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Things to do in Santiago de Compostela

A gateway to Galicia, this famous pilgrimage site charms explorers with its culture, history, and gastronomy.

Our most recommended things to do in Santiago de Compostela

From Santiago: Finisterre, Muxia & Costa da Morte Excursion

1. From Santiago: Finisterre, Muxia & Costa da Morte Excursion

After getting picked up from your hotel in Santiago de Compostela, begin your journey along the Galician coast. Your first stop will be at a traditional Galician village. Here, head to the top of a Roman bridge where you can admire breathtaking views of the river. Next, head to Muxia Lighthouse, where you can visit the famous sanctuary and head to the top of the lighthouse for a unique coastal experience. Continue your tour with a visit to the region's most important lighthouse, Finisterre. From atop of this picturesque lighthouse, admire panoramic views of what was considered by the Roman's to be the end of the earth. Break for lunch in the town of Finisterre before heading to the Ezaro Waterfall, the only waterfall that arrives directly into the ocean. Later, head to Carnota, where you can see the largest horréo, an old granary suspended by pillars, in existence. Finally, head to the village of Muros, a traditional coastal village. Enjoy some free time for a coffee or stroll around the main square before heading back to Santiago.

Santiago de Compostela: Finisterre, Muxia & Costa da Morte

2. Santiago de Compostela: Finisterre, Muxia & Costa da Morte

Begin the tour with a visit to Ponte Maceira, a charming little town that is an obligatory stop for pilgrims who travel on their journey towards the “end of the world”. Admire its 14th-century bridge over the Tambre river and see the picturesque sets of medieval mills. Travel along the beautiful coast of the Muros e Noia estuary to the historic town of Muros. Stop here for a short visit to admire your surroundings. Next, head towards the coast and enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the coast of Carnota. Drive by the beautiful coastal landmarks of Lira, Carnota Beach, Boca do Río, Mount Pindo and Cape Fisterra. After, arrive at Ézaro, where the river Xallas falls into the sea forming a waterfall, the Ézaro waterfall, is probably the most famous in Galicia and unique in Continental Europe. Continue to Cape Fisterra (Finisterre) once believed to be the westernmost point in Europe, where the lighthouse and kilometer zero of the Camino de Santiago is located. Here, eat lunch and take free time to walk around the town and its fishing port. Resume the itinerary and head to Muxia where you will be met here with a beautiful Sanctuary at the foot of the Atlantic and with three stones considered sacred by the Galicians.

Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral & Museum, Optional Pórtico

3. Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral & Museum, Optional Pórtico

Skip the line and discover the Romanesque architecture of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela with a guide. Explore the Cathedral and its museum and see the last stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Admire the beautiful interiors of the cathedral on 4 floors and learn about the construction and destruction of the cathedral throughout the centuries. See notable features of the cathedral, such as the Chapel of Relics, the Royal Pantheon, the Treasury, the Chapter Library, the Botafumeiro, and the Obradoiro balcony. If you choose the Portico of Gloria option, your guide will wait for you in Plaza do Obradoiro so they can explain more about this Romanesque masterpiece and the legacy of Maestre Mateo.

Rías Baixas: Boat Trip, Mussels, Wine, and Winery Visit Tour

4. Rías Baixas: Boat Trip, Mussels, Wine, and Winery Visit Tour

Stop at O Grove Town, the perfect village for spending time in tranquility, and experiencing the sensations of the real and genuine Galicia. Enjoy the rural atmosphere away from tourism and have a pleasant break and Galician meal. Take a walk through the vineyards of the very prestigious Albariño. Have the opportunity to learn about the production of this excellent wine as well as engage in a tasting of three wines of the denomination Rias Baixas in good company.  Next, stop at the shrine of “la Lanzada.” Get a full overview of this mystical place, established in the 9th century, and take a beautiful walk. Cross part of the bay of Poio, and see beauty contained on a giant rock upon which it is built. See the granaries that surround it, the houses overlooking the sea, and the several stone crosses typical of Galicia, called Cruceiros, which are on the site. Tour the characteristic streets and squares of this place, and have the possibility to take a real and authentic journey through time, as well as visit an area of great ecological value.  Next stop at the island of Toja, famous for the production of soap and for its hot springs, located in an area called Red Natura 2000. Discover a small museum of the old soap factory and a chapel completely covered with shells. End with a tour of the sea, during which you will admire and face directly the production of mussels, oysters, and scallops, making different stops to contemplate the watering holes.  Taste steamed mussels in great quantity accompanied by one of the best local Albariño wines (Condes de Albarei) and shots of Crema de Orujo.

Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral, Museum, and Old Town Tour

5. Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral, Museum, and Old Town Tour

Experience everything Santiago has to offer on this combination guided walking tour. Explore the historic center, learn about the city's fascinating history, and visit the iconic Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Begin your tour of Santiago with a guided tour of the city center. From Praza do Obradoiro, follow your guide throughout the city, seeing the top sights and learning about the area's fascinating history. Enjoy a 40-minute break, then continue to the Cathedral Museum. Enter inside the interior of the Santiago Cathedral and learn about its Romanesque past. See works of art dating from the 13th century and archeological excavations of an ancient Roman city. *The order of the itinerary may vary for organisational reasons.

Santiago de Compostela Full-Day Tour From Porto

6. Santiago de Compostela Full-Day Tour From Porto

Discover 2 charming southern Europe on a full-day sightseeing tour from Porto. Cross the border into Spain to explore the pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia and stop to see Valença do Minho on the way back to Porto.  Board a comfortable van or bus and embark on a journey to one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world, Santiago. See the Caminhos de Santiago (St. James Way) pilgrim trail and visit a magnificent 11th-centuty cathedral. Admire the architecture that was originally built in a Romanesque style, today the cathedral is an amalgam of harmonious influences. Have the opportunity to attend mass and enjoy free time to go for a stroll in the UNESCO World Heritage city center. Begin the drive back to Porto, stopping at Valença do Minho, a historical village in the north of Portugal, located right on the border between Portugal and Spain. Valença was important during the middle ages and it was part of "Caminhos de Santiago".  See how the city is dominated by a fortress of two towers and a double wall before returning to your meeting point in Porto. 

From Santiago: Rías Baixas Galicia Seafood & Wine Day Tour

7. From Santiago: Rías Baixas Galicia Seafood & Wine Day Tour

Enjoy a day trip from Santiago de Compostela and discover the best of Rías Baixas. Immerse yourself in Albariño wine and Galician seafood. Enjoy a boat cruise along the estuary and learn about mussel, oyster and scallop growing. Learn about each site from your guide and enjoy stops at each location. Meet at 10 AM at Plaza de Galicia and begin your tour from Santiago to the Rías Baixas. At the first stop, take a walk along local vines of Albariño grapes and learn about the production of this wonderful white wine from local guides of one of the most exclusive cellars in the region. After the visit, taste one of the most know Albariño wine which can't be found in normal markets or restaurants, wines which are sold at the best restaurants of Europe and the most exclusive markets of the world. Move onward to one of the most spectacular beaches in Galicia, the beach of La Lanzada. Travel back in time to the 10th century to get acquainted with its history and legends. Next, the island of La Toja waits for you with its thermal history and interesting industrial past in making Spain's best soap. Discover the world of shellfish breeding on a boat cruise. Sail on a route passing through countless "bateas" from where the best mussels, oysters and scallops come from. During the cruise, you will able to eat as many mussels as you wish, freshly picked from the water and boiled in albariño wine. All this is accompanied by as much white local wine as you want, soft drinks, water and liqueur shots. After the cruise, get dropped off at O Grove, the "seafood paradise" of Galicia. Spend 90 minutes enjoying lunch at a restaurant. Your guide will recommend you the best ones depending on what are you looking for. Experience the coast of the Arousa Estuary travelling south towards the estuary of Pontevedra. Cross the towns of Portonovo, Sanxenxo, and Raxó and visit the fishermen's village of Combarro, with its cobbled stone streets, small shops, and beautiful bars and restaurants. Finally, leave the Rías Baixas and return to Santiago de Compostela for drop off.

Santiago de Compostela: Massage Treatment

8. Santiago de Compostela: Massage Treatment

Enjoy a massage treatment as a great way to experience the healing power of touch and to maintain good health. You can choose a stimulating massage using special oils and creams to work on the full body. Alternatively, choose an unloading massage performed through slow and deep exercises to help improve muscle recovery, or a relaxing massage to help relieve tension and improve your mental state.  A foot reflexology session is also available. This uses a therapeutic technique based on the stimulation of certain points on the feet. This can be perfect if you have spent many days trekking the Camino de Santiago.

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour

9. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour

Explore the history of Santiago de Compostela on a guided tour of the cathedral and its museum. One of the 3 most important centers for Catholic pilgrims in the Christian world. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral has historically been a place of pilgrimage on the "Way of St. James" (Camino de Santiago) since the early Middle Ages. Enter the magnificent monument to discover why, as your guide takes you to see the tomb of Saint James and much more. Look at the resplendent main altar and the intricate chapels surrounding it, and learn about the rituals and traditions. Hear about the historical and architectural importance of the cathedral, and further your knowledge in the museum where you can discover the treasure of the Cathedral, the library and all the important art works.

Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral & Museum Private Tour

10. Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral & Museum Private Tour

Uncover the art inside the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela on this guided tour. See religious iconography and the reputed burial place of the apostle Saint James. Visit the library where the Codex Calixtinus (the main witness for the Book of Saint James) is held.  Meet your guide and begin at the ground floor of the Cathedral's Museum which has four rooms where you can see the remains that were found in different archaeological excavations. View a map to determine what was standing on this site before the Cathedral.  Admire the spectacular stone choir of Master Mateo and various examples of religious iconography such as busts, statues or wooden carvings. See depictions of both of the Apostle Santiago in his three versions (pilgrim, soldier, and saint). Listen as your guide tells you about each version and hear about different biblical characters. Upon reaching the second floor, will leave the cloister to focus on the library where the famous Codex Calixtinus is kept.  Arrive at the third a floors which is dedicated to different tapestries from both the Flanders school, as well as the so-called Goya Tapestries made in the Royal Tapestry Factory of Madrid. Head to the the balcony for views from above the Plaza do Obradoiro. Afterwards go back to the second floor to visit the cloister and access the Cathedral without having to wait in line.  Enter the temple to enjoy its different chapels. Follow your guide to the main altar, the holy door, and see what is said to be the tomb of the apostle Saint James. 

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Frequently asked questions about Santiago de Compostela

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Santiago de Compostela?

The best day trips and excursions from Santiago de Compostela are:

Cape Finisterre

Other Sightseeing Options in Santiago de Compostela

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What people are saying about Santiago de Compostela

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 3,570 reviews

The trip was well worth it. Our guide (Pedro) was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The stop in Valença do Minho was surprisingly interesting. This was a great option for a short trip to Santiago de Compostela. My family and I were able to get into the Cathedral by not having lunch with the rest of the group. Be aware that there can be a long line to get in the Cathedral and it could take all of your time.

Increíble excursión! Son 7 paradas y cada una tiene su encanto: la costa de la muerte fue espectacular y poder ver ese tipo de paisajes junto con la historia que los acompaña, es realmente un gusto.

our guide cum driver (Tiago) from Living Tour drove us safely to n from. along the way to Santiago, he also gave good information on the destination.

It was an amazing experience with the best guide ever. I am glad of choosing this tour. Thank you

The trip was satisfying, though I wish we could have stayed in Galicia a little longer.