Santiago de Compostela, Spain πͺπΈ
#415
,
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the Galicia region in northwest Spain, known for its rich history and as the final stop of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. |
π₯ Population | Approx. 99,000 |
π» Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 25 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | Currency is Euro (EUR). 1 EUR β 1.07 USD. |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type C/E sockets |
πΆ SIM Card | Major providers include Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Popular banking services for expats include Santander and BBVA, along with online options like N26 and Revolut. |
π Accommodation | Options range from hostels and guesthouses to apartments available through Airbnb and Spotahome. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property rentals are popular. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Albergue and Casa de Afonso offer budget-friendly options. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is ideal for tourists. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City Center, particularly around Avenida de la Libertad and the locations near coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Espacio COWORKING offers a vibrant environment for remote work. |
β Best Cafe for Work | CafΓ© Tertulia is popular for its relaxed vibe and good WiFi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Monthly meetups through platforms like Meetup.com and local tech events. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | The Santiago Expat Community group on Facebook regularly organizes social gatherings. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Cabify and MyTaxi are popular options for ride-hailing. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Santiago offers bike rental through BiciSantiago for exploring the city. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is Samil Beach in Vigo, about a 1.5-hour drive away. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air Nostrum operates regional flights. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Iberia and Vueling provide international connections. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | AP-9 connects Santiago to major cities like A CoruΓ±a and Pontevedra. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | EstaciΓ³n de tren de Santiago serves as the main terminus for train travel. |
π Public Transport Passes | Bus passes for the urban network can be purchased and loaded at kiosks. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities operated by Monbus and Alsa. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Hospital ClΓnico Universitario de Santiago is the main healthcare facility. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en Santiago offers various classes and wellness programs. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Dir Santiago and Anytime Fitness have good facilities. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | LavaRapido offers convenient laundry services. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Just Eat are popular for food delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Pulpo a la Gallega, a traditional Galician octopus dish. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | A Taberna do CafΓ© and O CamiΓ±o Verde cater to plant-based diets. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | PastelerΓa TarterΓa offers a variety of local pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado de Abastos is the local food market with great prices. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Spain operates for online shopping. |
π Grocery Delivery | Supermercados Dia offers delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | RΓΊa do Franco is famous for nightlife and tapas bars. |
π» Local Brewery | The local brewery, Estrella Galicia, offers tours. |
π· Wine Bars | Pazo de Galegas specializes in local wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street food markets are often held on weekends at the city center. |
π Popular International Cuisine | The city has Italian, Chinese, and Mexican restaurants, with places like PizzerΓa Da Vinci and La Casa de las Empanadas. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Santiago Cathedral and the Plaza del Obradoiro are essential. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Museo do Pobo Galego showcases Galician culture. |
π° Historical Sites | Visit the historical area of the Old Town for its cobbled streets. |
π Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a focal point of pilgrimage. |
π Annual Events | The Festival of Santiago in July celebrates the city's patron saint. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The Old Town is a cultural district known for its architecture. |
π Theater Venues | Teatro Principal offers diverse performances year-round. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Mercado de Abastos features local produce and crafts. |
πΌ Music Scene | Venues like Sala Capitol host live music events. |
π¨ Street Art | Explore the artistic murals in neighborhoods like Ensanche. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Santiago Cooking School offers local culinary classes. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | RΓΊa do Vilar has several independent galleries. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Casa del Cabildo is a notable historic structure. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The city is recognized for its cultural heritage as a pilgrimage site. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Fragas do Eume Natural Park offers beautiful landscapes for hiking. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Cabo de Cruz National Park is accessible within an hour. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Camino de Santiago routes offer scenic trails. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Monte Pedroso provides panoramic views of the city. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands around Lago de San Roque are great for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at beaches like Razo are bonfire-friendly. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Correos operate parcel delivery services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Servicios InformΓ‘ticos Santiago offers electronics repair. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Local sports clubs often have table tennis facilities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Galicia Language School offers Spanish and Galician classes. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca PΓΊblica de Santiago is ideal for studying. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Espazo TIC is a community center for tech enthusiasts. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | The Arcade CafΓ© offers a fun gaming experience. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Santiago provides gaming and entertainment. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬112,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬88,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬2,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬150,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬120,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬2,400 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬192,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,900 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬152,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 25% |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 19% |
π¦ Tax System | Resident individuals are taxed on worldwide income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 47% for income over β¬60,000 |
π§Ύ VAT | 21% |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict CFC rules are applied. |
π Property Tax | Based on the cadastral value of the property. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 10% standard rate. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Non-residents can benefit from favorable tax treatment on foreign income. |