Private day trips from Santiago de Compostela to places you'll never forget

The best time to visit Santiago de Compostela is from April to October when weather is most favorable for outdoor activities. May, June, and September offer ideal conditions with comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds than summer, and less rain. July and August are peak pilgrimage season on the Camino de Santiago, bringing the most visitors and vibrant atmosphere.

Spain uses the euro as its official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops throughout Santiago de Compostela. ATMs are readily available in the city center and near major tourist attractions. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, markets, and traditional taverns that may prefer cash payments.

Spanish (Castilian) and Galician are both official languages in Santiago de Compostela and the Galicia region. Galician is a Romance language closely related to Portuguese and is spoken by many locals. Most people in tourism-related businesses speak English, especially those working with international pilgrims. Street signs and menus often appear in both Spanish and Galician throughout the city.

The Camino de Santiago is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela's cathedral, where St. James is believed to be buried. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims walk various routes each year, with the Camino Frances being the most popular starting in France. The journey can range from 75 miles to over 500 miles depending on the chosen route and starting point. Completing the final 60 miles on foot earns pilgrims a certificate called the Compostela from the Pilgrim Office.

Fisterra, known as the "end of the world," sits on dramatic coastal cliffs where many pilgrims complete their journey at the lighthouse. Muxia features a beautiful coastal sanctuary and stunning ocean views along the rugged Galician coastline. A Coruna offers a vibrant port city with the ancient Tower of Hercules lighthouse and lovely beaches. The towns of Pontevedra and Vigo showcase typical Galician architecture, excellent seafood, and access to the beautiful Rias Baixas wine region.

Santiago de Compostela is world-famous as the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, one of Christianity's most important sites. The magnificent Cathedral of Santiago, built over the believed tomb of St. James the Apostle, dominates the historic city center. The entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring stunning medieval architecture and atmospheric stone streets. The city is renowned for exceptional Galician cuisine, particularly fresh seafood from the nearby Atlantic coast.

The cathedral is busiest during summer months from June to August when most pilgrims complete their Camino journeys. The final 60 miles from Sarria to Santiago see the highest concentration of walkers throughout the year. Visiting early morning or late evening offers a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds and a magical atmosphere. Holy Years, when July 25 (St. James Day) falls on Sunday, bring exceptional crowds.

The Portico of Glory features breathtaking medieval sculptures and is considered a masterpiece of Romanesque art. Visitors can hug the statue of St. James on the high altar, descend to the crypt below, and climb to the rooftop for spectacular city views. The Botafumeiro, a giant incense burner, swings dramatically during special masses and religious holidays if requested in advance. The adjacent Museum of the Cathedral houses religious art, tapestries, and archaeological treasures from centuries of pilgrimage history.