> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://keithandlindsey.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Part 9: Exploring Santiago de Compostela: What to See and Do - URL: https://keithandlindsey.com/part-9-exploring-santiago-de-compostela-what-to-see-and-do/ - Published: 2025-05-16T00:00:53.000Z - Updated: 2025-10-15T23:45:51.000Z - Description: Keith and Lindsey spent time in Santiago de Compostela after completing the Camino! They did a tour of the cathedral, attended mass, and ate paella. - Author: Lindsey Huster - Tags: Portugal, Spain After walking nearly 200 miles, much of which was in the rain, it was surreal to be walking the last miles into Santiago de Compostela. We’d stayed at a nearby hotel and were watching the weather to break so that we could complete our Camino. We only had 4.5 miles to go, and I wanted to savor the experience. ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7535.webp) Keith and Lindsey standing in front of the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain ⛪ [Part 1: Camino de Santiago: Our Journey's Inspiration](https://keithandlindsey.com/camino-de-santiago-our-journeys-inspiration) [Part 2: Essential Camino Prep: Route Planning and Packing](https://keithandlindsey.com/essential-camino-prep-route-planning-and-packing) [Part 3: How to Prepare for Your Camino: Physical and Mental Prep](https://keithandlindsey.com/how-to-prepare-for-your-camino-physical-and-mental-prep) [Part 4: Lodging on the Camino: From Hostels to Hotels](https://keithandlindsey.com/lodging-on-the-camino-from-hostels-to-hotels) [Part 5: Food on the Camino: Highlights and What to Expect](https://keithandlindsey.com/food-on-the-camino-highlights-and-what-to-expect) [Part 6: A Day in the Life on the Camino: What to Anticipate](https://keithandlindsey.com/a-day-in-the-life-on-the-camino-what-to-anticipate/) [Part 7: Camino Insights: Questions We Didn't Cover](https://keithandlindsey.com/camino-insights-questions-we-didnt-cover) [Part 8: Camino Highlights: More Favorite Moments](https://keithandlindsey.com/part-8-camino-highlights-more-favorite-moments/) [Part 9: Exploring Santiago de Compostela: What to See and Do](https://keithandlindsey.com/part-9-exploring-santiago-de-compostela-what-to-see-and-do) [Part 10: Before and After the Camino: Amsterdam, Porto, and Paris Adventures](https://keithandlindsey.com/part-10-before-and-after-the-camino-amsterdam-porto-and-paris-adventures) ## The Last Miles The last few miles are through the city, leading to the cathedral. You get a first glimpse of the cathedral spires well before arriving, adding to the excitement even more. It was very busy and a bit narrow, quite crowded with other pilgrims and locals. There was an excitement and rush in the air, but I tried to savor each moment. ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8883.webp) Image of arriving into Santiago de Compostela after walking the Camino! I wasn’t sure how I’d feel once we reached the cathedral. I’d read that some are overwhelmed with emotions, while others are a little underwhelmed. I mentally prepared myself for either. I’m not an overly emotional person, so I wasn’t surprised that I felt more excitement and giddiness than tears. It really was a mix of contradictory emotions. Relief knowing we didn't have to get up the next day and walk. Excitement that we could rest. Sadness that it was over, but anticipation of exploring Santiago de Compostela. ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7506.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7524.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8812.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8815.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8840.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8875.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8880.webp) Gallery of the busier streets leading into Santiago de Compostela on our last day of the Camino ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7538.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7529.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8888.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7546.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7554.webp) Gallery of the photos Keith and Lindsey took as they arrived to the cathedral after completing the Camino de Santiago Ad by Google AdSense ## Receiving our Compostelas I had wanted to arrive at the cathedral by early afternoon so we could get our compostela certificate that same day, and also to sit in the cathedral square to watch other pilgrims complete their Camino. The Pilgrim office was not busy at all, so it only took a few minutes to obtain the certificate and be on our way. This meant we had all afternoon and evening to enjoy the city! 📜 The Compostela is a certificate for those who complete a portion of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. To receive the Compostela, pilgrims must walk at least the last 100 km or cycle the last 200 km to Santiago de Compostela. This is issued by the [Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago](https://oficinadelperegrino.com/en/?ref=keithandlindsey.com). Pilgrims need a credential, or a pilgrim's passport, with stamps obtained from various locations along the route. This is used to prove the journey. Fun Fact! In 2024, the pilgrim's office recorded that 499,239 pilgrims received their compstelas. We believe the number to possibly be higher because they announce the number each day online, and the day we finished, a number wasn't announced. This leads us to believe that maybe a few days here and there aren't included in that number. ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8902.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8904.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7556.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8906.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8908.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7935.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8913.webp) Gallery of obtaining our certificate at the [Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago](https://oficinadelperegrino.com/en/?ref=keithandlindsey.com) ## Staying in Santiago de Compostela We were able to check into our [apartment](https://www.booking.com/hotel/es/apartamentos-la-inmaculada.html?aid=356980&label=gog235jc-1FCAsoRkIaYXBhcnRhbWVudG9zLWxhLWlubWFjdWxhZGFIM1gDaLECiAEBmAExuAEHyAEM2AEB6AEB-AECiAIBqAIDuAKi37rABsACAdICJGJlN2EzMjMyLTZjYmItNGNjOC1iMTNiLTM2YTJhZjMyYzBjNNgCBeACAQ&sid=4d75bf9655a5e2ca657b79aeb0d834fa&age=0&checkin=2025-06-20&checkout=2025-06-23&dest%5Fid=-402059&dest%5Ftype=city&dist=0&group%5Fadults=2&group%5Fchildren=0&hapos=1&hpos=1&no%5Frooms=1&req%5Fadults=2&req%5Fchildren=0&room1=A%2CA&sb%5Fprice%5Ftype=total&soh=1&sr%5Forder=popularity&srepoch=1745793043&srpvid=252c9e12c5e40681&type=total&ucfs=1&&ref=keithandlindsey.com#no%5Favailability%5Fmsg) early, which was great, so that we could leave our backpacks. We stayed right in the heart of the city, just 164 feet from the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. We were able to see the spires from our window, as well as the seminary building. The views from the apartment were fantastic at all times of the day. This was a great place to spend a couple of days in the city after completing the Camino. ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8932.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8938.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8940.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7570.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8959.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8971.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8957.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8970.webp) Gallery of the apartment we stayed in with views of the catherdral spires and the seminary building We went back to the square, but it began to rain, so we didn’t get that experience of watching pilgrims complete their walk. We wandered the streets looking for cover from the rain by checking out some shops, grabbed some snacks at a bar, got ice cream, went to the pilgrims museum, and continued to wander around town. We were only slightly hungry by the time we headed back to the apartment. We stopped at a deli for bread, meats, cheese, and fruit. We still hadn’t had enough of those foods! We enjoyed our late dinner sitting in front of a window overlooking the streets. There were groups of people all night long out, and I loved overhearing little bits of their conversations or just the overall excitement of the area. ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7577.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7578.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7583.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8983.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_8991.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7599.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7589.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7591.webp) Gallery of the cathedral square, food we ate in town and our view at night ## The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela The next day, we started the day with the [cathedral tour](https://visitas.catedraldesantiago.es/en/cathedrals-decks-and-carracas-tower/?ref=keithandlindsey.com), including walking on the roofs!! Honestly, we weren't sure what this tour would be like since it only cost 10 euros per person. We figured it would give us access to see the roof, and that alone was worth more than the price of admission. This tour completely shattered our expectations and was so impressive! We were told our guide didn’t speak much English, but would translate the best she could. She did an amazing job teaching us so many things about the cathedral, the architecture, the history, etc. It truly was the highlight of being in Santiago de Compostela! ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7630.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7640.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_9039.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_9043.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_9045.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_9048.webp) Gallery of pictures we were able to take during the tour of the cathedral We chose the rooftop tour because we thought it would be amazing to see the area from up above. We didn't realize how much time we'd literally be walking on the roof. Our guide took us to several locations on the roof to teach us about the cathedral and the surrounding area. The fun facts included in this tour were things we wouldn't have otherwise learned while in the area. ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7750.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7745.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7670.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7697.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_9057.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7684.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_9065.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_9067.webp) Gallery of Keith and Lindsey during the rooftop tour of the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, a highlight of the trip Mass was about to start after the tour, so this worked out perfectly. We did have to exit the cathedral and wait in line outside before the doors to open. The line was quite long, and we didn't get a seat inside, but there was plenty of standing room. The mass was in Spanish, of course, so we didn't understand the words, but it was pretty easy to follow along since we both grew up Catholic. At the end of the mass, we were lucky enough to be treated to the [boufoumeira](https://caminoways.com/botafumeiro-santiago-de-compostela?ref=keithandlindsey.com). The boufoumeria is a famous giant thurible, a metal incense burner, which requires eight men to operate. It is generally used for special occasions, but individuals can also pay for and book the boufoumeira. Attending mass and seeing the boufoumeira completed the trip for me! I had hoped we'd be able to have this experience. ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7759.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_9187.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7790.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7786.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_9160.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_9175-2.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_9183.webp) Gallery of attending mass at the cathedral and seeing the [boufoumeira](https://caminoways.com/botafumeiro-santiago-de-compostela?ref=keithandlindsey.com) ✝️ The tomb of Saint James is located in a crypt beneath the high altar of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. I wrongly assumed that this would be a point of interest while on the cathedral tour. Sadly, it was not. Since we went to mass after the tour, I thought we’d be able to see it then. Again, I was wrong! We took a lot of pictures after mass and tried to get to where the tomb is, but they were ushering people out of the church for the next service. Again, I thought we’d stop by the church later in the day and get to view the tomb. Each time we went, there was a mass in progress, so we never got to walk down the steps to the crypt. I think we saw the steps and people entering, but I can’t be sure. This was a huge missed opportunity for us. ## Lunch Keith requested [Paella](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paella?ref=keithandlindsey.com) while in Spain. I’m not sure I’ve ever had the Spanish dish, so I was excited to try something new. We ended up walking by a restaurant advertising their paella, and we hadn’t really had lunch, so we jumped at the chance. It was so flavorful and included many types of seafood. We were hungrier than we thought and scraped the dish clean. ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_9195.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_9196.webp) Gallery of the seafood [Paella](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paella?ref=keithandlindsey.com) we had in Spain Ad by Google AdSense ## More Exploring and Dinner After lunch, we continued to walk around, exploring more of the streets of Santiago. We checked out some of the souvenir shops, jewelry stores, meats and seafood in store windows, etc. Eventually, we walked to a park on the outside of town that was closed the day before because of the storm. It was so relaxing and nice to wander around without a plan or destination to reach. As we headed back into the busier parts of town, we stopped for coffee and dessert, sitting in the courtyard to people watch. We decided to head back to the room for a little rest and to start packing up since we’d be leaving early in the morning. ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7794.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_9211.webp) Gallery of Keith and Lindsey enjoying an afternoon coffee and cake in a cute city garden We decided on a more traditional Spanish dinner time of 8:30 pm at a local [tapas bar](https://www.elpapatorio.com/?ref=keithandlindsey.com). It was a great choice to celebrate our accomplishments with the Camino and our time in Santiago de Compostela. Once again, we walked around town after dinner and decided we may as well get dessert since it was our last night! I had heard so much about getting [Pastel de nata](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pastel%5Fde%5Fnata?ref=keithandlindsey.com), a Portuguese egg custard tart pastry, and had never gotten one the whole time we were in Portugal, so I decided this was my last chance for it to be authentic. What a fantastic way to wrap up the day and our Camino! ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_9246.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_9249.webp) ![](https://keithandlindsey.com/content/images/2025/05/IMG_7817.webp) Gallery of Keith and Lindsey enjoying a local [tapas](https://www.elpapatorio.com/?ref=keithandlindsey.com) dinner on their last night in Spain, what a great way to celebrate the trip ## Upcoming Post The next morning, we walked to the train station to begin our journey home, which included a night in Paris! Check back next week when I tell you about the night in Paris, as well as the day in Amsterdam on the way to Portugal. Plus, our time in Porto before beginning the Camino! ***Wrapping up the Camino and spending time in Santiago de Compostela felt like a vacation within a vacation! Have you ever been on a trip where it felt that way? Let us know in the comments section below.👇 💬***