We parked our car at the Marriott hotel we stayed and then returned it to the Renault dealer after leasing it for 7 weeks! We paid about $29 a day to rent this through the Renault Eurodrive program! Much cheaper than your usual car rental! The longer you lease it, the lower your daily rate.
Santiago de Compostela is a city built around the cathedral that houses St James crypt and his remains. This city is the most sacred in Spain and is a world UNESCO Heritage sight. This is the end point for the St James Walk or The Way. It is more popular among Europeans and Asians than Americans. Millions of people have walked across the various routes in Europe to arrive at this cathedral.
It’s a very friendly city where people from all over the world arrive and share their stories. Families with young children, college students, retired men and women all walk The Way. Some people pay to have their belongings carried and sleep in comfy hotels. Most rough it and stay in basic hostels for a few euros a night. Some people make the walk every year!
It’s a relaxed place with crowds of people who all have a story to share. The sound of music is heard throughout the day as it echos through the old town
We stayed at a Marriott several days and enjoyed the views and special attention!
Hotel Palacio del Carmen
Our hotel was a convent in past. This breakfast room was a chapel.
The sparkly clean cathedral from a side view
View from the cathedral to the main square
The cathedral has a large silver urn that contains incense. It is swung from the large ropes so it swings across the open space. Originally it was to cover the bad smell of the pilgrims!
This is a group of college students from Mexico. They formed a musical band and performed during and upon completing The Way
One day we stopped for lunch at the farmers market area called Abastos .
This small parade came by as it was Ascension Day celebrations. See my other post on this Santiago de Compostela: Ascension Day Celebrations
Pastries are a thing here too! Special breads with St James symbols
We learned of a special place for dinner one night. The storefront was basic but the food was outstanding! Casa Marcelo.
No reservations. Wait in line early to get in for a seating. The menu was all in Spanish but the waiters interviewed us to find out our likes. Tapas/ small plates
Dinner at the Marriott one night outdoors.
Santiago de Compostela was a gem! I recommend it as one of the best of Spain!
nina in the kitchen 
Loved this post. Brought back memories of my Way of St. James in Sept/Oct 2015. We walked 10 days and arrived to see the botofumeiro (incense burner) swing far across the cathedral at the pilgrims’ Mass. Wonderful experience and the PULPO was the best there. Liz ________________________________
Thank you Liz! You are adventurous! I’d like to walk a portion some day too!!