Car Rental Santiago de compostela

Driving around Santiago de Compostela can be a dream, thanks to the beautiful backdrop of rural Galicia. Reaching the city from the airport couldn’t be simpler – just follow the N-634 route west in your rental car. This highway offers magnificent views as you journey to your destination.

The maximum speed limit on most single-lane rural Spanish roads is 90km/h, rising to 100km/h on dual-lane roads and 120km/h on highways known as Autopista. Local and residential roads meanwhile will typically be 50km/h or lower – always check the signs for any changes.

You’ll enter the city in the commercial district, where you’ll see plenty of parking lots. There are parks and greenery, plus retail centres here. You’ll also pass the iconic Convento de Santa Clara as you glide south on Rúa de Santa Clara in your rental car.

South of Praza da Algalia de Arriba, you’ll find an exciting collection of churches, music halls and museums. This is the epicentre of Santiago de Compostela, where the enduring essence of local charm can be found.

The Museum of Pilgrimage and Santiago, Cathedral Museum and key religious buildings are clustered around Praza da Quintana de Mortos. The closest parking is on Travesa de Fonseca – leave your rental car in a designated space and walk north to see the key landmarks. The Pilgrim’s Reception Office is in the city’s northwest, set on the edge of parkland alongside the fabled Church of San Fructuoso.

The parks on the city’s western edge aren’t just great for urban relaxation – they are also home to some of the city’s best observation decks, like Miradoiro da Catedral. Here you’ll also find plenty of other notable landmarks, including the modern As Duas Marias sculpture which has become a beloved site for photo opportunities.

The SC-20 is a useful road for reaching the city’s suburbs, where you’ll find the City of Culture of Galicia centre and the university campus.

From holy pilgrimage sites to some of the best contemporary art in north west Spain, there are many reasons to visit this enchanting destination – and many delights to discover when you rent a car in Santiago de Compostela.

A pilgrimage like no other

Many people journey to Santiago de Compostela as part of a grand pilgrimage. But even if you’re not one of them, you can still capture the essence of this local culture and passion.

Camino de Santiago is a trail translating as the ‘Way of Saint James’, since the saint’s remains are believed to lie along the path. The journey can begin in southern Spain or France, and came to represent the struggle of Christians in 12th-century Spain. In recent years, it has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity.

You can see pilgrims pouring across the hills from Monte Pedroso or into the grand cathedral square at the end of July. Attending mass in Santiago de Compostela is an enriching experience even if you’re not religious. It houses one of the world’s biggest incense containers – clad in 53 kilograms of gold and suspended 20 metres above the sacred floors.

Park your rental car close to the historic quarter to visit the Museum of Santiago and the Pilgrimages. Then, see the magnificent churches and monasteries.

Some religious buildings have even morphed into modern attractions – like Museo del Pueblo Gallego, the ethnography museum set in a former convent.

Contemporary Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is more than just its medieval traditions, however. The modern city is bursting with creative energy which reaches its peak at Centro Galego de Arte Contemporánea. The 1,200-strong permanent collection of artistic works are drawn from all over the region.

The City of Culture of Galicia is another star attraction for art lovers. Car rental is a convenient way to get there from Santiago de Compostela – as it lies around 20 minutes’ drive from the heart of town. The library, museum and vibrant centres for culture and design are great places to indulge your creative side.

Sample a taste of Galicia

Sometimes, the best way to get to know a place is through its cuisine – and in northern Spain’s Galicia region, this is certainly true. Try Pulpo a la Gallega – an octopus dish – or the famous pie known as Empanadas Gallegas, for a quick sense of what it means to be Galician.

For a more comprehensive introduction, drive out to the neighbouring town of Vigo, around an hour away, and consider paying a visit to the Cies Islands too. If you’re looking for a coastal escape, these idyllic places come fully equipped with charming harbours, blue seas and unspoiled white sand beaches.

For an inland day trip from Santiago de Compostela, try Ezaro – known for its dramatic waterfall.

Rent a car in Santiago de Compostela to discover the best Galician seafood, ground-breaking contemporary art and a host of local treasures. Reserve direct today.