The Plaza del Obradoiro sits at the midpoint of the city, where the Cathedral, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, the San Xerome College and the Raxoi Palace (City Hall) are located. In the centre of the square you will discover a plaque considered by pilgrims “kilometre zero”, point of arrival of all the roads that lead to the Apostle.

The Cathedral (Romanesque with a Latin cross plan) was built on the spot where the Apostle’s tomb appeared. The facade of the Obradoiro is topped by the masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture, the Portico de Gloria.

Other places that deserve a look-see: the Plaza de la Inmaculada, Plaza de la Quintana and the Plaza de las Platerías. There are numerous Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical mansions: the Pazo de Monroy, the Vaamonde, the Bendaña, the Santa Cruz or the Fonseca.

Avis care hire in Santiago de Compostela will help make your arrival seamless at this fantastic destination and any stop you wish to make along the way.

Which side of the road?
When driving in Spain, please drive on the right side of the road. 

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may not be used at all whilst driving
• Dipped headlights must be used in poor daylight visibility
• Always use indicators, you will be fined for not using indicators when needed
• Cyclists have right of way, at all times
• Do not use headphones when driving (except hearing aids)

Speed limits
All speed signs will be in km/h.

For a standard Avis car hire with no trailers:

• Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Motorways: 120km/h (74mph)
• Rural areas: 90 km/h (55 mph)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
• Children aged under 12 are not allowed to sit in the front seat
• Children aged under 12 and less than 135cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size

Please note, it is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.
If you want to learn more about driving in Santiago de Compostela, see the full Spain Road Rules guide.

Pick up your hire car in Santiago at one of our offices and take to the open road to discover one of Spain’s most beautiful yet unexplored areas.

Characterised by rolling green hills and dramatic coastlines, Galicia offers some of Spain’s most exciting scenery, and there are also plenty of opportunities to sample exquisite white wines and some of the world’s best seafood.

Travel south on the AP-9 towards Pontevedra. From here you can trundle at your own pace along the “rias baixas” which run all the way down to the Portuguese border. You’ll find incredible scenery, sleepy fishing villages, unbeatable cuisine and lush green landscapes rolling down to sparkling bays.

If you are feeling more adventurous, head northwest on the AC-441 towards the windswept Costa da Morte, an area of wild rugged beauty and crashing waves. Stop at Cape Finisterre, the western most part of Spain, in time to admire an amazing sunset. Or keep heading north on the AC-552 to the “city of glass” A Coruña with its unique architecture and vibrant food scene.

What is driving like in Santiago de Compostela?

The roads in Spain are generally in good condition, and most towns are cities are relatively well-connected. Driving on the open road in the countryside is a breeze, although traffic coming in and out of Spain’s major cities can be noticeably bad.

Is it expensive to rent a car in Santiago de Compostela?

Avis offers a wide range of vehicles to suit all budgets throughout Santiago. Check out what’s available online to get the best deals.

What do I need to bring when I collect my hire car in Santiago de Compostela?

You need to bring your driving licence, credit card (the one you used to make the booking), proof of any discount (if applicable) such as your Avis Preferred card and photo ID (such as passport or driving licence).

Can I pick up my hire car in Santiago and return it to a different location ?

You can enjoy convenient one-way car hire with Avis. Let us know your desired pick-up location and drop-off location in advance and we’ll ensure a quick and seamless experience no matter where you want to go.

What do you need to shift? Our van rental fleet spans small hire vans, perfect for that weekend DIY project; medium vans, well suited to hauling rolls of carpet, heavy floor tiles, or moving the kids to university; and large vans to accommodate some or all of your worldly goods.