Official UK partner to the Paradors, Pousadas, Pestana Hotels & Resorts,
Teritoria, and European Hotels Collection. Keytours International,
formerly Keytel International, your agent in the UK.
15th century Pilgrim's Hospice (5*)
Considered to be one of the oldest hotels in the world, the Parador Santiago de Compostela was built in 1499 by order of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Once a royal hospital, which provided lodging and shelter for many pilgrims who arrived in the city following the ‘Camino de Santiago’ the impressive building along with the Romanesque cathedral beside it and the Plaza de Obradoiro have now been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are proclaimed as historic jewels by international and national travellers alike. The Parador has kept its tradition alive to this day by giving the first few pilgrims arriving at the hotel free meals and stamps for their passport. The Plaza de Obradoiro is recognised as the finishing point of the ‘Camino de Santiago’ across Northern Spain and up through Portugal. The Parador itself combines Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements which can be seen throughout the luxurious public areas, bedrooms and suites. The original hospital was built between 1499 and 1519 whilst the balconade and Baroque windows were added at the end of the 17th century. The Parador has extensive conference facilities and, as may be expected, many high-level political and cultural events take place here.
The Parador has two restaurants; the Restaurante dos Reis is set under atmospheric historic arches and offers many traditional Galician dishes including 'pulpo a la plancha' (grilled Octopus) and 'caldo gallego' (Galician stew). The Restaurante Enxebre is a more contemporary space offering more casual dining and smaller plates with a variety of seafood dishes.
The city of Santiago de Compostela boasts famous historical attributes such as the Cathedral, the ”Plaza do Obradoiro” where the Parador is located, the Gemirez and Rajoy Palaces, the Church of Santa Maria del Sar, the Monastery of San Marin Pinario, the Museum of Tapestries, the Church of Santa Maria Salome and the Museo do Pobo Galego.
Without doubt Santiago de Compostela's biggest claim to fame is as the destination for those completing the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage (or St James' Way). Pilgrims have been making their way to Santiago since the Middle Ages with the first reported arrivals dating back to the 9th century. Nowadays the route is popular with religious devotees and hiking lovers alike with a great variety of routes such as the Portuguese Route, the Finisterre Route and the last 100km from Sarria. The traditional pilgrimage stretches a whopping 789km from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and typically takes over a month to complete with most pilgrims undertaking the mammoth route from May to September . The cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is rumoured to be the burial site of the apostle Saint James and, as such is held in high regard amongst Catholics worldwide.
Famous for traditional religious festivals such as the "Feria del Ganado" which is held during May, this fiesta offers a particular insight into the city’s Celtic roots of the Galicia region featuring a significant amount of Celtic folk music and dancing. Gastronomy is also very prominent during this particular festival with the various regional dishes of Galicia taking centre stage in the celebrations. Another prominent festival is on the 25th July which celebrates the National Offering to the Apostle Santiago (Saint James) who was buried at the Cathedral. Furthermore, the processions during Holy Week are also very impressive.
From October 2025 the city will impose a city tax of between €1,50 to €2 per person, per day payable locally.
Breakfast is served from 07.00 to 11.00.
Restaurante Dos Reis (main Parador restaurant) timings:
Lunch: 13.30 to 15.45
Dinner: 19.45 to 22.45
Restaurante Enxebre timings:
Lunch: 13.00 to 14.45
Dinner: 19.45 to 22.45
It may be possible to arrive up to 30 minutes before closing and still enjoy a meal.
Cafe/bar is open from 10.00 until 1.00
The Parador is located in Santiago's old quarter in the Plaza do Obradoiro, where some of the most outstanding monuments of the city can also be found: the cathedral, the town hall and the Colegio de San Xerome. From A Coruña you will reach Santiago along the main N-550 road, passing through Ordes, or along the A-9 motorway towards Pontevedra (65 km). Both roads take you to Noia, 34 km from Santiago, to Padrón, 22 km away and to Pontevedra, 59 km away.
There is limited garage parking at this Parador for a daily charge. If the garage is full, guests will be directed to a public car park (with fees) around 100m away.
Galicia, a region in the north-west of Spain, is famous for its spectacular Atlantic coastline, excellent seafood and as the destination of the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage. The Paradors here offer a mixture of wonderful natural settings, ocean views and cultural city breaks.
