Santiago de Compostela is a Spanish city that is considered to be one of the oldest in the whole of Europe. It was founded by the ancient Phoenicians in the early twelfth century. Already in the Middle Ages, the city gained worldwide fame as a pilgrimage center, the third most important after Rome and Jerusalem. To this day, the majestic buildings of the churches of Santiago de Compostela attract hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. That is why tourists from other regions come here using the Madrid-Santiago de Compostela bus, Bilbao-Santiago de Compostela bus, etc.

All the main attractions of Santiago de Compostela are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Pilgrims explore the city as a long walking, cycling or horseback tour. Along with various historical monuments, there are excellent restaurants and tapas bars where you can taste delicious seafood snacks and wine.The history of the city's foundation is very interesting - at the end of the 9th century, the Spanish king issued a decree to build a church on the site of the discovery of the relics of St. James, which was called "Campus Stella" or "The place where the star pointed". This legend is still incredibly important to the people of the city and the Spaniards, for whom St. James is one of the patrons. If you are attracted by religious shrines, buy a bus ticket to Santiago de Compostela.

Bus schedule Santiago de Compostela: how to get to the city conveniently?

The city is located in northwestern Spain in the Galicia region. This important city is inhabited by less than a hundred thousand people, but the number of pilgrims who arrive in the city every year is many times higher. The city has its own international airport, named after the city, and a busy train station that passes thousands of people every day. However, many tourists choose to take the bus to Santiago de Compostela because it is fast, comfortable, and inexpensive transportation to travel.

The central part of Santiago de Compostela, where the main city sights are located, is included in the UNESCO list. All the streets in this part of the city are marked with classical porticoes, creating a single and unique ensemble. The most important place in the city is located here - Santiago Cathedral or St. James Cathedral. It is here that the relics of one of Christ's apostles are located, which are a destination for Catholics from all over the world. Architecture lovers will find the facades of the cathedral very interesting - they all differ from each other. In addition to the Santiago Cathedral, this city of Spain has the Galician Center for Contemporary Art, the Rajoy Palace, Quintana Square, the Museum of the Galician People and Culture, and other attractions. If you are eager to get acquainted with this ancient city of Spain, buy a bus ticket to Santiago de Compostela online on the INFOBUS website.

Bus ticket to Santiago de Compostela booked, time to explore the city

All the important buildings, churches and monasteries are located near one of the most beautiful churches in Spain, the Cathedral of Santiago (XI-XIII centuries). It is the main attraction of the city. On the central square of Obradoiro stands out the ancient Ostal Reyes Catholicos. Next to it is the Rajoy Palace, which is now the modern administrative center of the city and the autonomous region. The rectorate of one of the oldest universities in Spain is located in the building of the San Jeronimo College. The northern tower of the cathedral is adjacent to the Helmires Palace, a rare example of a Romanesque civilian building.

While walking around the city, be sure to visit these attractions:

          • Spain's first Franciscan monastery (XIII century);

          • San Geronimo College, part of one of the oldest universities in Europe;

          • San Martin Pinario Monastery (IX century) - the center of the Abbey of Galicia;

          • medieval streets of Rua Nova, Rua do Franco, Rua do Vilar;

          • Museum of the Cathedral with collections of tapestries of the XIX-XX centuries based on sketches by Rubens and Goya;

          • Ethnographic Museum of Galicia;

          • Museum of Religion.

You will see the history engraved in stone in Asabacheria, Platerias, and Quintana squares. Many museums will tell you about the historical and religious past of Galicia, the role of the pilgrimage route to Santiago. There are many jewelry stores and souvenir shops in the narrow streets of the old town. You will definitely be offered products made of gagat (black amber), which local craftsmen have long been famous for. And if you have some free time, be sure to visit other cities of Spain by buying a ticket for the bus Santiago de Compostela-Madrid, bus Santiago de Compostela-Vigo or bus Santiago de Compostela-Lugo.

Bus routes in Santiago de Compostela: useful information for tourists

As soon as you have arrived by bus in Santiago de Compostela, you can sign up for a tour. Local guides and tour guides often organize tours to nearby cities and back. To do this, you will need to sign up in advance and book a seat on the Vigo-Santiago de Compostela bus or Seville-Santiago de Compostela bus. Travel time varies and ranges from 6 to 9 hours, with the highest ticket price of approximately 40 euros.

The city's historic district is easy to get around on foot or by rented bicycle, with important sightseeing attractions literally at every turn. Travelers visiting the city for the first time should definitely buy a map to make their walks even more comfortable. Tourists with limited time should definitely take a ride on a special sightseeing train. It departs from the Praza do Obradoiro station, located next to the square of the same name, and the train route runs through the most beautiful and significant places of the city. For souvenirs and gifts, it is best to go to the historic city center, where there is a large selection of shops with attractive prices.

Bus price in Santiago de Compostela: what will be the costs during the holidays?

It's better to book bus tickets in Santiago de Compostela in advance to save money on the trip. The same applies to accommodation. The city is compact, but you can rent a room or apartment, a hostel, a guest house, and a hotel room of different levels. Even in the very center of the city, practically under the windows of St. James's Cathedral, you can find an option at a low price and with free WI-FI. The cheapest way to stay is in a hostel or apartment - a night here costs from 25 EUR. Guest houses and apartments are happy to accommodate tourists for a night for 35 EUR, and in mid-range hotels one night for two will cost 50 EUR.

Shopping enthusiasts can go to the local shopping centers Centro Comercial As Cancelas and Area Central. There are many shops where you can buy amazing textiles, accessories, and religious souvenirs. And of course, you shouldn't leave without cheese, wine, and seafood.