OUR TRIP
Duration
Four weeks
When
March to April 2019
Why?
Splendid scenery, fine food and historic architecture in a surprisingly quiet region of Spain
After touring Spain’s Mediterranean coast and Portugal’s Algarve, we decided on a less popular coastal route in northern Spain. Departing in March, we couldn’t expect blue skies every day, but hoped to be rewarded with fewer crowds, ecclesiastical architecture, secluded bays and fabulous tapas.
We began our journey in the beautiful medieval city of Santiago de Compostela, the end point for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago for more than a thousand years. A handy stop on Rúa Manuel Maria (€13.50 with all facilities) and a gentle 30-minute stroll gave us our first view of Praza do Obradoiro, the vast square by the towering cathedral.
My hopes of getting some good photos of the cathedral’s exterior were sadly scuppered by the scaffolding on its grand facades, part of ongoing renovations.
Ancient churches and alleys
However, the grandeur of structures dating from the 11th century couldn’t be diminished. The interior, lavishly ornamented in gold, is quite simply mesmerising.
Exploring the of the Old Town, with its labyrinth of bars for refuelling. We stayed in the city for three nights, but could easily have lingered longer.
