Here are some recommended day trip destinations from Santiago de Compostela. The city has a vast historical and cultural wealth, as shown in our publications: Visits to Santiago de Compostela and Santiago’s Hidden Treasures. Furthermore, it is at an ideal location for seeing some of Galicia’s most noteworthy sites. Here you will find our recommended excursions from Santiago de Compostela.
Fragas do Eume
The Fragas do Eume is a natural park spanning over 9,000 hectares and one of Europe’s best maintained Atlantic woodlands. Its lush woodlands along the Eume River are characterised by countless shades of green. In other locations, the vegetation is so plentiful that it blocks the light, concealing vast biological diversity and legends of supernatural creatures.
Activities and Places:
⇒ Signed hiking routes include Os Cerqueiros, which leads to the breathtaking A Carboeira viewpoint.
The Monastery of Caaveiro is located in the middle of the park and may be reached on foot or by minibus from the visitor centre.
⇒ Bridges and viewpoints: Hanging bridges over the Eume River and vistas like Teixido provide breathtaking views of the forest and river.
Redes, a beach village located about 20 minutes from the woodlands, is a worthwhile visit. Its charming and colourful Indianos buildings, as well as its picturesque harbour, will provide you with priceless photographic opportunities.
Recommendations:
If you’re going on a trip, carry comfy shoes and clothes so you can enjoy it. Also water and food to make rich avituallings 😉
Distance from Santiago: around an hour and a half
Costa da Morte
The Costa da Morte spans over part of the A Coruña coast. Its craggy and majestic cliffs have witnessed several shipwrecks as well as battles between the ocean and land. In its coastal communities, you will discover life around the sea and legends about it.
Activities and Places:
⇒ Travel by car through coastal villages, including Camelle, where you can learn about the fascinating history of Man, the English sailors’ cemetery, Faro Vilán with its interpretation centre, and Muxía, where the sea meets the land in a beautiful way, and Finisterre, with its lighthouse, urges you to pause and reflect.
Ézaro, located half an hour from Finisterre, features a unique waterfall and perspective that create a stunning environment.
Recommendations:
Bring a jacket, some of these landscapes are located in windy places, it doesn’t matter im which season, it might be windy. Don’t miss the delicious local cuisine.
Distance from Santiago is around one hour.
A Coruña
A Coruña is a cosmopolitan city with a rich historical and cultural past in a beautiful setting. Its great gourmet offer rounds out a perfect urban escape.
Activities and Places:
⇒ The Hercules Tower is the world’s only operational Roman lighthouse. Its historical and cultural significance, as well as its panoramic views make it a must-see.
↑ Glass galleries on Avenida de la Marina are one of the city’s most well-known prints.
⇒ Visit Old Town to learn about the city’s medieval and baroque history.
The city has several museums, including the Man’s Museum, Science Museum, and an Aquarium.
⇒Mercado de San Agustín is known for its unique architecture and offers opportunities to learn about and sample local cuisine.
Mirador de San Pedro: Enjoy stunning views from this mountain in Coruña, accessible via panoramic elevator.
Recommendations:
Visiting Plaza de María Pita and its surroundings for tapas and shopping offers a unique perspective on day trips from Santiago de Compostela.
Distance from Santiago is around one hour.
Rías Baixas
The Galician coastline is shaped by the Vigo, Pontevedra, Arousa, and Muros-Noia “rias”, which alternate between cliffed and sandy coasts. The climate is mild, making for lush green and blue sceneries.
Activities and Places:
⇒Combarro is a charming seaside village, known for its scenic hórreos, tradicitonal traditional granaries, along the sea.
⇒Cambados is known for its palaces, mansions, and as the capital of Albariño wine.
⇒The Vilagarcía Market offers a dynamic atmosphere with delicious scents and flavours.
⇒ Pontevedra and Armenteira: Enjoy the city’s vibrant squares and streets. Armenteira is the opposite, with a lovely monastery surrounded by serenity.
♥ Experience breathtaking views from A Siradella in O Grove.
Recommendations:
Book a guided tour of a wine cellar. Sample local seafood, particularly mussels.
Distance from Santiago is around one hour
Lugo
The city has a spectacular Roman heritage that may be seen in its Unesco World Heritage-listed wall, thermal springs, and Roman bridge.
Activities and Places:
⇒ Stroll the Roman Wall, which is the only one with a preserved perimeter and offers breathtaking city views.
⇒ Museo de Lugo: Explore Galicia’s rich history, art, and culture in a stunning building.
⇒ Roman bridge and spa are closely located and well-preserved.
⇒ The Rato River Walk is a calm and uncomplicated walk with bridges, waterfalls, and even a mill-house.
Recommendations: A hot bath at the spa will make you feel like a real Roman.
Distance from Santiago: around an hour and a quarter.
In this selection of sites, we sample a variety of experiences, ranging from lush environment to Galicia’s rich history and culture. In addition to the remarkable excursions to each destination, we recommend others that will add value to your journey, ensuring that each day trip from Santiago de Compostela is memorable and fulfilling.
