The Way of St. James, hand in hand with Paradors

Discover the Way of St. James by staying in historic buildings that enrich every stage of the route

Walking the Way of St. James turns into a deeper experience when the stage is accompanied by accommodation options that preserve the memory of European pilgrimage, spaces that amplify the cultural value of the route and connect the traveler with each region. Paradores offers historic buildings located in essential enclaves of the Way, from the Galician Atlantic coast to the monumental heart of Santiago, creating an inspiring way to discover the Jacobean tradition. One of the proposed itineraries begins in Baiona (Galicia), where the Parador is located on the Monterreal peninsula, a walled fortress overlooking the bay. This point in the south of the Rías Baixas offers a start marked by the maritime legacy and by the arrival of La Pinta in 1493. The Cíes Islands, the local cuisine and the trails in Monte do Boi mark a first stage where the coastal landscape and history hold fundamental importance. The route continues in Pontevedra, where the Parador occupies a Renaissance palace situated in the heart of the historic center. The city houses temples of renown and a museum spread across multiple noble buildings that offer a deep dive into its beautiful heritage. From here, the Atlantic coast opens towards destinations such as the Island of La Toja or the sands of A Lanzada, as well as towns like Combarro, known for its collection of horreos (elevated granaries) by the sea. The journey culminates in Santiago de Compostela, where the Parador is integrated into El Obradoiro Square itself. The building, known as Hostal dos Reis Católicos, is considered the oldest hotel in the country and is part of the city's monumental core. Its historic streets and museums, including that of the Cathedral, help visitors to understand the cultural significance that the Jacobean route has had over time.

The Parador of Santiago is located in El Obradoiro Square, next to the Cathedral; it is considered the oldest hotel in Spain and has witnessed the passage of pilgrims for centuries
The Parador of Santiago is located in El Obradoiro Square, next to the Cathedral; it is considered the oldest hotel in Spain and has witnessed the passage of pilgrims for centuries © Santiago Tourism | Alberto Bandín

Those wishing to extend the experience can continue towards the Parador Costa da Morte, following the extension of the Way of Finisterre, a path linked to the tradition of progressing towards the ancient edges of the world following the sunlight. With more than forty recognized Jacobean routes in Spain, Paradores offers a way to travel the Way combining history, territory and stays with their own identity. Location Baiona and Pontevedra are located in the southwest of Galicia, accessible via the AP–9 motorway and near connections to Vigo Airport, as well as local marinas and maritime terminals. Santiago, in the heart of Galicia, can be directly accessed via the AP–9 highway, a long-distance railway station and the Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport.