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Flights to Santiago de Compostela: A different kind of Spanish break
Want to do something different for your next getaway? Maybe it's time to discover the magical city of Santiago de Compostela. Tucked away in Spain's lush, green northwest, this city is best known as a site of Catholic pilgrimage. You don't have to be religious to appreciate it, though. The city's charming Old Town, amazing food and gorgeous landscapes make it a great choice for any curious traveller.
Santiago de Compostela at a glance
Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia, a region in the northwest of Spain. This region has its own unique culture, and you might be surprised to learn about its Celtic traditions, including the local muñeira dance and even bagpipes. The regional language, Galician, is similar to Portuguese, so connections between the area and neighbouring Portugal have always been strong.
The essential rundown on Santiago de Compostela
Flight duration: Just over two hours from London
Main airport: Santiago de Compostela (SCQ) or A Coruña (LCG)
Population: 100,000
Language: Galician and Spanish are both official
Currency: Euro
Socket type: Type C (European standard)
Time zone: CET (GMT+1)
The Camino de Santiago
Every year, thousands of people travel to Santiago on foot or by bicycle, following ancient pilgrimage routes that stretch across Europe. The Camino de Santiago, or Way of St James, is a Catholic pilgrimage to the tomb of St James, which lies within Santiago Cathedral. Nowadays, this is not just a religious activity. The Camino de Santiago offers an exciting long-distance hiking trip that appeals to adventurous travellers from many walks of life. There are dozens of routes for the Camino de Santiago, with some pilgrims walking from as far away as Rome. Here are some of the most popular routes.
The Camino Francés
The most famous route of the Camino de Santiago, this trek starts in France and continues across the north of Spain. It takes most people about one month to complete, but many pilgrims do it in stages, hiking for a week or so at a time and returning to the route when they can. It's a good choice for a budget adventure holiday, as there are plenty of affordable pilgrims' hostels along the way, and many restaurants offer special pilgrims' prices.
The Camino Portugués
The Camino Portugués runs from south to north, with pilgrims crossing from Portugal to Spain over the Miño River. Starting in Porto means you'll be in Santiago in about a week and a half. Adventurous travellers may choose to start in Lisbon, which will add another two weeks. The Camino Portugués is known for its relatively gentle hiking and excellent food options, so it's a good option for gourmet travellers.
Top things to do in Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela offers so much more than a city break. The countryside around Santiago is known for its rugged green beauty, with rolling hills and dense forests that set it apart from other Spanish tourist destinations. Galicia is also known for its exceptional seafood and beef. Many people say that it has the best cuisine in Spain.
Things to do in and around Santiago de Compostela
Explore the Old Town, which is built around the historic cathedral and university.
Take a day trip to Fisterra, considered by the Romans to be the end of the world. The Atlantic sunsets here are truly spectacular.
Visit the nearby city of Lugo, an ancient Roman settlement. Its Roman walls are some of the best preserved in Europe.
What to eat in Santiago
Pulpo a feira, or Galician octopus, is extremely famous. Slices of boiled octopus are lightly dusted with paprika and served with potatoes.
A mariscada is a popular choice for any seafood lover. This platter of fresh seafood groans with all kinds of shellfish and is common on special occasions.
For dessert, try the tarta de Santiago. This almond cake is topped with the cross of Santiago outlined in icing sugar.
Explore the lush landscapes and unique ancient traditions of Galicia with a holiday in Santiago de Compostela. Choose your favourite Santiago de Compostela deals from our selection, and get ready for an epic adventure!
FAQs about Santiago de Compostela holidays
Q: How many days do you need to visit Santiago de Compostela?
A: Santiago is a small city, so you can see all the sights in just one weekend. However, it's worth taking more time to explore the surrounding area. The nearby port city of A Coruña has an impressive ancient Roman lighthouse, while the town of Fisterra boasts the best sunsets in Europe.
Q: What is the hottest month in Santiago de Compostela?
A: August is the hottest month of the year, but remember, up in Galicia, the weather is very different from Spain's more famous tourist destinations. Even in August, daytime temperatures hover around 25°C. Be prepared for chilly evenings in the summer.
Q: How far is Santiago de Compostela from the beach?
A: You can get to the beach in just half an hour on the train. Trains from Santiago de Compostela to A Coruña run several times a day. In A Coruña, you'll find the broad, sandy Riazor and Orzán beaches, which are perfect for relaxing. Just remember that the Atlantic water is cold, even in summer.
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