Why Travel to Santiago de Compostela?
A visit to the capital of Galicia is a must when travelling to this region of Spain. Located in the north-western part of Spain, in the province of A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela is known for being the final destination of one of the most important pilgrimages in the world, the Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St James. The old quarter of the city, the different Christian pilgrimage routes and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. A city where thousands of travellers and pilgrims visit every year, especially during the Holy Year, Xacobeo, also called the Jacobean Year, which takes place when the day of St James, 25 July, falls on a Sunday. The next Holy Year will be 2027, making this the perfect time to prepare your holiday with this Santiago de Compostela travel guide. For more ideas on how to plan your Camino around the next Holy Year, read our guide to Xacobeo 2027 Camino de Santiago food, wine and walking experiences.
Santiago de Compostela has a unique charm that no other city in the world can match. Its old cobbled streets, numerous churches with different architectural styles, granite buildings and lively historic centre make you feel as if you have stepped back into medieval times.
A Spiritual and Religious City
The history of Santiago de Compostela begins around the year 813 when the hermit Paio, also known as Pelayo, noticed lights and brightness in the place, an old Celtic fortress, where he found the tomb of the Apostle St James and of his disciples Athanasius and Theodore. The name of the place and origin of the city, Campus stellae, field of stars, refers to those stars that guided Pelayo there.
The city of Santiago de Compostela is one of the great pilgrimage cities in the Christian world, together with Rome and Jerusalem. There are several routes that you can follow when you decide to do the Way of Saint James, or Camino de Santiago. Some of the most important pilgrimage routes are: the French Way, the Northern Way, the Silver Way, the Portuguese Way, the English Way, the Portuguese Coastal Way, the Primitive Way and the Finisterre Way.
If you are planning to walk, cycle or customize your journey to Santiago, you can also browse our full collection of Camino de Santiago tours, including walking routes, food and wine experiences, coastal Caminos, cycling options and tailor-made journeys to Santiago de Compostela.
Another important symbol of the Camino is the scallop shell, worn by many pilgrims and also found on streets, signs and buildings throughout the city. The lines of the shell symbolize the different ways leading to the tomb of Saint James.
Admire the Majestic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
The Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is one of the most imposing and exceptional structures in the world, built in Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. It is also the last stop of all the different Ways of St James, which have brought pilgrims to the Apostle´s sacred tomb for centuries.
Today, the massive Cathedral covers an area of around 10,000 square metres, capable of captivating travellers with its powerful spirituality and visitors from all over the world with its beauty. Wondering what more things to do in Santiago de Compostela? Keep on reading.
The Capital of Galicia Food and Wine
Santiago de Compostela offers a wide variety of places where you can taste the best Galician gastronomy and the finest wines of the region. Enjoy tapas in the old town paired with delicious wines like the red Mencía and the white Albariño. You can also visit the splendid Mercado de Abastos, the second most visited place after the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, where you can see and learn about the fresh fish, seafood, meats and vegetables of Galicia.
Don´t forget to try the typical traditional Galician dessert from Santiago de Compostela, Tarta de Santiago, St James Almond Cake, a delicious cake that has been baked over the years since the 19th century and marks the end of the Jacobean route. This almond cake is a delicacy that you must try as soon as you get to Santiago de Compostela.
Our food experts have selected some of the best ways to experience Santiago de Compostela through food, wine, walking and local culture. You can check our full list of top food tours in Santiago de Compostela and recommended boutique hotels in the sections of this Santiago de Compostela travel guide.
Population: 97,848 inhabitants
Santiago de Compostela Travel FAQ
Why travel to Santiago de Compostela?
Santiago de Compostela is the historic capital of Galicia and the final destination of the Camino de Santiago. Travellers visit for its UNESCO-listed old town, Cathedral, pilgrimage history, food culture, local markets and unique spiritual atmosphere.
What is Santiago de Compostela best known for?
Santiago de Compostela is best known for the Camino de Santiago, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the tomb of the Apostle St James, the Holy Year or Xacobeo, the Mercado de Abastos and its historic old town.
Can I combine Santiago de Compostela with a Camino tour?
Yes. Santiago de Compostela is the final point of all Camino de Santiago routes. Travellers can combine their arrival in Santiago with guided food tours, wine experiences, market visits, cooking classes or tailor-made Camino journeys before, during or after the walk.
What Camino routes arrive in Santiago de Compostela?
Several Camino routes arrive in Santiago de Compostela, including the French Way, Portuguese Way, Portuguese Coastal Way, Northern Way, English Way, Primitive Way, Silver Way and routes connected with Finisterre and Muxía.
Is Santiago de Compostela good for food and wine?
Yes. Santiago de Compostela is one of the best cities in Galicia for food and wine. Visitors can enjoy tapas, seafood, local markets, traditional Galician dishes, Albariño, Ribeiro, Mencía and the famous Tarta de Santiago almond cake.