Moving to Santiago de Compostela
This week we look at moving to Santiago de Compostela, in the latest of Matthew’s “Go Expat In…” series.
Not only pilgrims make their way to Santiago
Ups
The beautiful old town of Santiago de Compostela’s the perfect setting to practise a noble Spanish tradition. For this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s ideal for a paseo. Yes, it’s one of life’s simple pleasures strolling around the casco antiguo. And one that seems to be enjoyed by locals as much as tourists.
Downs
There’s a new town as well. Which isn’t so easy on the eye. Also, Galicia’s one of the wettest areas in Spain. The rain here will fall mainly on your head rather than on the plain. All 1,545 millimetres of it.
In and out
Santiago de Compostela aiport (SCQ) is actually in the town of Lavacolla, around 15km to the east of the city. For the fastest and shortest way to and from Aeroporto to cidade, note the Galician spelling, take the N-634.
Education
Chester College International School have been offering a bilingual English and Spanish education for children from 3-18 since 1985. Located on the outskirts of the city, in green and pleasant Tao, boarding facilities are available for older pupils. The school’s methodology wants to help promote creative and independent thinking, as “students are encouraged to apply previous and new knowledge to problem solving, and taught to analyze, synthesize and critically evaluate information given.”
Shop until you drop…
You’ll find the Mercado de Abastos de Santiago within walking distance of the city’s famous cathedral, on the Praza de Abastos de Santiago. This square’s the second most-visited city landmark after the cathedral. Buy fresh, local produce including the legendary pimenteiras de Padrón. These peppers are fried in olive oil and almost dusted in sea salt. They’re generally fairly mild, but watch out for the odd one which will pack quite the punch.
Property types
Located in Green Spain, it’s not that much of a surprise to see Santiago de Compostela house its fair share of ecological properties. Head outside the city for pazos, Galician manor houses. Although you might find it easier to find a bargain property in the new town, where flats are refreshingly roomy.
Market watch
One-three bedroom apartments, €130.000-€350.000. Detached Villas, €150.000-€400.000.
In Praise Of
“Santiago de Compostela’s full of life and history. Students, tourists, and locals mingle to create a bustling, lively atmosphere close by the 800-year-old Cathedral. The Old Town’s big enough that you always find something new, but nothing beats hanging out in front of the Cathedral, watching the pilgrims walk into the square after walking miles and miles to get to Santiago on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail. They cry, hug, laugh, and celebrate the end of their long journey. It gives me goosebumps every time.” Faith Walter (Blogger)
• Are you an expat in Santiago de Compostela? What do you like/dislike about it? Let us know below.
Matthew Hirtes, our resident broadsheet journalist, moved to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria back in 2004. He’s travelled extensively through Spain, covering it for such publications as Telegraph Travel, Metro, and The Independent. The author of Going Local in Gran Canaria: How To Turn a Holiday Destination into a Home, Matthew truly is a resident expert.
Matthew writes for two sections of Spain Buddy: Moving to Spain and Spanish Football as well as providing Reviews
October 18, 2013 @ 3:43 pm
My wife and I moved to Galicia in 2002. We live about 100km south of Santiago de Compostela. It’s true that compared to other parts of Spain we have quite a bit of rain. Chris Stewart, of Driving Over Lemons fame referred to this corner of Spain as, ‘Rain sodden Galicia’ but in the words of Mark Twain, ‘There are lies, damned lies and statistics’.
Galicia is undoubtedly Spain’s green and pleasant land. Most of the annual rainfall falls between the months of November and April. Throughout much of spring and the whole of summer we experience clear blue skies, hot sunny days, and comfortably warm evenings.
Of course I’m biased, having lived here for over 11 years, who wouldn’t be; but believe you me, Galicia is wonderful place to live, rain and all.
October 18, 2013 @ 3:57 pm
Hi Craig!
Galicia certainly looks beuatiful – and your book describes it beautifully.
Thansk for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Elle x
June 10, 2022 @ 9:52 pm
Hi! Bob here:
Interested in finding out if there’s an US &/or English speaking enclave in Santiago di Compostela.
I am of meager means, retired basically a non dating widower, and very Catholic.
I’d appreciate any feedback.
I could @ some point do a bit better financially, but not so now.
Thank you.
I’m also looking keenly towards the Catholic aspect.
Don’t have me inundated with emails. I ignore any and almost all, but would like info, being a non Spanish speaker.
September 28, 2019 @ 3:42 pm
Hello,
I’m just curios to know if you speak Spanish and if not, is this a barrier to living in Galicia?
June 29, 2020 @ 6:35 pm
Hello, My husband and I are considering renting a small, furnished house or apartment in or around Santiago in the spring or summer of 2021, for about 3 -4 months. I would actually like to stay for longer periods (6months) and will do this perhaps the following year. We’ve spent a lot of time in Ibiza over the last 50 years as we have family there but would like to get to know other parts of Spain. Ibiza was a lovely, small farm island…wonderful people, but as you know, it’s changed dramatically. We have also walked the Camino twice and will return this late fall…we hope! I have many questions about living short term in Santiago and certainly don’t expect you to answer all. But any comments, advice, recommendations you might have would be so very welcome. In a nutshell… we are in our late 70’s, excellent health. Skiing, hiking, running, etc. are the major part of our lives. We live on the western slope of Colorado, but most of our lives we lived in ski resorts. Husband loves to read a lot and meet new people. I love to love to hike and kayak. Thanks for any insights you would have! Regards, Elaine Rau,
Grand Junction, CO, USA