Car Hire in Santiago de Compostela

About Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia, located in northwestern Spain. It is considered one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the world. In addition, the city and its surroundings have several attractions to offer. The old town is one of the cities that are part of the World Heritage UNESCO.

Of course, every true pilgrim must visit Santiago de Compostela once in their life, as the Camino de Santiago or Way of St. James is an extensive network of ancient pilgrimage routes that crisscross Europe and eventually all lead to the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela.

Otherwise, Santiago de Compostela is considered an extremely popular destination for travellers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the tourist crowds, and the traffic chaos. In this city and especially in its surroundings you can experience tranquillity in the true sense of the word. Everyone can find a corner for themselves where they can relax and find peace of mind with the sounds of silence. Of course, there are also crowds in Santiago de Compostela, especially during the great pilgrimage ceremonies and major Christian holidays, but unlike the cities of Spain, this is a really quiet place that deserves to be visited and explored.

Of course, the city is not just for pilgrims and those seeking peace. If you have decided to rent a car and explore Galicia, Santiago de Compostela is a place you should put on your list. A beautiful city that is divided into a new and an old part of the city will enchant you. The intertwining of history and modern art gives the city a very special charm. Very bold modern art is perfectly complemented by historical buildings and monuments, giving the city a uniqueness that will captivate you. Besides the beautiful old town, the many narrow streets that intertwine and occasionally expand into beautiful squares where you can have a coffee and a delicious lunch, the city's nightlife will also win you over. The city takes on a whole new look at night, transforming from a quiet pilgrimage center into a lively city with parties going on until the morning. Not to forget the excellent restaurants, where you will surely be most convinced by the exceptional Galician seafood and of course, like everywhere in Spain, by the unique tapas that you simply cannot resist.

So if you are interested in Galicia, it is best to book your car hire as soon as possible and set off to explore this fascinating country.

Basic info and car hire in Santiago de Compostela

• Location: Galicia, Spain
• Population: 96,405
• Official language: Galician, Spanish
• Currency: Euro
• Weather:   Oceanic climate
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Santiago de Compostela are in good condition.
• Car hire in Santiago de Compostela:  The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Santiago de Compostela in Santiago de Compostela airport and Santiago de Compostela Railway Station. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Santiago de Compostela!

 Driving in Santiago de Compostela

To drive a car in Santiago de Compostela you must be 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and show valid proof of insurance for the vehicle you are driving. In Santiago de Compostela, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road. The speed limit on the motorway is 120 km/h (75 mph). On normal roads the speed limit is 90 km/h (75 mph), on urban roads, it is 50 km/h (50 mph), and on all other through roads, there is a speed limit sign.

It's good to know that Spain has strict drink-driving laws, allowing only 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood - stricter than in the UK, where the limit is 0.8. Novice drivers are effectively banned from driving under the influence with a very low limit of 0.1 mg/l. Seatbelts front and rear are compulsory everywhere.

One thing: for those not used to roundabouts: There are a lot of them in Spain! And the following rules apply: The driver who is already in the roundabout has the right of way unless there is a traffic light at the roundabout that regulates the flow of traffic. Before leaving the roundabout, you should put on your right turn signal to indicate that you are leaving the roundabout.

If you are caught speeding in Santiago de Compostela, the Spanish police act very quickly, and lack of Spanish is not considered an excuse. The police do not mind that you are a tourist on holiday, and fines are often issued immediately unless you can prove that you are a permanent resident in Spain. If you receive a fine, make sure the officer gives you an official receipt and if you pay immediately, the fine is usually reduced by 20%.

The Spanish law on the use of indicators on motorways is strictly enforced. You risk a fine if you fail to signal before overtaking and after overtaking if you move back into the adjacent lane. Traffic coming from the left always has the right of way. If you see a solid white line in the middle of the road, do not cross it. Continue until you either see a dotted white line or look for a sign that says "Cambio de Sentido" where you can safely and legally turn around.

• Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in Spain is 18 years. However, most car rental companies require you to be at least 21 to rent a car and at least 25 years to avoid paying an additional young driver fee. 
• International Driving Permit:  Yes, if you are a non-EU licence holder.  
• Additional papers:   Identification(passport), a valid driving licence, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to buy insurance at the car hire agency in case your policy doesn't cover you while driving in Spain)
• Additional requirements:  Glasses (in case you need glasses, you must always have a spare pair in the car), light bulbs (are usually already in the car and are provided by the car rental company), warning triangle (2 are required for all vehicles registered in Spain and 1 if coming from abroad), high visibility vest (recently made compulsory)- First aid kit (not compulsory, but we strongly recommend you have it with you, just in case).
• Children in the car:  If you are travelling with children under 12 or less than 135cm tall, you are required by law to have a child seat in your car. If you do not have your own, most car rental companies will provide one for a fee. However, it is advisable to request such a seat before collecting the vehicle, otherwise one may not always be available.
• Driving side of the road: Right
• Lights:  Check that all lights are working, clean, and correctly aimed.
• General speed limits:  The speed limit is 50 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on the motorway.
• Parking suggestions:  Parking is prohibited in Spain in all areas where the curbs are marked yellow. The parking spaces marked in blue usually have a parking meter and you must buy a parking ticket to park in these spaces. You will usually find a machine nearby where you can purchase your parking ticket. Most of these blue areas have a parking limit of 2 hours, but this is displayed on the machine.

What to see in Santiago de Compostela

Galician Contemporary Art Center (CGAC)

A mixture of modern art and the rich history of Galicia, this powerful and fascinating building offers everything you would expect from an art centre. You can admire the building itself, which will impress you both from the outside and the inside. In addition, the Galician Contemporary Art Center also hosts top exhibitions of contemporary Galician artists, as well as exhibitions of contemporary artists from outside Galicia. Last but not least, let us not forget the beautiful terrace of this centre, from which you can enjoy a great view of the old town of Santiago de Compostela. 

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

It is one of the most striking buildings in the city. The beginning of its construction dates back to the 11th century and represents the pinnacle of architecture at that time. It combines many different styles that complement each other, creating a perfect architectural masterpiece that is also considered the ultimate pilgrimage destination on the famous Way of Saint James.

Museum of the Galician People

The museum gives you an insight into the history of Galicia and its people. It is divided in such a way that each room in this museum represents an area that we want to know. Thus, in the museum, we get an insight into the history related to the sea, pilgrimage, architecture, economy, clothing, music ... an important part is also dedicated to archaeology, painting, and sculpture.

Roxio Palace

Originally, this building was intended for a seminary, but throughout history, it has changed its purpose and today it is the town hall and the space where the Galician government is based. What distinguishes the building the most is its powerful façade that fascinates every visitor.

Hostal de Los Reyes Catholic

It was built as a kind of hostel for pilgrims on the Way of Saint James. Today, this Gothic building has been converted into a hotel, but still retains its appearance and fascinates travellers who visit it. Inside this powerful architectural masterpiece are the gardens, and also occupies a special place the Chapel of Enrique de Egas, which is considered the most important and popular tourist attraction in this building.

Best restaurants in Santiago de Compostela:

A Noiesa Restaurante

Benedita Elisa

O Sendeiro

Casa Marcelo

Casa dos xacobes

taperia vinoteca la jefatura