Page 15 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Northern Spain

DISC OVERING NOR THERN SP AIN  13

Afternoon Escape the crowds
by strolling up Monte Urgull
(p138), a hill criss-crossed by
delightful walking paths, and
enjoy the wonderful views from
the summit, where there’s a bar
and some castle ruins to
explore. Head downhill and
into the New Town (p139), laid
out in the 19th century and
dominated by the handsome
Neo-Gothic cathedral (p139).
This area has a good selection
of smart restaurants and tapas
bars where you can have dinner. The cathedral of Santiago de Compostela seen from Praza Quintana
Day 2 2 Days in Santiago Day 2
Morning Take a long stroll de Compostela Morning Immerse yourself
around the marvellous Bahía in the atmosphere of this
de la Concha (p138), stopping A breathtakingly beautiful ravishing city by strolling
to sunbathe or have a dip in city, Santiago de Compostela through its ancient streets
the sea, if the weather allows. is packed with palaces and squares, including the
If you’re feeling adventurous, and churches. Praza das Praterias (p65),
you could take a boat out to • Airport Santiago de named after the goldsmiths’
the nearby island of Santa Compostela Airport is 10 km workshops that once lined it,
Clara. At the southern tip of (6 miles) from the city the Praza do Obradoiro (p64)
the bay is Eduardo Chillida’s centre. Buses run to the city. and the Praza Quintana (p68).
huge sculpture The Comb Don’t miss the lavish Baroque
of the Winds. • Transport The historic Convento de San Martiño
heart of Santiago is easy Piñario (p69), which boasts a
Afternoon Head up Monte to explore on foot. richly carved façade.
Igueldo (p139), either on foot • Tip Note that the pilgrim’s
or by the charming, century- mass at the cathedral takes Afternoon Visit more of
old funicular, to enjoy the views place daily at noon. the city’s cultural attractions.
and perhaps have some fun in Find out about local life and
the delightfully old-fashioned traditions in the Museo do
funfair. There are a couple of Day 1 Pobo Galego (p69), housed
restaurants at the top of the Morning Head straight to the in a 17th-century church. Then,
hill where you can dine city’s main attraction, Santiago for a change of pace, head
accompanied by fabulous Cathedral (pp66–7), a vast, around the corner, where you’ll
views. Alternatively, head back magnificent church built find the bold, modern building
to the city centre for dinner. between the 11th and 18th that houses the Centro Gallego
centuries. Explore the interior, de Arte Contemporáneo (p69),
admiring its exquisite chapels a striking collection of
and doorways, then visit the contemporary art.
Cathedral Museum (p68), full
of religious artifacts. Have lunch Extend your trip…
on one of the city’s many Hire a car for a three-day
beautiful squares. coastal round-trip from the
city (325 km/202 miles).
Afternoon Visit the Pazo de Head to Cabo Fisterra
Xelmírez (p68), the medieval (p60) via the medieval town
Archbishop’s Palace, and take of Noia (p70); spend the
in the amazing views over the night in Fisterra. Continue
city’s ancient domes and spires north along the scenic
from its rooftop. A short walk Costa da Morte (p60)
away is the Museo das to the fishing town of
Peregrinacións (p69), where Camariñas (p60) and the
you can discover more about elegant seaside city of
the famous pilgrimage route A Coruña (pp58–9). Soak up
that has attracted thousands the nightlife here and stay
of pilgrims annually for more overnight before returning
A 16th-century painting in the vaults of than a millennium. Have dinner to Santiago de Compostela.
the Museo San Telmo, San Sebastián at a seafood restaurant.

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