80 km from Santiago de Compostela, on a peninsula facing the Atlantic. At the tip stands the sanctuary of the Virgem da Barca, among rocks linked to the legend of the stone boat that is said to have brought the Virgin to the apostle James, and beside it the sculpture A Ferida, a tribute to the volunteers of the Prestige oil spill disaster. The Gothic church of Santa María sits above the village, and about 3 km away is the Romanesque church of Moraime. The municipality includes Cabo Touriñán, the westernmost point of Galicia. Galician and Spanish are spoken.

Galícia · Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

Ourense

Ourense is the largest inland city in Galicia, on the banks of the Miño river, known for its thermal waters: the As Burgas springs gush hot in the old town, and the Outariz thermal baths are on the riverbank. It has the cathedral of San Martiño, the Roman bridge and the Praza Maior, and it is the most popular starting point of the Via de la Plata, about 109 km from Santiago. Nearby are the mosteiro de Santo Estevo and the cânion do Sil.

The local experience

Things to do in Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

Ferrol · Galicia · Historic neighborhood

Barrio de la Magdalena

Neighborhood planned in the 18th century, under the reign of Carlos III, with straight streets, houses with glass galleries, modernist buildings and the praça de Armas; a protected historic ensemble.

Fisterra · Galicia · Lighthouse

Cabo e Faro de Fisterra

Granite cape that the Romans called finis terrae, the end of the known world, with the lighthouse from 1853 at 143 meters above the sea and the kilometer-zero marker of the camino de Fisterra.

A Guarda · Galicia · Archaeological site

Castro de Santa Trega

Ruins of a castro settlement on the slopes of mount Santa Trega, occupied between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, with round stone houses and two reconstructed dwellings.

Ourense · Galicia · Church

Catedral de Ourense

The cathedral of San Martiño, from the 12th and 13th centuries, is one of the great Romanesque churches of Galicia, with the polychrome Pórtico do Paraíso and the chapel of the Santo Cristo.

See 92 more places in Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

Tui · Galicia · Church

Catedral de Santa María de Tui

Romanesque and Gothic cathedral from the 12th and 13th centuries, with a fortress-like appearance atop the town, a Gothic portal, cloister and towers overlooking the river Minho and Portugal.

Santiago de Compostela · Galicia · Cathedral

Catedral de Santiago de Compostela

Romanesque cathedral of the 11th century with a Baroque façade, which houses the tomb attributed to the apostle James, the Pórtico da Glória by Mestre Mateus and the Botafumeiro. End of the Way of St. James.

Pontevedra · Galicia · Historic center

Centro histórico de Pontevedra

Medieval granite center closed to traffic, with Praça da Leña, Praça da Ferrería, Praça da Verdura and Praça do Teucro, stone houses with arcades and tapas bars.

Baiona · Galicia · Fortress

Fortaleza de Monterreal

Fortress that surrounds the Monterreal peninsula, rebuilt in the 16th century by the conde de Gondomar, with walls, towers and a rampart walk by the sea; inside it houses a historic parador.

Betanzos · Galicia · Church

Igrexa de San Francisco de Betanzos

Gothic church from the 14th century, sponsored by Fernán Pérez de Andrade, with the noble's tomb supported on a bear and a boar and a collection of family sarcophagi; a national monument since 1919.

Melide · Galicia · Church

Igrexa de Santa María de Melide

Romanesque church from the 12th century at the exit of Melide on the Caminho Francês, with an arched portal, a stone altar and remnants of Gothic mural paintings in the apse.

Arzúa · Galicia · Church

Igrexa de Santiago de Arzúa

Parish igreja on the rua do Caminho, dedicated to the Apostle Santiago, with images of Santiago pilgrim and Santiago knight; a stop for pilgrims to stamp their credential.

Vigo · Galicia · Beach

Illas Cíes

Archipelago at the entrance of the ría de Vigo, part of the Parque Nacional das Illas Atlánticas, with white-sand beaches, cliffs, trails and a lighthouse. In season, visiting requires prior authorization.

Lugo · Galicia · Monument

Muralla romana de Lugo

Roman wall from the late 3rd century that surrounds the center of Lugo, about 2 km long, with 71 towers and ten gates; the only one preserved intact; a World Heritage site since 2000.

Ribadeo · Galicia · Beach

Praia das Catedrais

Beach about 10 km from Ribadeo with arches, caves and rocky cliffs that evoke a cathedral; it can only be explored at low tide, and at Easter and in summer visits require a reservation.

Sarria · Galicia · Historic center

Rúa Maior de Sarria

The Camino de Santiago street in the upper part of Sarria, with the church of Santa Mariña, the Romanesque–Gothic church do Salvador and the tower that remains of the medieval fortress.

Muxía · Galicia · Church

Santuario da Virxe da Barca

Baroque sanctuary at the tip of the peninsula of Muxía, facing the sea, next to the rocking stones linked to the legend of the stone boat of the Virgem da Barca; rebuilt after a fire in 2013.

A Coruña · Galicia · Lighthouse

Torre de Hércules

Roman lighthouse from the late 1st and early 2nd centuries, 55 meters tall, with an 18th-century neoclassical refurbishment; the only Roman lighthouse still in operation; a World Heritage Site since 2009.

Muxía · Galicia · Sculpture

A Ferida

Granite sculpture over 11 meters tall and weighing about 400 tonnes, by Alberto Bañuelos-Fournier, inaugurated in 2003 next to the sanctuary da Barca as a tribute to the volunteers of the Prestige disaster.

Ourense · Galicia · Hot spring

As Burgas

Thermal water springs that gush in Ourense's old town at over 60 °C, with a flow of around 300 liters per minute. They are the symbol of the city.

A Coruña · Galicia · Street

Avenida da Mariña

Seafront avenue with the long row of white gallery façades from the 19th and 20th centuries, which gave A Coruña the nickname 'city of glass'.

Arzúa · Galicia · Church

Capela da Madalena

Gothic chapel from the 14th century in the center of Arzúa, a remnant of an Augustinian convent that functioned as a pilgrims' hospital, now used for exhibitions and cultural activities.

Vigo · Galicia · Historic neighborhood

Casco Vello de Vigo

Old quarter beside the port, with stone houses, the neoclassical co-cathedral, the Praza da Constitución and the Rúa da Pedra, where ostreiras shuck oysters on the spot.

Lugo · Galicia · Church

Catedral de Santa María de Lugo

Romanesque cathedral begun in 1129, with Gothic and Baroque additions and a Neoclassical façade, where the Blessed Sacrament is exposed day and night; part of the World Heritage of the Caminho de Santiago.

Ribadeo · Galicia · Historic center

Centro histórico de Ribadeo

Town centre around Plaza de España, with the Torre dos Moreno, a 1915 modernist house built by emigrants who returned from the Americas, the pazo de Ibáñez and the convent of Santa Clara.

Ferrol · Galicia · Church

Concatedral de San Xiao

Neoclassical 18th-century church in the bairro da Madalena, designed by Julián Sánchez Bort, co-cathedral of the diocese of Mondoñedo-Ferrol.

Tui · Galicia · Convent

Convento de Santa Clara (As Encerradas)

Enclosed convent from the 16th century in Tui's old town, known as As Encerradas, with a Baroque church and a small tunnel that connects the old walled village with the upper part of the town. The nuns sell sweets made in the convent.

Pontevedra · Galicia · Church

Igreja da Virgem Peregrina

18th-century Igreja with a scallop-shell floor plan, the symbol of pilgrims, dedicated to the Virgem Peregrina, patron of the province of Pontevedra.

Fisterra · Galicia · Church

Igrexa de Santa María das Areas

Romanesque church from the 12th century, with Gothic chapels, on the camino to cabo Fisterra, which houses the image of the Santo Cristo de Fisterra and is a stop for pilgrims.

Betanzos · Galicia · Church

Igrexa de Santa María do Azougue

14th-century Gothic church, beside San Francisco, built with the support of the town’s merchants, featuring a sculpted portal and three naves.

A Guarda · Galicia · Viewpoint

Monte de Santa Trega

A 341-meter mount above the Minho estuary, with the chapel of Santa Trega, the archaeological museum of the castro and viewpoints toward Portugal, the river and the Atlantic.

Sarria · Galicia · Monastery

Mosteiro da Madalena

Monastery founded in the 13th century by Italian friars as a pilgrims' hospital, with a cloister transitional from Romanesque to Gothic, today run by the Mercedarian friars, who stamp the credential.

Santiago de Compostela · Galicia · Square

Praza do Obradoiro

Square in front of the cathedral's Baroque façade, flanked by the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, the Pazo de Raxoi and the Colexio de San Xerome. It is where pilgrims finish the Way.

Baiona · Galicia · Museum

Réplica da Caravela Pinta

Full-size replica of the caravel Pinta, which arrived in Baiona on 1 March 1493 with news of Columbus’s voyage; moored in the harbour, it can be visited inside.

Melide · Galicia · Museum

Sancti Spiritus e Museo da Terra de Melide

Church of the former Franciscan convent of Sancti Spiritus, of medieval origin, and next to it the Museu da Terra de Melide, housed in the former pilgrim hospital, with archaeology and ethnography from the region.

Pontevedra · Galicia · Church

Basílica de Santa María a Maior

16th-century church built by the Grêmio de Mareantes, with a sculpted Renaissance façade, considered the main church of Pontevedra; a basilica since 1962.

Melide · Galicia · Monument

Capela de San Roque e cruceiro

Chapel at the entrance to Melide, rebuilt using the portal of an old Romanesque church, and beside it the 14th-century Gothic cruceiro, considered the oldest in Galicia.

Tui · Galicia · Church

Capela de San Telmo

18th-century chapel in the Portuguese Baroque style, built on the site of the house where San Telmo died, patron saint of sailors and of Tui, featuring 19th-century frescoes.

Fisterra · Galicia · Museum

Castelo de San Carlos e Museo da Pesca

Small 18th-century fortification on the edge of the porto de Fisterra, built in the reign of Carlos III against corsairs, which houses the Museu da Pesca, about the life of the fishermen of the Costa da Morte.

A Guarda · Galicia · Fortress

Castelo de Santa Cruz

Stone fortress in the center of A Guarda, completed around 1664 during the Portuguese Restoration War, occupied by Portugal until 1668 and today surrounded by a garden.

Lugo · Galicia · Museum

Domus do Mitreo

Museum of the Museu da Universidade de Santiago next to the wall, above the remains of a Roman house that was converted into a temple of the god Mitra, with an altar bearing an inscription dedicated by a centurion.

Ferrol · Galicia · Museum

Exponav

Museum of shipbuilding, opened in 2008 in a former arsenal building in Ferrol, covering the history of ships, techniques and shipyards, from wood to steel.

Santiago de Compostela · Galicia · Monument

Hostal dos Reis Católicos

Former pilgrims' hospital founded in 1499 by the Catholic Monarchs on the Praza do Obradoiro, with a plateresque portal and four cloisters, today a hotel in the Paradores chain.

Muxía · Galicia · Church

Igrexa de Santa María de Muxía

A 14th-century seafaring Gothic church with Romanesque details, located above the village at the foot of the Corpiño hill, a viewpoint over the peninsula and the sanctuary da Barca.

Betanzos · Galicia · Church

Igrexa de Santiago de Betanzos

Gothic church from the 14th and 15th centuries, linked to the tailors' guild, with a figure of Santiago on horseback above the main portal, next to Betanzos’s main square.

Ribadeo · Galicia · Lighthouse

Illa Pancha

Islet at the mouth of the ria of Ribadeo, connected to the mainland by a bridge, with the old lighthouse from 1857 and the new one from 1983, surrounded by rocks and viewpoints over the Cantabrian Sea.

Vigo · Galicia · Viewpoint

Monte do Castro

Hill in the centre of Vigo with a park, remains of a 17th-century fortress, a reconstructed castro and viewpoints over the ria, the port, the Rande bridge and the Illas Cíes.

Sarria · Galicia · Monastery

Mosteiro de Samos

Benedictine monastery founded in the 6th century, one of the oldest in Spain, 12 km from Sarria, with two cloisters, a Baroque church and a pilgrims' guesthouse.

Arzúa · Galicia · Bridge

Ponte e hospital de Ribadiso

Medieval stone bridge over the Iso River, about 3 km from Arzúa, next to the old pilgrims' hospital of San Antón, restored as a hostel, at one of the best-known stops on the Camino Francés.

Ourense · Galicia · Bridge

Ponte Romana de Ourense

The bridge over the river Miño, of Roman origin and rebuilt in the Middle Ages, along which the Via de la Plata runs. The central arch, 43 meters wide, was for a long time the largest in Spain.

A Coruña · Galicia · Square

Praza de María Pita

Large square in A Coruña, over 10,000 m², surrounded by arcades and glass galleries, with the town hall and the statue of María Pita, heroine of the city's defense against the English fleet in 1589.

Baiona · Galicia · Viewpoint

Virgem da Rocha

Stone statue of the Virgin Mary, 15 metres high, inaugurated in 1930 on monte Sansón, with an internal staircase that leads to the boat she holds, used as a viewpoint over the bay.

A Coruña · Galicia · Historic center

Cidade Vella da Coruña

Medieval neighborhood of A Coruña, with stone streets, the Romanesque collegiate church of Santa María do Campo and the jardín de San Carlos, where the tomb of the English general John Moore is located.

Baiona · Galicia · Church

Colegiata de Santa María de Baiona

Romanesque church with a fortified appearance, dating to 1278, which was a colegiata between 1482 and 1840, with a rose window on the façade, a Baroque altar and stone cruzeiros in the churchyard.

Ribadeo · Galicia · Fortress

Forte de San Damián

Fort completed in 1624 to protect the galleons built in the Ribadeo shipyard, on the edge of the ria, overlooking the ponte dos Santos, which links Galicia to the Asturias.

Tui · Galicia · Church

Igrexa de San Domingos

Gothic church of the former Dominican convent in Tui, from the 14th and 15th centuries, with a choir of polygonal chapels and Baroque altarpieces, next to the Parque da Alameda.

Muxía · Galicia · Church

Igrexa de San Xián de Moraime

12th-century Romanesque church, the remains of a Benedictine monastery about 3 km from Muxía, with carved portals and fragments of mural paintings.

Santiago de Compostela · Galicia · Monastery

Mosteiro de San Martiño Pinario

Benedictine monastery beside the cathedral, with a church featuring a baroque façade, a gilded altarpiece by Casas Novoa, a walnut choir, and a museum of sacred art.

Betanzos · Galicia · Museum

Museo das Mariñas

Museum of history and ethnography of the comarca das Mariñas, opened in 1983 in the former convent of Santo Domingo, next to the main square of Betanzos.

Ferrol · Galicia · Museum

Museo Naval de Ferrol

Spanish Naval Museum next to the arsenal of Ferrol, with ship models, navigation instruments, weapons, uniforms and objects from the city's naval history.

Melide · Galicia · Bridge

Ponte de Furelos

Medieval stone bridge over the Furelos River, about 2 km from Melide, with four arches, where the Caminho Francês enters the village of Furelos.

A Guarda · Galicia · Harbor

Porto da Guarda

Fishing port of A Guarda, with colorful houses along the waterfront, seafood restaurants known for lobster and the small Museo do Mar on the promenade.

Fisterra · Galicia · Harbor

Porto de Fisterra

Fisterra's fishing port, with fishermen's houses, colorful boats and the lonxa, where fish from the Costa da Morte is auctioned, and fish and seafood restaurants around it.

Vigo · Galicia · Beach

Praia de Samil

Urban beach of about 1.7 km south of Vigo's centre, with a promenade, pools, sports areas and views of the Illas Cíes.

Ourense · Galicia · Square

Praza Maior de Ourense

The main square of the old town, with a sloping ground, arcades, the Casa do Concello and the church of Santa María Nai, just a few steps from the cathedral.

Pontevedra · Galicia · Ruins

Ruínas de San Domingos

Gothic apse of the former Dominican convent of Pontevedra, with five open chapels, housing tombs, tombstones and coats of arms from the Museu de Pontevedra.

Lugo · Galicia · Archaeological site

Termas e Ponte romana de Lugo

Remains of the Roman baths from the foundation of Lucus Augusti, by the river Minho, with the changing room preserved inside a spa hotel, and next to it the bridge of Roman origin, now for pedestrians.

Muxía · Galicia · Lighthouse

Cabo Touriñán

Cabo da Costa da Morte in the municipality of Muxía, the westernmost point of Galicia, with two lighthouses, the old and the new, and cliffs opening to the Atlantic.

A Coruña · Galicia · Fortress

Castelo de San Antón

16th-century fortress on a former islet in the port of A Coruña, which defended the bay and later served as a prison; today it houses the Museu Arqueológico e Histórico.

Ferrol · Galicia · Fortress

Castelo de San Felipe

16th-century fortress, rebuilt in the 18th century, at the mouth of the ria of Ferrol, which together with the castillo da Palma on the opposite shore defended the harbor entrance; in the past a chain closed the ria between the two sides.

Baiona · Galicia · Monument

Cruzeiro da Santíssima Trindade

15th-century Gothic cruzeiro on the rocks, protected by a Renaissance canopy in the shape of a pyramid, one of the few covered cruzeiros in Galicia.

Santiago de Compostela · Galicia · Market

Mercado de Abastos de Santiago

Stone market from 1941 in the old quarter, with granite aisles, stalls selling shellfish, fish, cheeses and Galician vegetables, and counters that prepare on the spot what you buy.

Vigo · Galicia · Museum

Museo do Mar de Galicia

Galician sea museum in a former canning factory on the edge of the ria, renovated by Aldo Rossi and César Portela, with boats, fishing exhibits, an aquarium and a lighthouse.

Lugo · Galicia · Museum

Museo Provincial de Lugo

Provincial museum in the former convent of San Francisco, with a 15th-century cloister, 18th-century kitchen and refectory, Roman mosaics, castreja metalwork and Sargadelos ceramics.

Pontevedra · Galicia · Museum

Museu de Pontevedra

Provincial museum founded in 1927, spread across six buildings in the historic center, with archaeology, Castro-period goldsmithing, Galician and Spanish painting and works by Castelao.

Betanzos · Galicia · Park

Parque do Pasatempo

Park created between 1893 and 1914 by Juan García Naveira, an emigrant who returned wealthy from Argentina, with lakes, grottoes and sculptures that showed the townspeople places and themes from around the world.

Tui · Galicia · Natural park

Parque Natural do Monte Aloia

First natural park of Galícia, designated in 1978, north of Tui, with 746 hectares of woodlands, trails, remains of a castrejo settlement and viewpoints over the Minho valley down to the estuary.

Ourense · Galicia · Hot springs

Termas de Outariz

Outdoor thermal pools on the bank of the river Miño, about 4 km from the center, at the end of the riverside thermal walk.

A Coruña · Galicia · Aquarium

Aquarium Finisterrae

Aquarium opened in 1999 by the sea, between the Domus and the Torre de Hércules, with pools connected to the Atlantic that follow the tides, seals and species of the Galician coast.

Pontevedra · Galicia · Church

Convento de San Francisco de Pontevedra

14th-century Franciscan Gothic church on praça da Ferrería, traditionally linked to the passage of São Francisco de Assis, with the tomb of the admiral and troubadour Paio Gómez Chariño.

Ourense · Galicia · Monastery

Mosteiro de Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil

Former Benedictine monastery with three cloisters overlooking the Sil canyon in the Ribeira Sacra, about 30 km from Ourense. It now operates as a historic guesthouse.

Santiago de Compostela · Galicia · Park

Parque da Alameda

19th‑century park on the edge of the old town, featuring the Paseo da Ferradura, the best‑known view of the cathedral, the statue of the Dúas Marías and an oak grove.

Ferrol · Galicia · Beach

Praia de Doniños

Almost 2 km beach open to the Atlantic, about 8 km from Ferrol, with dunes, a lagoon and waves popular with surfers.

Lugo · Galicia · Square

Praza Maior de Lugo

Main square of Lugo, inside the wall, with gardens, a bandstand and the 18th-century Baroque town hall, a meeting point for locals and the starting point for the central tapas bars.

Ourense · Galicia · Canyon

Canón do Sil

The canyon of the Sil river in the Ribeira Sacra, with walls over 500 meters high and terraced vineyards that descend to the water. Catamaran tours run along the river.

Vigo · Galicia · Cathedral

Catedral de Tui

A Romanesque and Gothic fortress-cathedral from the 12th century atop Tui, overlooking the Minho river, opposite Valença do Minho — a starting point of the Caminho Português in Spain.

A Coruña · Galicia · Museum

Domus

Interactive museum dedicated to the human being, opened in 1995 in a building by Arata Isozaki and César Portela, with a curved slate facade facing the sea, like a sail in the wind.

Santiago de Compostela · Galicia · Museum

Museo do Pobo Galego

Museum of Galician culture in the former convent of San Domingos de Bonaval, featuring Domingo de Andrade’s triple helical staircase and the Panteón de Galegos Ilustres, where Rosalía de Castro is buried.

Pontevedra · Galicia · Bridge

Ponte do Burgo

Medieval stone bridge over the river Lérez, built on top of an earlier Roman bridge, with carved pilgrim shells; it is the entrance to the Caminho Português on the north side of the city.

Lugo · Galicia · Archaeological site

Santa Eulalia de Bóveda

Roman temple from the 3rd century, 14 km from Lugo, probably dedicated to the goddess Cybele and later Christianized, with a central pool, bird paintings and the oldest horseshoe arch used as a structural element in Spain.

A Coruña · Galicia · Museum

Casa das Ciencias

Interactive museum of science and technology opened in 1985 in a small palace in the Santa Margarida park, with a planetarium and physics experiments; the first of its kind under public management in Spain.

Santiago de Compostela · Galicia · Cultural center

Cidade da Cultura de Galicia

Peter Eisenman cultural complex on Monte Gaiás, with stone buildings that mimic waves, a museum, library and the Archive of Galicia, and views over the city.

Pontevedra · Galicia · Park

Ilha das Esculturas

Park on an island in the river Lérez, covering 70,000 m², with outdoor contemporary art by 12 artists, including Robert Morris's stone labyrinth.

Santiago de Compostela · Galicia · Church

Colexiata de Santa María a Real de Sar

12th-century Romanesque church on the banks of the Sar River, known for its leaning columns and walls, with a Romanesque cloister and a small museum.

A Coruña · Galicia · Viewpoint

Monte de San Pedro

Park on top of an old military hill to the west of A Coruña, with the cannons of a coastal battery, viewpoints over the city and the sea, and a panoramic elevator that rises from the promenade.

Santiago de Compostela · Galicia · Viewpoint

Monte do Gozo

Hill about 5 km from the cathedral, on the French Way, where pilgrims first caught sight of the towers of Santiago. It has a monument and a pilgrim hostel.

A Coruña · Galicia · Beach

Praias de Riazor e Orzán

Two continuous urban beaches in the Orzán bay, in the center of A Coruña, accompanied by the promenade; Orzán has waves popular with surfers, while Riazor is calmer.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

From June to September it usually rains less and the weather is mild, good for the Illas Cíes, which only receive regular boats in the season. May and October have fewer people but more rain. Winter is rainy and cold. In July, Santiago usually holds the Feast of the Apostle, with fireworks on the night of the 24th.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Two days in Santiago cover the cathedral, the historic center, the market and the Cidade da Cultura. Vigo needs one or two days, one of them for the Illas Cíes in season. Those coming from Porto can do the route in four days, with one night in Vigo and two in Santiago.

Which city to stay in

In Santiago, the old quarter leaves the cathedral and the restaurants within walking distance, but it has cobbled streets with climbs, bad for large suitcases; the Ensanche, to the south, has larger hotels and is a 10-minute walk away. In Vigo, the center between the Rúa do Príncipe and the Casco Vello is close to the port for the Cíes boats and to the train stations. Those who want the beach can stay near Samil, to the south, with buses to the center.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

Do you need to do the Camino to visit Santiago?

No. The city receives many tourists who arrive by train, plane or bus. Those who want to feel the Camino can walk the last stretch, from Monte do Gozo, about 5 km from the cathedral.

How to go from Porto to Santiago de Compostela?

By train, via the Celta to Vigo and another train to Santiago, in about 4 hours in total, or by direct bus, in about 3h30. In some periods, part of the Celta journey is made by bus; check in advance.

Does it rain a lot in Galícia?

Yes, mainly from October to April. Santiago is one of the rainiest cities in Spain. Bring an umbrella and footwear that can handle wet stone.

What to eat in Galícia?

Polvo à feira (octopus with paprika and olive oil), shellfish, empanada galega, tetilla cheese, pimientos de Padrón and, for dessert, the Torta de Santiago made with almonds. The white Albariño wines come from the Rías Baixas.

Rotas entre países

Santiago de Compostela and Galícia is on the Porto–Vigo–Santiago de Compostela by train

From Porto to Galicia by train: the Celta crosses the Minho to Vigo, and a regional train takes you to Santiago de Compostela in about an hour.

Illustrated map of Porto–Vigo–Santiago de Compostela by train — Illustrative map, not to scale. Tap a city to open its page.

Explore the Porto–Vigo–Santiago de Compostela by train

Rotas entre países

Santiago de Compostela and Galícia is on the Portuguese Way to Santiago on foot

On foot from Portugal to Santiago de Compostela: the pilgrimage route that starts in Lisbon or Porto, follows yellow arrows and ends at Obradoiro Square.

Illustrated map of Portuguese Way to Santiago on foot — Illustrative map, not to scale. Tap a city to open its page.

Explore the Portuguese Way to Santiago on foot

Rotas entre países

Santiago de Compostela and Galícia is on the French Way (Camino Francés) to Santiago on foot

The most travelled pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela: from the French Pyrenees to Galicia, on foot, via Pamplona, Burgos and León, following the yellow arrows.

Illustrated map of French Way (Camino Francés) to Santiago on foot — Illustrative map, not to scale. Tap a city to open its page.

Explore the French Way (Camino Francés) to Santiago on foot

Rotas entre países

Santiago de Compostela and Galícia is on the Portuguese Coastal Way on foot

The Camino de Santiago along the Atlantic: from Porto to Galicia via the coast, through Vila do Conde, Viana do Castelo, A Guarda, Baiona and Vigo, ending at Santiago Cathedral.

Illustrated map of Portuguese Coastal Way on foot — Illustrative map, not to scale. Tap a city to open its page.

Explore the Portuguese Coastal Way on foot

Routes in Spain

Santiago de Compostela and Galícia is on the Northern Way (Camino del Norte) to Santiago on foot

The Camino de Santiago along the Cantabrian coast: from the Basque Country to Galicia on foot, via San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander and Gijón, between the sea and the green mountains.

Illustrated map of Northern Way (Camino del Norte) to Santiago on foot — Illustrative map, not to scale. Tap a city to open its page.

Explore the Northern Way (Camino del Norte) to Santiago on foot

Routes in Spain

Santiago de Compostela and Galícia is on the Caminho Primitivo de Santiago on foot

The oldest route to Santiago: from Oviedo, through the mountains of Asturias and via Lugo and its Roman walls, on foot to the cathedral of Compostela.

Illustrated map of Caminho Primitivo de Santiago on foot — Illustrative map, not to scale. Tap a city to open its page.

Explore the Caminho Primitivo de Santiago on foot

Routes in Spain

Santiago de Compostela and Galícia is on the English Way (Camino Inglés) to Santiago on foot

The route taken by pilgrims who arrived by sea: from Ferrol or A Coruña to Santiago de Compostela in under a week, along Galicia’s northern coast.

Illustrated map of English Way (Camino Inglés) to Santiago on foot — Illustrative map, not to scale. Tap a city to open its page.

Explore the English Way (Camino Inglés) to Santiago on foot

Routes in Spain

Santiago de Compostela and Galícia is on the Finisterre and Muxía walk

After the cathedral, the sea: on foot from Santiago de Compostela to Cape Finisterre, the old end of the world, and to the sanctuary of Muxía, on the Costa da Morte.

Illustrated map of Finisterre and Muxía walk — Illustrative map, not to scale. Tap a city to open its page.

Explore the Finisterre and Muxía walk

Routes in Spain

Santiago de Compostela and Galícia is on the Vía de la Plata from Seville to Santiago on foot

The longest Camino de Santiago in Spain: from Seville to Santiago de Compostela along the country’s west, following the old Roman road, via Mérida, Cáceres, Salamanca, Zamora and Ourense.

Illustrated map of Vía de la Plata from Seville to Santiago on foot — Illustrative map, not to scale. Tap a city to open its page.

Explore the Vía de la Plata from Seville to Santiago on foot

Explore other destinations Search by state and city

Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

A region to enjoyat your own pace.

The cities on this trip

How to get there: Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

Vigo

Santiago de Compostela

Tui

Sarria

A Guarda

Baiona

Pontevedra

Ribadeo

Arzúa

Lugo

Melide

Ferrol

Betanzos

A Coruña

Fisterra

Muxía

Ourense

Things to do in Santiago de Compostela and Galícia

Barrio de la Magdalena

Cabo e Faro de Fisterra

Castro de Santa Trega

Catedral de Ourense

Catedral de Santa María de Tui

Catedral de Santiago de Compostela

Centro histórico de Pontevedra

Fortaleza de Monterreal

Igrexa de San Francisco de Betanzos

Igrexa de Santa María de Melide

Igrexa de Santiago de Arzúa

Illas Cíes

Muralla romana de Lugo

Praia das Catedrais

Rúa Maior de Sarria

Santuario da Virxe da Barca

Torre de Hércules

A Ferida

As Burgas

Avenida da Mariña

Capela da Madalena

Casco Vello de Vigo

Catedral de Santa María de Lugo

Centro histórico de Ribadeo

Concatedral de San Xiao

Convento de Santa Clara (As Encerradas)

Igreja da Virgem Peregrina

Igrexa de Santa María das Areas

Igrexa de Santa María do Azougue

Monte de Santa Trega

Mosteiro da Madalena

Praza do Obradoiro

Réplica da Caravela Pinta

Sancti Spiritus e Museo da Terra de Melide

Basílica de Santa María a Maior

Capela de San Roque e cruceiro

Capela de San Telmo

Castelo de San Carlos e Museo da Pesca

Castelo de Santa Cruz

Domus do Mitreo

Exponav

Hostal dos Reis Católicos

Igrexa de Santa María de Muxía

Igrexa de Santiago de Betanzos

Illa Pancha

Monte do Castro

Mosteiro de Samos

Ponte e hospital de Ribadiso

Ponte Romana de Ourense

Praza de María Pita

Virgem da Rocha

Cidade Vella da Coruña

Colegiata de Santa María de Baiona

Forte de San Damián

Igrexa de San Domingos

Igrexa de San Xián de Moraime

Mosteiro de San Martiño Pinario

Museo das Mariñas

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.