Hello
My husband and I were going to fly to Porto but are having second thoughts.
I hate flying and try to avoid it when I can.
Am now considering renting a car to drive from San Sebastian to either Santiago or Vigo. Just one day with a couple stops on the way for lunch and sightseeing.
We would stay the night and catch the bus or train the following morning to Porto.
Any thoughts, ideas and suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
Thank you in advance.
Forget Vigo! Just a transit hub. Santiago de Compostela is a treasure and we based one trip around it.
If you just have one night, I would not want to drive, it is a long drive to Santiago.
If you are able to spend two nights in Santiago, or one in León and one in Santiago, then why not.
Totally agree that Vigo is dull-dull-dull.
ViaMichelin estimates a driving time of 7 hr. 19 min. for the trip from San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela, and that's with no stops at all. That seems like an exhausting day.
It is possible for you to add another night along the way? There is a lot to see along the way.
Unfortunately we do not have the time to add an extra day.
Can you advise if the drive is scenic?
Where would be a good stop for lunch?
Also, if we do drive to Santiago, would you recommend the bus or train to Porto?
Thanks again
In general I'd say it is pretty scenic. The Spanish Atlantic coast is usually underrated in my opinion.
The drive is relatively scenic even if you follow the A8 highway all the way along the coast. And given how long it is...you kind of have to use the highway.
Going through the interior is also a possibility, but it is far less interesting.
Hotel Restaurante Cabo Vidio is right off the A8 highway and has stellar food. With a morning start from S Sebastian, you should get there by 1.30.
From there, Cabo Vidio lighthouse is worth the back-and-forth drive.
If you'd rather have lunch in a town, try Luarca (great food at El Barómetro, plenty of other options on the port) but parking is not super convenient there. A bit earlier along the route, Cudillero is also very cute (arguably cuter), but you also need to park a little far away, and restaurants are more "touristy".
Great info!!
Thank you!
