A week in Galicia: Santiago or La Coruna?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A week in Galicia: Santiago or La Coruna?
We are thinking of spending a week in Galicia in late
August or early Sept. Thinking of basing ourselves either in Santiago to La Coruna and doing some day trips. Will be using public transport only. Would like something relaxing but with plenty of history, places for walking/strolling, sightseeing, restaurants, shops etc.
Any advice? thanks!
August or early Sept. Thinking of basing ourselves either in Santiago to La Coruna and doing some day trips. Will be using public transport only. Would like something relaxing but with plenty of history, places for walking/strolling, sightseeing, restaurants, shops etc.
Any advice? thanks!
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,473
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BTW, this past March, I had very good tapas several times at a tiny restaurant converted from 2 booths next to Santiago market,
they only offers 6-7 dishes every meal, but all most interestingly prepared. I think the name Abastos 2.
they only offers 6-7 dishes every meal, but all most interestingly prepared. I think the name Abastos 2.
#6
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There is a hotel we liked very much in Santiago, A Tafona do Peregrino.
It is away from most of the usual tourist sites, it is modern and stylish.
We secured the rooms through Bookings.com.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/a-ta...c93350c8db1X51
It is away from most of the usual tourist sites, it is modern and stylish.
We secured the rooms through Bookings.com.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/a-ta...c93350c8db1X51
#7
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Staying in Santiago is okay, if you are visiting Santiago. If you are looking at doing some day trips, then you need to stay outside of the city, either north, toward A Coruna, or south, toward Pontevedra. If nothing else, I would spend four days north of Santiago and three to the south.
#9
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,760
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I live in Galicia and can give you some advice.
First question is; What to do mean by better?
You do not say where you are travelling from; where is that?
What are your interests?
With out knowing your answers to these my first thoughts is to suggest you split your time. The 2 cities are just over 30 mins apart (by train or bus).
A Coruña is better for shopping than SdC. It also has better areas for you to take a promenade.
First question is; What to do mean by better?
You do not say where you are travelling from; where is that?
What are your interests?
With out knowing your answers to these my first thoughts is to suggest you split your time. The 2 cities are just over 30 mins apart (by train or bus).
A Coruña is better for shopping than SdC. It also has better areas for you to take a promenade.
#10
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree, I'd split time between both and I would go in August instead of Sept.
Galicia is one of the best gems in Europe in the summer ( and we have been exploring Europe extensively for 5 years, so have seen it all).
I've written quite a bit about it
http://www.soultravelers3.com/2008/0...go-de-com.html
http://www.soultravelers3.com/2008/0...us-galici.html
http://www.soultravelers3.com/2008/0...ful-beach.html
Highly suggest this place for a great meal if you are headed that way
http://www.soultravelers3.com/2008/10/post.html
The lace and pottery is something worth seeing ( and maybe bringing home)
p://www.soultravelers3.com/2008/10/lace-pottery-in.html
Hope that helps a bit.
Galicia is one of the best gems in Europe in the summer ( and we have been exploring Europe extensively for 5 years, so have seen it all).
I've written quite a bit about it
http://www.soultravelers3.com/2008/0...go-de-com.html
http://www.soultravelers3.com/2008/0...us-galici.html
http://www.soultravelers3.com/2008/0...ful-beach.html
Highly suggest this place for a great meal if you are headed that way
http://www.soultravelers3.com/2008/10/post.html
The lace and pottery is something worth seeing ( and maybe bringing home)
p://www.soultravelers3.com/2008/10/lace-pottery-in.html
Hope that helps a bit.
#12
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
@Robert2533 HA! Well, not literally ALL, of course, just a short cut way to say it, but we have seen much more of it than most well traveled Europeans..because we have had the time and inclination to slow travel and explore from one place to another.
We've been on an open ended world trip the last 5 years so have been to 42 countries on 5 continents..most of the first 4 years were in Europe. I also lived in Europe for a year when I was younger and have been to about 80 countries on my own.
We're back again this summer to see more ( and will return again to places we love... like this is our 14th time to Barcelona I think..usually staying a month at a time or so) and plan to keep coming back to Europe as there is always more to explore.
In my humble opinion, Galicia (in summer) is one of the great ( and uncrowded) gems of Europe that most sadly miss...and it is a lot more than just Santiago.
We've been on an open ended world trip the last 5 years so have been to 42 countries on 5 continents..most of the first 4 years were in Europe. I also lived in Europe for a year when I was younger and have been to about 80 countries on my own.
We're back again this summer to see more ( and will return again to places we love... like this is our 14th time to Barcelona I think..usually staying a month at a time or so) and plan to keep coming back to Europe as there is always more to explore.
In my humble opinion, Galicia (in summer) is one of the great ( and uncrowded) gems of Europe that most sadly miss...and it is a lot more than just Santiago.
#13
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From WTnow blog reagrding Santiago:
Today, many do the pilgrimage by bike tour (funny to see them piled in special vans with trailers), a few by horse, some by foot, but most do it by bus or car.
__________________________
You cannot get your "Compostela" or certificate that you completed the pilgrimage if you take a car, bus, or truck.
Technically they are not considered a true pilgrim.
Modesty and more than a prefucntionary explanation of sites and their histories would go a long way to achieving popularity for your blog. But then, most blogs are nothing more than self-indulgences, which is what the pilgrimage is supposed to counter.
Today, many do the pilgrimage by bike tour (funny to see them piled in special vans with trailers), a few by horse, some by foot, but most do it by bus or car.
__________________________
You cannot get your "Compostela" or certificate that you completed the pilgrimage if you take a car, bus, or truck.
Technically they are not considered a true pilgrim.
Modesty and more than a prefucntionary explanation of sites and their histories would go a long way to achieving popularity for your blog. But then, most blogs are nothing more than self-indulgences, which is what the pilgrimage is supposed to counter.
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks! I was wondering if August would be too hot and crowded or if September would be too cool/rainy..!
The idea of splitting the week is a great one because I was a bit worried that a full week would be too long in either of them. We're flying from Ireland and there is only flight a week. As I mentioned at the top, interests are history, relaxation, culture, shops, walking/strolling, and a swim on a beach wouldn't go amiss either.
The idea of splitting the week is a great one because I was a bit worried that a full week would be too long in either of them. We're flying from Ireland and there is only flight a week. As I mentioned at the top, interests are history, relaxation, culture, shops, walking/strolling, and a swim on a beach wouldn't go amiss either.
#15
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,760
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The North coast of Galicia would never be too hot, think of Ireland plus a few extra degs. The south can be a bit hotter. Having said that the weather is totally unpredictable.
I will post later with some ideas for you to look at as it is late. and I need to get up for work.
I will post later with some ideas for you to look at as it is late. and I need to get up for work.
#16
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ribe
Wasn't two summers ago extremely hot?
Santiago can get crowded during the summer, especially when there is a Holy Year.
Many Gallegos go to Malpica for the beach and you will not find many from foreign coutnries there. And there is also a beautiful beach a ferry ride away from Vigo called Iles de Cies. The ferry is a bit expensive which means the beach is never really overcrowded.
Wasn't two summers ago extremely hot?
Santiago can get crowded during the summer, especially when there is a Holy Year.
Many Gallegos go to Malpica for the beach and you will not find many from foreign coutnries there. And there is also a beautiful beach a ferry ride away from Vigo called Iles de Cies. The ferry is a bit expensive which means the beach is never really overcrowded.
#17
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Aduchamp1
I wasn't talking about getting a "Compostela" or certificate or being an "official" pilgrim. Neither is the op. One does not need a Compostela to enjoy Santiago or Galicia.
I thought the pilgrimage was more about learning about loving and kindness.
I also said in that post:
"We too, feel like pilgrims in our own way, as a family can not take a journey like this without great dedication and trust or without learning more about one's soul. We do not need to walk or bike to Santiago or around the world, to connect to the essence of such a journey."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnqpoELmDbM
Sorry you do not like blogs, but that is okay, they are not meant for everyone and you don't have to read them. Peace! God bless you!
I wasn't talking about getting a "Compostela" or certificate or being an "official" pilgrim. Neither is the op. One does not need a Compostela to enjoy Santiago or Galicia.
I thought the pilgrimage was more about learning about loving and kindness.
I also said in that post:
"We too, feel like pilgrims in our own way, as a family can not take a journey like this without great dedication and trust or without learning more about one's soul. We do not need to walk or bike to Santiago or around the world, to connect to the essence of such a journey."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnqpoELmDbM
Sorry you do not like blogs, but that is okay, they are not meant for everyone and you don't have to read them. Peace! God bless you!
#18
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,298
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm very partial to Santiago, dont like Coruna that much. I have stayed in Santiago for 4 -5 days at a time and done day trips to Pontevedra, Finisterre, coruna and the rias ( in diferent trips).
If you're looking for a hotel in Santiago we loved the Costa Vella ( but it doesnt have A/c).
If you're looking for a hotel in Santiago we loved the Costa Vella ( but it doesnt have A/c).
#19
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,760
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re the beach temps..It happened last year too and so far we have had some good weather...but as I said all of that can change.
A lot of hotels in Galicia do not have Air co. The nights are usually fresher so one can sleep a lot better than some parts of Spain.
There are many places one can see but the OP can only use public transport I am going to suggests that they contact the tourist office in SdC to find out if the organised tours on their web site are in English ( I assume that they do not speak too much Spanish)
http://www.santiagoturismo.com/centr...ultados/ca:196
A lot of hotels in Galicia do not have Air co. The nights are usually fresher so one can sleep a lot better than some parts of Spain.
There are many places one can see but the OP can only use public transport I am going to suggests that they contact the tourist office in SdC to find out if the organised tours on their web site are in English ( I assume that they do not speak too much Spanish)
http://www.santiagoturismo.com/centr...ultados/ca:196
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Mare525
South America
7
Jun 4th, 2010 04:43 PM