Does anyone know what would be the best way to go from Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastian (family of three)? We realize that we'd be more free to make stops along the way if we were driving, but we have about 3 days to do this. Is it too much driving? Is it a nice drive at least? Or would you just hop on a train and sleep the whole way? Thanks!
Posted by
Arlington, VA, USA
123 posts
My husband and I and a friend did this trip - but in reverse - 2 years ago. We started in San Sebastian (spent 3 nights there at HOSTAL BAHIA which was great - and we did a day trip by train to Bilbao for the Guggenheim). We rented a car in San Sebastian then drove to Burgos (just a few hours drive) & stayed one night at Hotel Mesón del Cid - right next to the cathedral. Simply magical! We then drove to Leon, stayed one night (stayed at Hotel Paris which I would not recommend), then spent 3 nights in Santiago De Compostela. It was a lovely drive and Burgos and Leon are beautiful. San Sebastian is also quite beautiful and serene. Have fun!
Posted by
Arlington, VA, USA
123 posts
You're welcome. We loved that trip and the drive is very scenic. Especially seeing all the signposts along "the Way". If you haven't yet seen the Martin Sheen move "The Way" I'd recommend it. Let me know if you need a hotel in Santiago de Compostela or any other questions you might have.
Posted by
OP
Sintra (PT)/Olney (MD)
38 posts
Thanks Jan, I checked out hotel Bahia and it looks like a place we might enjoy staying at! We also decided to add an extra night in Spain before heading to France, that should allow us more time to really get to see the "camino".
Posted by
OP
Sintra (PT)/Olney (MD)
38 posts
Sure! Hotel tips in Santiago would be lovely! I realize it is a bit early but I've been looking for hotels for the whole trip and the nice discounted rooms (www.hotelscombined.com) are going fast!! And I simply love this planning part, deciding where to go and where to skip etc.. we have 35 days to organize starting in Porto and ending in Brussels. Not our first time in most places, but very first time in the North of Spain!
I had taken Burgos out of our itinerary to add an extra night in the Dordogne but after your comment I put it back where it was.. sorry for the long story and thanks for your help!
Posted by
Atlanta
3262 posts
Sounds like a great trip Beatrice! We drove from Santiago (3 night stay) to San Sebastian (3 night stay) and it was a scenic trip -we took the northern route through Gijon, Santander, and Bilbao. We stopped in Santillana del Mar for one night (not our favorite but it was off-season), a stop for the afternoon in Bilbao to see the Guggenheim Museum, and then San Sebastian. The roads were great but I remember that there we some toll roads along the way - I'd recommend driving! Our favorite was Santiago de Compostela and loved our stay at Hotel Costa Vella!
Posted by
Arlington, VA, USA
123 posts
The hotel we stayed at was Hotel Real at Caldereria 49, 15700 Santiago de Compostela, Spain. It still gets very good reviews on Trip Advisor & Venere. It's affordable but a bit quirky, there's no elevator but we really liked the location, it was in a safe neighborhood and very clean with helpful staff. Have fun!