I am thinking of going to Porto in June, with the idea of possibly moving to Portugal. I want to check out the ex-pat scene. Anyways, since I'll be so close to Spain, thought i'd pop up to Santiago de Compostela, just across the border in Spain. Has anyone done this, and which is best-by train, or bus? I don't want to rent a car-don't want the hassle and responsibility. How many days is good to devote to Santiago? Thansk in advance.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7166 posts
Bus is probably best, but someone else may be better informed. As an FYI, Santiago de Compostela isn’t just across the border. It’s a little more than 100km/60mi from the border. If you’ve never been to it before, it’s worth two full days. If you make it there try and get over to the Pilgrims statues at Monte de Gozo. It’s a couple miles outside of town, but walkable.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9224 posts
I would take the bus. Have taken the bus from Santiago to Porto and it is easy and faster than a train.
For sightseeing in Santiago, at least 2 days. You may even want to add on a day and do one of the bus tours to Muxxia and Finesterra. While in Santiago, try and do the roof-top tour of the cathedral. This fills up and should probably be booked online ahead of time.
If a room is available, San Martin Pinario is a lovely space to stay in. Right next to the cathedral but with windows that block the noise of all the partiers in Santiago at 0400. Book on their website.