Luxury Santiago de Compostela Tours made for you
Pilgrimage routes
Hike part of the historic Camino de Santiago
Regional cuisine
Sample fresh seafood and aromatic local wine
Striking architecture
Visit the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
The nexus of ancient pilgrimage routes
Capital of the verdant Galicia region, Santiago de Compostela sits above Portugal in the northwest corner of Spain. The city is well known as the end point of the ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes. All trails lead to its eponymous cathedral, which is said to house the remains of Saint James the Apostle.
Regardless of how you arrive, the cathedral is well worth a visit. Its lofty spires soar above the skyline, while inside, the Romanesque Portico de la Gloria features over 200 ornately carved sculptures. Look closer and you’ll spot scallop shells adorning the cathedral’s facades. The grooves on these are symbolic of the many paths pilgrims can take to reach this destination.
One of our favourite things to do in Santiago de Compostela is meander around the Old Town. Its narrow granite streets and cobbled squares are home to boutique shops, historic architecture and tiny tapas bars. We especially recommend visiting the Mercado de Abastos food market to sample an array of Galician flavours, and Alameda Park for a relaxed stroll among the trees.
You can also explore more of the countryside by walking part of the Camino de Santiago, widely regarded as one of the best hikes in Spain. Our travel designers will talk you through what you can see on different sections, including centuries-old monasteries, fragrant eucalyptus forests and medieval bridges.
You can visit this region on one of our Spain hiking trips, or combine it with time in Portugal and other parts of Europe. Get in touch to start planning your Santiago de Compostela city tour today.
Highlights
Gaze up at the intricate Baroque spires of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, then head inside to see the gilded altar and crypt beneath
Walk part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, winding your way through forests, villages and fields of wildflowers
Head to a winery in the nearby Rias Baixas region to sip crisp Albariño wine made from local grapes
Spend time wandering around the UNESCO-listed Old Town, exploring markets, gardens and plazas
I love how tangible Santiago de Compostela’s spiritual heritage is in its architecture and winding streets. Hiking part of the Camino is a great way to learn about the region’s history and culture while immersing yourself in its lush green landscapes.
Dan Rhodes
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Santiago de Compostela
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Meet your Europe team
When to visit Santiago de Compostela
The best time to visit Santiago de Compostela is generally in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to October), when temperatures are warm and it’s not too crowded.
Summer (June to August) offers long and sunny days, meaning it’s also the busiest season. Conversely, winters are mild but rainy, making November to February the quietest time to travel.
Hiking the Camino de Santiago is best in May to June or September to October. This gives you a good combination of pleasant weather and smaller crowds.
Blooming flowers
April–June
Festival atmosphere
July–August
Hiking trips
May–June and September–October
Travel guides
Plan your trip to Santiago de Compostela
Whatever you want from your adventure in Santiago de Compostela, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
