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Spain’s beautiful Galicia region is one of the country’s least well-known but inviting destinations. In the northwest of Spain along the Atlantic coast, Galicia’s rolling green landscape between the mountains and the sea is the perfect setting for an enchanting road trip. This part of Spain has its own unique history, culture and cuisine and is just waiting to be discovered from behind the wheel.
If you are arriving in the region’s historic capital Santiago de Compostela, Avis has you covered. There are three Avis car rental offices conveniently located in Santiago de Compostela, at Santiago de Compostella Airport – Santiago-Rosalía de Castro – in the centre of the city and at the railway station.
Santiago de Compostela has been known through the ages as a place of pilgrimage, the end point along the centuries old Camino de Santiago (Way of St James).
Its airport, Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport, once called Santiago Lavacolla Airport, was renamed in honour of the famous Galician writer in recognition of her contribution to the Galician language and culture. The airport is the second busiest in the north of Spain and welcomes several million passengers a year with direct flights from 30 European destinations including London Gatwick and London Stansted.
Santiago-Rosalía de Castro is an ideal place to begin your car rental journey in Galicia, whether you’ve just flown in or have completed the Camino on foot but want to see more of the region by car before catching the plane home.
Where to find Avis at Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport
You’ll find our Avis counter at Santiago de Compostela Airport located on the ground floor of the modern terminal building. The rental car collection point is in the multi-storey car park, a short walk from the terminal exit.
When you drop your car off at the end of your trip, signs to the car rental returns area are in Galician (aluguer de coches) and Spanish (alquiler de coches) but not English.
How to get from Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport to Santiago de Compostela by car
Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport is located 14.5km to the northeast of Santiago de Compostela, close to the village of Lavacolla and is an easy drive of around 15min into the centre of the city depending on traffic. Head north from the terminal building and at the roundabout take the third exit onto the A-54 then at the next roundabout take the third exit onto the SC-20 towards the city centre.
Things to do in Santiago de Compostela
With centuries of history and a plethora of cultural attractions, Santiago de Compostela, capital of Galicia offers world class attractions including its medieval old town which is a UNESCO world heritage site. With its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings, the area is regarded as one of the world's special urban areas.
The centre of the city is best explored on foot. Book a visit to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, said to be the burial place of Saint James and whose impressive façade dominates the skyline in the centre of the city. In the Plaza del Obradoir, you’ll see pilgrims gathering as they complete the Camino. Take time to explore the pretty squares around the cathedral and follow the winding streets to the Mercado de Abastos food market to sample the local produce, cheeses and seafood. Stop off in one of the busy cafes on the Calle Franco and Calle Raiña for empanadas, fresh-filled savoury pastries, or the delicious local almond cake Torta de Santiago.
Recommended day trips from Santiago de Compostela Airport
With its rolling countryside, green hills and valleys and beautiful scenery, Galicia makes for a fantastic road trip destination. This verdant region is divided into four provinces each with their own individual character. If you fly into Santiago de Compostela Airport, the region’s main attractions are all just a leisurely drive away.
Santiago de Compostela to La Coruña
Just under an hour’s drive north of Santiago de Compostela along the E1, the coastal charms of La Coruña await. Galicia’s port city is on a peninsula with the Atlantic Ocean on both sides. Explore the city’s Roman past with a trip to the Hercules Tower, the oldest Roman lighthouse in the world still in use. Check out the art galleries and museums and see the marine life at the Aquarium Finisterrae.
Santiago de Compostela to Ribeira Sacra
Drive inland around 1 hr 26 min (111.2 km) via Autoestrada Central Galega/Autovía Lalín-Santiago/AP-53 to Riberia Sacra in the mystical heart of Galicia, a dramatic landscape filled with hilltop villages and medieval monastaries. This land of steep slopes and deep canyons is also a well-known wine growing region. Head to Rio Sil gorge to capture the vista from the viewing platforms.
Santiago de Compostela to Pontevedra
Head to the stunning southern Galicia for a coastal drive of captivating scenic beauty. Visit elegant Pontevedra, a 60 km drive of around 1hr to explore its sea-faring history and traditions. Drive around Arousa Bay with its pretty fishing villages and small towns filled with character.
Is it worth hiring a car at Santiago de Compostela Airport?
While there is public transport with a bus network in the city of Santiago de Compostela and you can catch an airport shuttle bus from the airport to the centre of town, you will need a hire car to travel further afield and explore the wider area.
Our friendly Avis team at Santiago de Compostela Airport are experts in the local region and ready to offer advice and help make your trip a smooth one from the moment you touch down. If you are feeling inspired check out our guide to great Spain road trips.
Tips for driving in Santiago de Compostela
Galicia has a good network of roads linking its major towns and cities. In some towns and villages, you’ll find narrow winding streets. If you have not driven in Galicia before, be aware that you will be driving on the right-hand side of the road as in the rest of Spain and mainland Europe and it may be helpful to familiarise yourself with the road rules for Spain before you pick up your Avis hire car.
You’ll find parking hard to find around the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela and it is best to book before you head to this area of the city.