Santiago de Compostela

Travelled:171km
Visited: Santiago de Compostela
Stay: near Sanxenxo, private motorhome camp ground, parking €6, services free, electricty €2, free use of washing machine GPS N42°24.5580' W8°51.7200'

Had an easy drive to the parking/aire for motorhomes in Santiago de Compostela. We paid the reasonsable daytime fee of €3.50 (an extra €12 to spend the night). We road the bikes right to the Cathedral and chained them up right outside one of the entrances. We walked around to the front entrance and got some audio guides for a €3.50 each and spent the next hour or so getting better aquainted with some of the main features of the interior of the cathedral. It is said that the buried relics of St.James, one of Christ's twelve apostles, was miraculously discovered here in the 9th century. We walked behind the high alter where traditionally pilgrims would embrace the silver mantle of the 13th century statue of St James. We then accessed the crypt where his relics lie. We also visited several other chapels of the 18 found inside.

We strolled around the old quarter and passed through the market and entered a few of the 27 churches that are scattered about.

The town has a lively atmosphere especially around the Cathedral where most of the pilgrims end their journey. Of course there are plenty of souvenir shops and cafe/restaurants to choose from along with many museums to visit. Unfortunately you need to plan your visits as most are closed from 1:30-4pm.

We decided not to wait for the afternoon openings and continued on our way south.

We ended in a lovely private motorhome camp ground under much needed shade with a gentle breeze from the ocean. The added bonus was the free use of the washing machine. Perfect timing!
After cooking our chops on the cadac, we will sleep to the sound of the ocean. Bliss.