7 excursions from Santiago de Compostela
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Excursions from Santiago de Compostela: what you can’t miss
Are you thinking about going to the capital of Galicia and enjoying the best excursions from Santiago de Compostela? At Galicia Travels, we offer you seven proposals that you will love. Take note of them and don’t miss the chance to get to know Galicia a little better.
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Tour of Finisterre and Costa da Morte
Every day at 9 a.m., a tour starts at Galicia Square, lasting approximately 9 hours. The first stop is the beautiful and picturesque village of Ponte Maceira, a highlight on the Camino de Santiago route heading towards Finisterre, known as “the end of the known world.”
This place is famous for its magnificent A Ponte Vella, a bridge crossing the Tambre River, built in the 14th century over the remains of an ancient Roman bridge. Don’t forget to visit the charming Pazo de Balandrón, stroll through its streets, and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. Additionally, this tour also includes visits to Muxía and the Ézaro waterfall.
This excursion is undoubtedly the most popular among day trips from Santiago de Compostela. In fact, Galicia Travels has won the Traveller’s Choice award (one of the best tours in the world on TripAdvisor) for two years thanks to this tour.
Tour of the Rías Baixas
From Santiago de Compostela, you can take advantage of a tour through the Rías Baixas to explore major historical sites such as Pontevedra, Cambados, or Combarro, along with coastal towns like O Grove, Sanxenxo, and Cangas, among others.
Also read: What to See in Muros and Surrounding
Excursion to Ribeira Sacra
Lasting 10 hours, this excursion takes place every Friday and begins aboard a catamaran sailing through the impressive Sil Canyon, a natural environment of great beauty and tranquility. The river route allows you to admire the terraced vineyards clinging to the canyon slopes, characteristic of this wine region with a Denomination of Origin. The excursion concludes with a visit to the Monastery of San Esteban de Ribas del Sil, a Romanesque gem nestled in the middle of the forest, reflecting the spiritual and architectural history of the region.
Tour of the Cíes Islands
This archipelago, made up of the islands of Monteagudo, Faro, and San Martiño, is part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park and is another must-visit stop. Here, you can visit Praia de San Martiño and Praia de Rodas, considered one of the best beaches in Spain. Besides its paradisiacal beaches, the Cíes Islands offer nature trails that allow you to explore their protected ecosystem, ideal for hiking enthusiasts, bird watchers, and landscape photographers.
Also read: What to See in Rinlo and Surroundings
Excursion to the Cathedral Beach
Cathedral Beach, located in the province of Lugo, is famous for its stunning rock formations shaped like arches and natural vaults, sculpted by the force of the sea and wind. Visits usually take place at low tide, when it is possible to walk among the giant arches and enjoy a unique natural spectacle. It is one of the most photographed beaches in Galicia and an essential stop for travelers who love wild nature and postcard-perfect landscapes.
Excursion to A Coruña
A Coruña is a vibrant and modern city with a strong Atlantic character. During this excursion, you can discover iconic sites such as the Tower of Hercules, the oldest Roman lighthouse still in operation in the world and a World Heritage Site. You can also stroll through the historic center, enjoy its seafood cuisine, and relax on its urban beaches. It’s a perfect blend of culture, sea, and Galician city life.
Excursion to Lugo
This excursion takes place every Tuesday and Sunday, lasting approximately eight hours. It features major highlights such as the ancient city walls, which are over 2,000 years old.
In 2000, UNESCO declared them a World Heritage Site, noting that they are the best-preserved Roman fortress in Spain and the only one in the world to have survived intact to this day. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll through Lugo’s Old Town.
Besides Lugo Cathedral, which is neoclassical in style, you can visit the main square (Plaza Mayor), the provincial government building, the Lugo Provincial Museum, and Rosalía de Castro Park. The second part of the excursion leads to Cathedral Beach.