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World Travel Guide > Guides > Europe > Spain > Santiago de Compostela

Local time Santiago de Compostela

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Introducing Santiago de Compostela

Getting around Santiago de Compostela

Public transport

Buses in Santiago de Compostela are provided by Tralusa (tel: +34 901 120 054; www.urbanoscompostela.com). Services are reliable and operate regularly between 0700 and 2300. You can buy standard tickets and bonobus tickets (a book for 10 trips) on the bus.

Taxis

Municipal taxis in Santiago are white with a green light and can be safely hailed in the street. There are also many taxi ranks around the city.

Radio Taxi Compostela (tel: +34 981 569 292) operates 24 hours a day, and Taxi Santiago (tel: +34 619 492 393) also has provides cars with drivers. Tips are not expected but it’s fairly common to round the fare up.

Driving

The Old Quarter of Santiago de Compostela is small and compact - it's best for visitors to walk, as it can be hard to find a place to park in the narrow streets, and much of the quarter is pedestrianised. There are car parks at Praza de Galicia, Rúa de Ramon Pineiro (near the Galician parliament building), and near the police station on Avenida Rodrigo de Padron. Metered parking is also available.

Car hire

A valid driving licence is required - national licences from EU countries or an International Driving Permit for non-EU nationals are accepted. The minimum age is usually 21 years. Third-party insurance is mandatory in Spain and should be included in the hire price at no extra charge.

If you want to explore further afield, there are several car-hire agencies based both in town and at the airport. These include Avis (tel: +34 981 590 409; www.avis.com), Europcar (tel: +34 981 597 476; www.europcar.com) and Hertz (tel: +34 981 598 893; www.hertz.com).

Bicycle hire

Cycle lanes around Santiago are gradually appearing. You can hire bikes from Tour ‘n’ Ride, Rúa Laverde Ruiz 5 (tel: +34 981 936 616; www.tournride.com). Cyclists can also count as genuine pilgrims on the Way of St James, if they cycle at least 200km (124 miles) along the historic route.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Hostal Alfonso

Close to Santiago de Compostela's city centre, this small hostal makes a big impression. Run by a husband and wife team, Alfonso has a quaint family atmosphere, with cosy rooms and friendly service. The proprietors have even written their own fantastic guide to sights and anecdotes of the Old Town that the guidebooks have missed (sadly in Spanish only). There are only six rooms here (all en suite and with TV) so book well in advance. Ask for the top floor room with the cathedral view, it's remarkable, especially at night. Breakfast is included.

San Francisco Hotel Monumento

Located in the Franciscan convent of San Francisco, this is an excellent luxury parador-style alternative to Reis Católicos, with the added bonus of being set back from the main touristic thoroughfare. This UNESCO listed building has a heated pool and Jacuzzi, while the 82 rooms are air conditioned, decked out in plush bed linens and furnishings, and offer room service in addition to the a la carte restaurant on site.

Hotel Virxe da Cerca

Set in two buildings next to Plaza de Abastos Market and close to the Cathedral, this characterful hotel has an intimate, classy feel. Rooms in the modern building overlook a private courtyard garden, and upgraded rooms set in an 18th century building feature exposed stone walls and traditional furnishings. The restaurant serves traditional Galician cuisine.

Hotel Costa Vella

Located in a quiet street above the Convento de San Francisco, close to one of the seven doors leading into the old medieval city, this small, charming hotel in Santiago boasts comfy, cosy bedrooms and a peaceful garden. A real Galician home from home, you will feel warmly welcomed here. Costa Vella represents excellent value for money and is thoroughly recommended.

Hotel Parador dos Reis Católicos

This magnificent Santiago hotel, one of the best in the country, is located in the heart of the city, right on the Praza do Obradoiro, between Santiago's splendid cathedral and the Galician president's headquarters. Beautiful rooms (each individually decorated with period furniture and fine fabrics), great facilities and exquisite service will make you feel you're being treated like royalty.

Carris Casa da Troya

Although it's set in a beautifully restored historic building in the old town, the rooms at this hotel have a modern simplicity, and the high ceilings and thick walls provide a spacious and private feel. Superior rooms overlook the Cathedral. The staff is excellent and on hand to offer local advice and guidance on where to eat and visit. The hotel also has its own café attached.