Has anyone driven from Santiago de Compostelo to Santillana Del Mar? If so, it looks like it could be a beautiful drive along the coast, but I’m wanting to know how the roads are and if they’re heavily trafficked. Any info you could provide, I’d appreciate. Thank you.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7821 posts
We did that drive in 2017. From Santiago de Compostela we drove north to Betanzos where we walked around for a short while, then over and up to Ribadeo, stopping at Cathedral Beach. We spent a night at the Parador in Ribadeo. We then travelled east making stops at Cangas de Onis and Covadonga in Picos de Europa national park before continuing on to Santillana del Mar. in Santillana we stayed at Parador de Santillana Gil Blas.
We had plenty of time and avoided any toll roads by taking the N (nacional) roads where we could. I don’t recall any toll roads between Santiago and Santillana. Other than the LU-P-0610 road by Cathedral Beach, the roads were all excellent. Pretty much anywhere you go in Spain, once you’re away from the cities traffic is light.
Just ensure you don’t go over the speed limit as cameras are all over.
Posted by
new york
620 posts
I did the drive about fifteen years ago.
From Santiago, overnighted at Hotel Ego in Viveiro.
Then to Cudlllero for one night in La Casona de Pio.
Next stop, Cangas de Onis Parador.
After that, Santillana.
Even that long ago, Santillana was overly crowded and we saw enough in half a day.
Flew back to US from Santander.
Road are excellent, but are not along the sea so not overwhelmingly scenic, but pretty enough.
We were just in Santiago again last month...rented car and drove to other spots in Galicia.
Posted by
Bilbao
914 posts
Santillana del Mar can be easily visited in half a day, even a couple of hours is more than enough. Quite touristy, though.