Santiago, Spain

Full Transcript

Intro

Welcome aboard the TSJ CruisePod - your journey beyond the waves.

I’m your host, Thomas Sebastian Jensen.

Today, we’re setting foot in one of the most meaningful places in Europe - Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

It’s a city where history, faith, and culture come together in a way that touches every traveler who visits.

City Overview

Spain - a land full of sunshine, culture, and history.

Every region has its own charm, but in Galicia, in the green northwest of the country, life feels slower and more authentic.

Our ship docked in the port of A Coruña, a lively city known for its fishing industry and trade.

It’s one of the most convenient cruise ports in Spain, located just minutes from the city center.

But for us, A Coruña was just the starting point for a very special journey - a day trip to Santiago de Compostela.

This historic city is world-famous as the destination of the Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James - one of the oldest and most important pilgrimage routes in Europe.

For centuries, people from all over the world have traveled here to visit the tomb of the Apostle James, whose remains are believed to rest in the city’s magnificent cathedral.

Our Day in Port

Even during the bus ride from A Coruña, you could already sense that this would be a special day.

The route led past rolling green hills, small villages, and eucalyptus forests, with occasional glimpses of stone chapels along the way.

After about an hour, we arrived in Santiago.

Our first view of the Plaza del Obradoiro, the grand square in front of the cathedral, was unforgettable.

Admittedly, we had expected it to be a little larger, but the baroque façade with its two towers and ornate details was breathtaking.

Our guide gave us a brief introduction to the city’s history and the spiritual meaning of the pilgrimage before letting us explore on our own.

The narrow streets of the old town were a mix of quiet corners and lively passages.

Many of the small shops were still closed, adding to the peaceful mood of the morning.

Finding a café wasn’t easy at first, but when we finally did, we treated ourselves to churros with hot chocolate - crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and served with thick, rich chocolate.

It was the perfect Spanish comfort food for a cool winter day.

Re-energized, we wandered through the old town, stopping at souvenir shops and later relaxing in the University Gardens.

There, surrounded by students and old stone walls, we felt a blend of youthful energy and deep tradition.

The highlight of the day, of course, was visiting the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Entering through the adjoining museum, we were immediately struck by its atmosphere.

Golden altars, intricate chapels, and centuries of history all seemed to merge into one timeless space.

Images of St. James were everywhere - reminders of the countless pilgrims who had reached this sacred destination before us.

It was more than sightseeing; it felt like stepping into a living story of faith and perseverance.

In the afternoon, the bus brought us back to A Coruña.

We were tired from walking, but our minds were filled with impressions - the solemn grandeur of the cathedral, the quiet beauty of the old streets, and the taste of churros dipped in chocolate.

It was one of those days that stay with you, long after the journey ends.

Travel Tips

A visit to Santiago de Compostela offers much more than sightseeing - it’s a glimpse into the heart of European cultural history.

Since the release of Hape Kerkeling’s famous book “I’m Off Then”, the Camino has become known worldwide, attracting not just pilgrims but travelers seeking meaning and reflection.

The excursion from A Coruña is absolutely worth it.

The seventy-five kilometers can be easily covered by bus, and most cruise lines offer organized tours.

Taking a taxi isn’t recommended - it’s much more expensive.

If you plan to visit the cathedral, expect some waiting time, especially on weekends or during the summer months.

Comfortable shoes are essential, as the cobblestone streets can be tiring to walk on.

And don’t miss trying local specialties - besides churros, the cafés offer empanadas and tapas that reflect Galicia’s hearty cuisine.

Within the old town, everything is within walking distance.

But don’t rush - some of the city’s most memorable moments come from simply wandering its narrow streets and quiet squares.

If you have extra time back in A Coruña, the city is well worth exploring too.

The cruise terminal lies close to the center, making it easy to reach on foot.

Guided tours provide a good overview in just a couple of hours, and independent explorers will find plenty of shops and cafés.

A short walk from the harbor brings you to Playa del Orzán, a large city beach with beautiful Atlantic views.

And not far away stands the Tower of Hercules, the world’s oldest Roman lighthouse still in operation and another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Climbing its 242 steps rewards you with an unforgettable panorama of the coast.

Outro

That’s all for today’s episode of the TSJ CruisePod.

I hope you enjoyed our visit to Santiago de Compostela, Spain - a city that continues to inspire travelers with its spirit, beauty, and timeless sense of purpose.

Join me next time as we sail to another fascinating destination on our cruise.

Until then - stay curious, and keep your heart open to the sea.