Destinations > Spain > Camino de Santiago
Camino de Santiago
Best time to visit: May-June, September-October
Go for this: A journey of self-discovery and transformation through timeless villages and breathtaking wild landscapes. Get away from your daily life and connect with nature, with others, and with yourself. Whether you are looking for a physical challenge or a life-changing adventure, the Camino de Santiago is a unique experience that provides a window into the Iberian Peninsula’s historical, natural, and cultural beauty.
But try this: After completing the trek along the Camino, take the time to relish the final goal — Santiago de Compostela — and unravel the secrets of this sanctuary through its heritage. Take a stroll through the streets of the Old Town with its picturesque arcades; visit the stunning monastery of San Martiño Pinario and the Cathedral with its majestic façade towers. Finish this meaningful day by admiring the sculptural beauty of Portico de la Gloria, a masterpiece of European medieval art.
Favorite guest experience: Wind your way across the Galician countryside to the town of Arzúa, known as la tierra del queso (“the land of cheese”), the capital of the traditional Galician cheeses. Here you will visit a local farm, where the owner — of third generation — produces organic cheese in very much the same way his ancestors did. Of course, you will get to taste this delicious milk and cheese!
Favorite hotel: Parador de Santiago. Housed in a beautiful 15th century building next to Santiago’s famous cathedral, the Parador was once a lodging for pilgrims and is now one of the oldest hotels in the world. As the emblem of Santiago, the Parador blends history, art and tradition.
Favorite restaurant: Casa Marcelo in Santiago de Compostela, a gastro-bar with just nine tables and an open-view kitchen, where you can watch the chef at work. The menu features Galician dishes with a Japanese influence.
Foods:
- Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician-style octopus)
- Caldo Gallego (Galician stew)
- Mirascada (seafood platter)
- Tarta de Santiago (almond sponge cake)
Wine:
- Albariño, Godello
- Mencìa
- Caiño Tinto
Best time to visit: May-June, September-October
Go for this: A journey of self-discovery and transformation through timeless villages and breathtaking wild landscapes. Get away from your daily life and connect with nature, with others, and with yourself. Whether you are looking for a physical challenge or a life-changing adventure, the Camino de Santiago is a unique experience that provides a window into the Iberian Peninsula’s historical, natural, and cultural beauty.
But try this: After completing the trek along the Camino, take the time to relish the final goal — Santiago de Compostela — and unravel the secrets of this sanctuary through its heritage. Take a stroll through the streets of the Old Town with its picturesque arcades; visit the stunning monastery of San Martiño Pinario and the Cathedral with its majestic façade towers. Finish this meaningful day by admiring the sculptural beauty of Portico de la Gloria, a masterpiece of European medieval art.
Favorite guest experience: Wind your way across the Galician countryside to the town of Arzúa, known as la tierra del queso (“the land of cheese”), the capital of the traditional Galician cheeses. Here you will visit a local farm, where the owner — of third generation — produces organic cheese in very much the same way his ancestors did. Of course, you will get to taste this delicious milk and cheese!
Favorite hotel: Parador de Santiago. Housed in a beautiful 15th century building next to Santiago’s famous cathedral, the Parador was once a lodging for pilgrims and is now one of the oldest hotels in the world. As the emblem of Santiago, the Parador blends history, art and tradition.
Favorite guest experience: Explore the vine-covered hills of Rioja -- one of the most prestigious wine regions in Spain -- visiting the bodegas (wineries) to see their vineyards and production facilities, and enjoying a wine tasting of different varieties alongside local culinary specialties.
Favorite hotel: Hotel Maria Cristina, a Belle Epoque hotel dating from 1912, presiding over the Old Town, with views over the Cantabrian Sea and Urumea River. The hotel has a cinematic quality and has hosted movie stars, including Woody Allen and Elizabeth Taylor, during the San Sebastián Film Festival.
Favorite restaurant: Casa Marcelo in Santiago de Compostela, a gastro-bar with just nine tables and an open-view kitchen, where you can watch the chef at work. The menu features Galician dishes with a Japanese influence.
Foods:
- Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician-style octopus)
- Caldo Gallego (Galician stew)
- Mirascada (seafood platter)
- Tarta de Santiago (almond sponge cake)
Wine:
- Albariño, Godello
- Mencìa
- Caiño Tinto
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