Car Rental - Santiago de Compostela

Rent a car when you visit Santiago de Compostela and experience the final stop on the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail, an epic 500-mile journey across the top of Spain. Steeped in history, this charming Galician destination is home to a magnificent cathedral, as well as bustling Baroque squares and wonderful local cuisine.

Discover the city’s cultural highlights when you rent a car in Santiago de Compostela. We have pickup points across the city, including at Santiago Airport. A rental car will provide quick and easy access to the sights of this historic city as well as the opportunity to explore the unique delights of Galicia.

When you rent a car in Santiago de Compostela with Hertz there are no hidden extras to pay and no cancellation or amendment fees if you need to change or cancel up to two days before collection. Our best price guarantee means that, in the unlikely event you find a lower Hertz price, we'll refund the difference.

Explore Santiago de Compostela with car rental from Hertz.

There’s a unique magic to Santiago de Compostela – it’s one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. Fall under the spell of its intoxicating historic center when you explore the tangle of narrow granite streets, Romanesque stone churches and fantastic seafood restaurants.

The jewel in Santiago de Compostela’s crown is undoubtedly its spectacular cathedral. Built between 1075 and 1211, it’s an awe-inspiring sight, with its bell towers piercing the city skyline.

More than 3000,000 Camino pilgrims visit this Romanesque masterpiece each year – join them and marvel at the Gothic and Baroque architectural details added over the centuries from Praza do Obradoiro, the square that leads to the cathedral.

Inside, beneath the main altar, is a large 19th-century silver casket believed to hold the remains of the apostle Saint James. Another highlight to look out for is the outstandingly beautiful Pórtico de la Gloria inside the west entrance, which features 200 incredibly lifelike Romanesque sculptures of biblical figures.

Finish off your trip to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral with a rooftop tour. Get a glimpse of the cathedral’s interior from a different perspective, learn about the church’s history and enjoy unparalleled views of the city.

Dedicate an afternoon to exploring the city’s top museums. Museo da Catedral is one of the best. Admire the beauty of the Renaissance cloister, see an impressive collection of religious art spanning the 13^th to 18^th centuries and wander a room full of colorful tapestries.

Learn more about St James and the pilgrimage itself at the fascinating Museo das Peregrinacións e de Santiago. To find out about Galician life, art and culture head to the Museo do Pobo Gallego. 

Soak up more of the city’s history by exploring the streets. A warren of tight passageways lead you from lively squares to centuries-old churches, with stone arcades to see along the way. Stop off at Praza de Fonseca, one of the prettiest squares in Santiago de Compostela, and take it all in from a table at one of the cafes.

While the city is a famous pilgrimage spot, it’s a foodie haven, too. Galician octopus (pulpo) is the star of the show, featuring heavily on menus around Santiago de Compostela.

For a truly authentic experience you should try pulpo á feira, cooked with bay leaves, olive oil and paprika and served on a wooden plate with hunks of bread to dip in the oil. Restaurante dos Reis is one of the best places to sample it and offers a spectacular setting to enjoy your feast.

Mercado de Abastos, the city’s central market, is the perfect place to pick up some local produce. Listen to vendors peddling their wares and wander stalls piled high with Padrón peppers, artisan cheese and tarta de Santiago – the city’s famous almond sponge cake.

Snap up some freshly baked bread, slices of Spanish tortilla and cured meats or stop by one of the cafes lining the market to sample some of the moreish fare on the menu.

Car rental in Santiago de Compostela allows you to see the best of the city and the rest of this unique part of north-west Spain.

Discover the city of Santiago de Compostela at your own pace with a rental car. The SC-20 and N-550 are the two main roads linking the city with the wider region.

If you’re exploring Santiago de Compostela by rental car, be aware that there’s a one-way system in place in parts of the historic center. Other areas are pedestrianized too, so your best option is to park your rental car in one of the parking lots that surround Santiago de Compostela’s old town. Parking Xoán XXIII is a short walk north of the Monasterio de San Martı́ n Pinario and Parking San Clemente-Sanitago is also nearby.

While visiting enchanting Santiago de Compostela, discovering the region of Galicia is a must. Lush valleys, unspoilt coast and ancient fort-villages await.

Quaint Fisterra, a sleepy harbor town on the coast, is 80 minutes away from Santiago de Compostela by rental car via the AC-441. Drive here to experience the rugged capes and serene beaches of this part of the Spanish coast. A Guarda, close to the Portuguese border, is just under two hours away via the AP-9. While the restaurants are some of the best in the area, the real reason to come here is to take on Monte de Santa Trega, a dramatic peak boasting awesome vistas.

Lugo, an impressive walled city with a wealth of historical sights, is an hour-and-a-half from Santiago de Compostela along the AP-9 and A-6. Parque Natural Fragas do Eume offers ample hiking opportunities through magical woodlands. Follow the AP-9 north and you’ll be there in an hour.

While in Spain you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road. There are two types of freeway here. Autovías, marked with an ‘A’, are free to use while autopistas are tolled and pre-fixed with ‘AP’. The speed limit on these types of road is 120 km/h (74 mph), while the maximum in urban areas is 50 km/h (30 mph).