Rent your car in Santiago de Compostela with Europcar
Located in the northwest of Spain, Santiago de Compostela and its cathedral are the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. The 780-kilometer trail, which starts in St Jean Pied de Port in
France and reaches Santiago, has been one of the most important pilgrimages in the world for the last 1000 years.
The city fills with tourists during the months of July and August, and a festive atmosphere reigns throughout the summer. You can find authentic taverns and impressive museums in the old town with winding streets and beautiful architecture.
The experience of renting a car with Europcar in Santiago de Compostela
Europcar has two agencies in Santiago de Compostela. One at the
train station and another at the
airport, about 20 minutes by car from the city.
Car rental in Santiago de Compostela is possible regardless of the size of your group. Couples can rent economical cars like the Nissan Micra or the Volkswagen Golf, which are excellent options. Families can rent the more spacious Volkswagen Touran, and even larger groups can rent 7 or 9-seater vehicles like the Seat Alhambra and the Mercedes Vito Tourer.
Transporting heavy loads? You can rent a van at our agencies in Santiago de Compostela.
Want to travel further? Pick up and drop off your rental car at different agencies for greater convenience. With Europcar Santiago de Compostela, you can enjoy your rental car for short and long-term periods.
Driving in Santiago de Compostela
Only an EU or EEA driving license is required to rent a car in Santiago de Compostela. International driving licenses are accepted but not mandatory. Make sure to carry your passport while driving in case of a police check.
Throughout Spain, there is a maximum speed limit of 120 km/h on highways, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 50 km/h in urban areas. The speed limit drops to 20 km/h in residential areas.
When driving in Spain, you will encounter tolls on highways. You can pay them with cash or a credit card. Most tolls have an electronic payment system called "Telepeaje" or "Via T". Drivers can acquire these transmitters at banks or gas stations.
In Santiago de Compostela, you will find many parking areas. Paid parking applies throughout the week, although stay times vary. You can pay for parking in cash, with a credit/debit card, and often with mobile apps. Keep in mind that it is more difficult to find parking spaces during the summer months.
Discover Santiago de Compostela and its surroundings by car
While the main attraction of Santiago de Compostela is the Camino and its Cathedral, there is much more to discover. Santiago is the ideal starting point to explore the northern Spanish countryside with incredible panoramas for drivers and their passengers.
25 minutes by car from the city is Monte Pedroso, a peak with unparalleled views of Santiago de Compostela. Protected for years from construction, you will reach its summit in just 40 minutes on foot, where a beautiful sunset over the city and its cathedral awaits you. To get there by car, take the road at O Carme de Abaixo and then turn right, following the instructions of the TV repeaters.
Get away from the crowd and head to the coast for open space. There are several day trips to Cabo Finisterre (83 kilometers), the westernmost jungle of Spain, to the charming seaside town of
La Coruña (75 kilometers), and to the extensive beach of Carnota (69 kilometers).
If you are looking to take a longer trip from Santiago de Compostela, why not take a trip to Portugal?
Porto is about 2 and a half hours by car from the city.
Visit the Museo Centro Gaiás
15 minutes by car from the city center, this impressive museum and exhibition center is worth a visit just for its ski jump shape. The 16,000 square meter space offers informative educational workshops, large-scale installations, and a 6,000 square meter exhibition space. The City of Culture is freely accessible, with excellent guided tours from June to September.
What not to miss if you are in Santiago de Compostela
Best known as the end of the Camino de Santiago, the city of Santiago de Compostela welcomes around 250,000 pilgrims each year. While the Camino de Santiago Cathedral is a gem, this important UNESCO World Heritage site has more to offer than its cathedral. The Cathedral Museum and the Museum of Sacred Art are popular cultural institutions worth visiting. The huge square adjoining the west facade of the cathedral is an impressive space. While this deeply rooted and Catholic city may seem a bit tense, Santiago also knows how to entertain you. The best pubs and music bars, and the two weeks of festivities around July 25 show visitors the modern soul of the city.
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