From Santiago de Compostela to the Atlantic: coach excursions with a boat leg

You’re going to love Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia, in the north-west of Spain, and its old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Its cathedral, begun in 1075, is where, according to tradition, the remains of St James are kept, and it is the destination of the Camino de Santiago, whose main routes UNESCO also protects. The city itself is inland: the Atlantic coast, the rías and the vineyards of Galicia are a day out by road.

We do not sail from Santiago. Our excursions leave by coach from a meeting point in the old town, and each includes one water leg: a boat cruise from the port of Finisterre, a boat ride through O Grove with mussel tasting, the ferry to the Cíes Islands, or a boat trip on the Sil canyon. The rest of the day is by road, with stops in villages, viewpoints and wineries.

The 5 best reasons to visit Santiago de Compostela

1. 1

   A World Heritage old townUNESCO inscribed the Old Town in 1985. Its granite streets lead to the Praza do Obradoiro, the square in front of the cathedral’s Baroque west façade, completed in 1740.

2. 2

   The end of the Camino de SantiagoPilgrims have walked to Santiago for centuries. The Pilgrim’s Office issues the Compostela to those who walk the last 100 km, or cycle the last 200 km, for religious or spiritual reasons.

3. 3

   The Costa da Morte and Cape FinisterreThe Costa da Morte, the Death Coast, is named for its many shipwrecks. Cape Finisterre, with its lighthouse and a Km 0,000 waymark of the Camino, is a short coach ride from Santiago.

4. 4

   Albariño and Ribeira Sacra winesTurismo Rías Baixas calls Cambados the birthplace of Albariño, and the Ribeira Sacra is known for steep, terraced vineyards worked largely by hand. Two of our excursions include a winery visit.

5. 5

   The Cíes IslandsThe Cíes are part of a National Park, with limited daily access. Turismo de Galicia notes that The Guardian called their Rodas beach the best beach in the world in 2007.

What to do from Santiago de Compostela

• See the Finisterre lighthouse from the seaOur Costa da Morte excursion visits Finisterre, Muxía and Cabo Vilán and includes a boat cruise from Finisterre port. Wine, vermouth, water, soft drinks and homemade Galician empanadas are served on board.
• Taste Albariño and mussels in the Rías BaixasVisit a winery for an Albariño tasting, walk around Cambados and take a boat ride through O Grove with mussel tasting. The day also stops at A Toxa island, A Lanzada beach and Combarro. Lunch is not included.
• Hike and swim on the Cíes IslandsCoach to Vigo, then a ferry to the islands, with free time to hike to the lighthouse, swim or relax. The official access permit is included and every traveller needs ID or a passport.
• Cruise the Sil canyon in the Ribeira SacraA boat trip on the canyon, whose walls rise almost 500 m in places, then a viewpoint, Monforte de Lemos, the San Vicente do Pino monastery and a winery tasting. Optional pick-up from three points in Santiago.
• Walk the old town and the last steps of the CaminoSpend a free day on foot around the cathedral and the Praza do Obradoiro. The Pilgrim’s Reception Office, where the Compostela is issued, is at Rúa das Carretas, 33. Check opening and ticket details on the official pages.