The last stage of the Portuguese Way of St. James takes you through the typically green and hilly Galicia to the destination of all pilgrims: Santiago de Compostela, a city that awaits you with all its historical splendor, diversity and dynamism and has rightly been declared a World Heritage Site. Narrow alleyways alternate with squares and centuries-old granite buildings, some of which date back to the Middle Ages.
Enter the old town through the gateway to the Way of St. James, the Porta de Camino. Your first visit will of course be to the cathedral which, according to legend, houses the remains of St. James. You can enter through the pilgrims' portal or from the magnificent baroque side, the Pórtico de la Gloria.
Santiago de Compostela is also where the pilgrim's certificate is issued, which officially documents the completion of the pilgrimage to Santiago - provided you have collected enough stamps in your pilgrim's passport.
Have a good time in the market hall. Not only fish and seafood, but also local fruit and vegetables are on offer here. The special feature: You can also eat the products directly! For dessert, there is of course nothing better than tarta Santiago - made from almond flour instead of wheat flour.
The streets of Santiago are full of pilgrims and music, the bagpipes of the Celtic tradition are omnipresent here, as is the tradition of the "tunas", student music groups that play in the streets and squares. Particularly beautiful: in the evening, these groups often gather under the arcades around the cathedral square.
1 overnight stay in Santiago de Compostela.
ABANICO tip: Treat yourself to an overnight stay in the historic Parador of Santiago de Compostela at the end of the trip (for an extra charge - on request)
