Top 3 Itineraries in Santiago de Compostela

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Santiago de Compostela.

If you only have a few days, Santiago de Compostela weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Santiago de Compostela offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Santiago de Compostela are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Santiago de Compostela’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Santiago de Compostela offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Spain's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Santiago de Compostela truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Santiago de Compostela belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Santiago de Compostela are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Santiago de Compostela and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Santiago de Compostela itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Santiago de Compostela for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Santiago de Compostela without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Santiago de Compostela!

A scenic 7-day road trip through Colunga, León, Cuadonga / Covadonga, Astorga, and Oviedo / Uviéu is one of the best ways to experience Spain. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 7-day itinerary means that Santiago de Compostela can easily be combined with other top destinations in Spain without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Colunga, León, Cuadonga / Covadonga, Astorga, and Oviedo / Uviéu by public transport, renting a car in Spain opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 7 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Santiago de Compostela

• Arrival city: Santiago de Compostela
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Santiago De Compostela, e.g., Parador de Santiago de Compostela
• Sightseeing: Parque da Alameda

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Santiago de Compostela. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Santiago de Compostela, San Ignacio do Monte, and O Outeiro

• Destinations: Santiago de Compostela, San Ignacio do Monte, and O Outeiro
• Driving distance: 311.75 km, approx. 3 hours and 32 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Leon, e.g., Hospederia Monastica Pax
• Sightseeing: Praza da Quintana de Vivos, Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, A Granxa do Xesto, Parque de San Domingos de Bonaval, and Cidade da Cultura de Galicia

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Praza da Quintana de Vivos, Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, A Granxa do Xesto, Parque de San Domingos de Bonaval, and Cidade da Cultura de Galicia. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Santiago de Compostela, San Ignacio do Monte, and O Outeiro, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Leon.

Day 3: Discover León and Astorga

• Destinations: León and Astorga
• Driving distance: 260.48 km, approx. 3 hours and 17 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Madrid, e.g., Hotel Riu Plaza España
• Sightseeing: Plaza del Grano, Basílica de San Isidoro, León Cathedral, and Palace of Gaudí Astorga
• Recommended tour: Full-Day Toledo Tour with Cathedral Visit from Madrid, Spain

Spend the day exploring Plaza del Grano, Basílica de San Isidoro, León Cathedral, and Palace of Gaudí Astorga. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Madrid.

Day 4: Experience Colunga, Cuadonga / Covadonga, Cangas de Onís / Cangues d'Onís, and Ribeseya

• Destinations: Colunga, Cuadonga / Covadonga, Cangas de Onís / Cangues d'Onís, and Ribeseya
• Driving distance: 194.26 km, approx. 3 hours and 8 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Madrid, e.g., Hotel Riu Plaza España
• Sightseeing: Jurassic Museum of Asturias, Roman bridge in Cangas de Onis, Sanctuary of Covadonga, and Mirador del Fitu
• Recommended tour: Day Trip from Madrid to Segovia and Avila in Spain

Continue your journey through Colunga, Cuadonga / Covadonga, Cangas de Onís / Cangues d'Onís, and Ribeseya, where you can explore Jurassic Museum of Asturias, Roman bridge in Cangas de Onis, Sanctuary of Covadonga, and Mirador del Fitu. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Oviedo / Uviéu, Gijón / Xixón, and La Peña'l Fuelle

• Destinations: Oviedo / Uviéu, Gijón / Xixón, and La Peña'l Fuelle
• Driving distance: 287.41 km, approx. 3 hours and 44 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Zamora, e.g., Ares Hotel
• Sightseeing: Universidad Laboral, Elogio del horizonte, Estatua de Mafalda, Playa de San Lorenzo, and Iglesia de Santa María del Naranco

Drive through Oviedo / Uviéu, Gijón / Xixón, and La Peña'l Fuelle, stopping to visit Universidad Laboral, Elogio del horizonte, Estatua de Mafalda, Playa de San Lorenzo, and Iglesia de Santa María del Naranco. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Zamora.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of A Coruña and O Portiño

• Destinations: A Coruña and O Portiño
• Driving distance: 240.17 km, approx. 3 hours and 27 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Santiago De Compostela, e.g., Parador de Santiago de Compostela
• Sightseeing: Gardens of Méndez Núñez, Monte de San Pedro, Fragas do Eume, Praza de María Pita, and Torre de Hércules
• Recommended tour: Finisterre y Costa da Morte el tour más completo desde Santiago

Spend time discovering Gardens of Méndez Núñez, Monte de San Pedro, Fragas do Eume, Praza de María Pita, and Torre de Hércules, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Santiago De Compostela.

Day 7: Bid Farewell to Santiago de Compostela

• Departure city: Santiago de Compostela
• Driving distance: 1.12 km, approx. 15 minutes
• Sightseeing: Praza de Galicia

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Santiago de Compostela. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 675 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Santiago de Compostela.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Santiago de Compostela for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 7-day city break in Santiago de Compostela with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 7-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Santiago de Compostela without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Santiago de Compostela

Arrive in Santiago de Compostela and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Fountain of Horses.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. A Taberna do Bispo is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Santiago de Compostela's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Santiago de Compostela by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Parque da Alameda, As Duas Marias, and Capela do Pilar.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Santiago de Compostela. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Santiago de Compostela in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Santiago de Compostela

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Praza de Cervantes and Monasterio de San Paio de Antealtares are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Santiago de Compostela.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Santiago de Compostela. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Spain!

Day 6: Connect With the Local Culture in Santiago de Compostela

No Santiago de Compostela itinerary is complete without learning something about the local culture. The large selection of cultural tours in Santiago de Compostela has something for every traveler.

If you prefer sightseeing on your own, head out to explore Convento de Santa Clara de Santiago de Compostela, Museo del Pueblo Gallego, Contemporary Art Center of Galicia, and Parque de San Domingos de Bonaval, other popular attractions in Santiago de Compostela.

End the day with a sunset walk and dinner around Convento de Santa Clara de Santiago de Compostela.

Day 7: Savor Your Final Moments in Santiago de Compostela

Spend your last few hours in Santiago de Compostela soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Santiago de Compostela in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Santiago de Compostela, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Santiago de Compostela travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Santiago de Compostela offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Santiago de Compostela itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Santiago de Compostela weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Santiago de Compostela

Arrive in Santiago de Compostela around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Parque da Finca do Espiño, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Santiago de Compostela’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Santiago de Compostela with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Praza da Quintana de Vivos early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, stopping by Porch of the Glory for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Santiago de Compostela and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Santiago de Compostela

No itinerary in Santiago de Compostela is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Convento de Santa Clara de Santiago de Compostela.
• Afternoon: Explore Museo del Pueblo Gallego and Contemporary Art Center of Galicia, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Santiago de Compostela and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Spain.

Day 5 - Depart from Santiago de Compostela

Make the most of your last few hours in Santiago de Compostela before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Santiago de Compostela. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Santiago de Compostela itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Santiago de Compostela, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Santiago de Compostela for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Santiago de Compostela in a way that feels truly unforgettable!