Santiago de Compostela, Spain 🇪🇸
#415
42.876383, -8.539081
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia in northwestern Spain, known for its historical significance and as a pilgrimage site. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 95,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular mobile providers include Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Banco Santander and BBVA accept international cards; digital services like N26 are popular among expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Spotahome, and local rental agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local hostels offer various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Albergue Campo de Estrellas provide affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Office Santiago offers a vibrant coworking environment with various amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafetería Món offers good coffee and a conducive work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are held at local tech hubs and the Santiago Chamber of Commerce. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Santiago Expats' foster community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is widely used for on-demand transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Apps like Donkey Republic offer bike rentals throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Samil Beach in Vigo is about an hour away by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Nostrum connects Santiago with various regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Iberia and Vueling provide international flights from the local airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | AP-9 is the main highway connecting to A Coruña and the Portuguese border. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Santiago de Compostela Train Station serves as the primary transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The 'Tarjeta de Transporte' is available for unlimited rides on public buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect Santiago to nearby cities like A Coruña and Pontevedra. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Universitario de Santiago de Compostela is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Shala offers various classes and workshops focused on wellness. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and O2 Gym offer affordable fitness options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | LavaExpress provides convenient laundry services in the city center. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo is a popular food delivery service in Santiago. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional 'pulpo a la gallega' (Galician-style octopus). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | A Casa de Pita offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastelería La Boulangerie is renowned for its delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado de Abastos is a local market with fresh produce and affordable eats. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and El Corte Inglés operate in the region. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercados Gadis offer delivery through their app. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The historic area around Praza de Cervantes is bustling with nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Artesana Buey offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Bar de Vinos includes a selection of local Galician wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Check out the food stalls during local fiestas for traditional Galician street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | La Taverna offers a mix of different international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Cathedral of Santiago and Parque de la Alameda are iconic landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo do Pobo Galego showcases Galician cultural heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is filled with medieval architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Santiago is a prominent pilgrimage site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Feast of Santiago is celebrated on July 25th with various festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Zona Vieja (Old Town) is vibrant with culture and history. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Principal hosts various theatrical performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Abastos offers local products and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The city offers a lively music scene, especially traditional Galician music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Several murals can be found scattered throughout the Old Town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Galicia Cooking offers workshops focused on traditional cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | AGPP (Asociación Galega de Profesionais da Pintura) promotes various local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa de la Troya is a famous historical building in the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city symbolizes the Galician culture and Catholic traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Fragas do Eume is a beautiful nature reserve located about an hour away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sierra de O Courel is a stunning national park accessible within 2 hours. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Camino de Santiago trail passes through the city, offering scenic walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Monte do Gozo offers panoramic views of the city and the Cathedral. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Costa da Morte has excellent spots for birdwatching along the coast. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Pazo de Oca has designated areas for outdoor bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Correos and DHL provide reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Apple Store and local shops provide tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Santiago Sports Facility has table tennis facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Diego de Aillón Language School offers Spanish and Galician classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Pública Municipal is a great place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Sociocultural O Retiro hosts weekly events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming Lounge Santiago serves as a hub for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Coruña is the closest major gaming venue, located in A Coruña. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €162,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €120,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €176,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 19% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 47% |
| 🧾 VAT | 21% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Spain imposes rules on foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on cadastral income. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 10% standard rate. |