Advice to visit Santiago de Compostela

Located in the province of A Coruña, in Galicia, Santiago de Compostela is a city that has been visited since Antiquity. The reason, there is the tomb of the Apóstol Santiago, turning the town into one of the main pilgrimage points of Christianity. But Santiago is also a lively university city, has an impressive monumental heritage and is famous for its excellent cuisine. If you plan to visit this Galician municipality soon, keep in mind a series of tips and recommendations that will come in handy.

The rainy climate of Santiago

It is not continuous, but rain is common throughout the year. It is advisable that you always wear waterproof clothing and umbrellas if you visit the village of Compostela, even in summer, although at this time the rainfall decreases a lot.

The average temperature is mild, although due to the distance from the sea and its altitude is somewhat colder than in the Galician coastal area. The average in winter is 8 degrees Celsius, and in summer 20 degrees.

What to see in Santiago de Compostela

There is much to visit in Santiago, although all the roads depart from its spectacular cathedral, where the tomb of the Apostle is located. Around the cathedral there are four old squares, the Obradoiro, the Quintana, the Immaculate and the Plaza Praterías.

The streets or streets of the old town are the story of the town. In addition to a careful visit to the cathedral, it is worth visiting places like the Monasteries of San Martín Binario and San Pelayo de Antealtares, both from the 11th century; to the Romanesque Palace of Gelmírez; to the Church of Santa María Salomé, from the 12th century; to the Royal Hospital, from the XV century, current Parador de Turismo; to the College of San Jerónimo, also of the XV century; to the Palace of Rajoy, from the 18th century, which houses the Presidency of the Xunta de Galicia and the Compostelano City Council, or the House of the Canons or the Conga, from the 18th century. Other essential visits are those of the Casa del Dean, the Palace of Monroy or the Palace of the Marquises of Bendan.

What to eat in Santiago de Compostela

The city is full of bars and restaurants, with fish and seafood dishes and tapas as the highlight. Do not forget to try a good Galician pie, which can be stuffed with cod, scallops, octopus or tuna, among other possibilities.

They are also typical recipes such as octopus "á feira" or fish in "caldeirada" or with ajada. The gastronomic offer includes excellent cockles, sardines, knives, mussels, lacón and the famous Padrón peppers. The most traditional dessert is the cake of Santiago.

What to do in Santiago de Compostela

Whether you travel for religious or tourist purposes, the main thing is to enjoy the magnificent monumental legacy of the municipality, which will take more than a day, but do not worry, because there is a great offer of hotels in Santiago de Compostela. But since not everything is going to be culture, the city also offers a lively nightlife and a very complete calendar of cultural events, which you can consult at the Tourist Office, located in Rúa do Vilar. For everything related to the pilgrimage, there is a Pilgrim's Welcome Office in Rúa das Carretas.

 Another attractive plan is to go shopping, since souvenir shops and craft products abound, mainly in the old town. In them you can acquire from a medal of Santiago to precious jewels made in jet or silver. Another possibility is the typical gastronomic products, which can be found in the Food Market.