ClickandGo’s Peter McCracken has just come back from a holiday in Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. Here’s what he had to say…
A group of us have just returned from a 2 night holiday in the fabulous city of Santiago de Compostela. Like many of us, my experiences of Spain have been limited to holidays in the Costa’s and the bigger cities.
Northern Spain is different – it’s GREEN. When we were coming in from the Santiago de Compostela airport it was like Ireland (with sunshine), with green fields and yellow gorse bushes dotting the hillsides. The taxi from the airport was €21 to anywhere in the city (including bags) and only takes about 15 minutes. There is also the bus which goes every 30 minutes at a cost of about €3 but I prefer the taxi as you are brought directly to your hotel, so no messing about.
Santiago de Compostela is the resting place of the apostle James – well, so the legend goes and it has been a place of pilgrimage for a long time. The Santiago de Camino, a trek used by the pilgrims, attracts a lot of walkers, and ends in the city at the Cathedral of St. James, which dominates the city and skyline. A must, is to stay in and around the old city. It’s where you want to be. Behind and around the cathedral is a warren of small streets with bars, restaurants cafes and small shops.
If you’re interested in the history of the city, take the walking tour with a guide – very informative and also great for getting your bearings. The tourist office has lots of info, with lots of different tours available, including a gastronomy tour (which I would love to do next time). Be sure that you don’t miss the cathedral roof top tour for amazing views, well worth the 110 step climb, and be sure to wander around the covered city market for a real local feel.
If you like food, particularly seafood, this place is heaven. There are tapa bars and restaurants at every turn, and some great value to be had. We saw “menu del dia” starting at €8 per person for three courses with bread and water. Like everywhere in Spain things don’t kick off until late, in fact some bars don’t open till midnight. Didn’t bother us too much as there was always somewhere else that was open.
Santiago de Compostela is perfect for a 2 or 3 night city break. It isn’t expensive nor is it huge and it has a very much lived in vibe. What I especially loved was it didn’t feel touristy. There is enough to do and see and yet you don’t feel like you have walked the legs off yourself. It can get very busy in July and August when most people walk the Camino de Santiago, so go in May, June or September when prices are cheaper. I loved it as an alternative to the bigger cities that I’ve visited.
There are Aer Lingus flights from Dublin to Santiago de Compostela 3 to 4 times each week and ClickandGo has a selection of hotels and holiday packages.
ENJOY!
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