Car hire at Santiago Lavacolla Airport
Pick up your hire car at Lavacolla Airport. We’ll be waiting to meet you at the Avis car rental desk in Arrivals Hall A.The ancient town of Santiago de Compostela – the final stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail – is close by and northwest Spain is within easy reach. To experience the best of Galicia, pick up the keys to your Avis hire car at Santiago de Compostela airport and begin your road trip.
Other car hire locations in Santiago de Compostela
Planning your trip from Santiago de Compostela airport
The airport is located 10 kilometres outside the town of Santiago de Compostela, capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region. From the airport, take the Autovía A-54 to the town centre.The famous pilgrimage town of Santiago de Compostela is packed with monuments and historic buildings, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. It is known as one of Christianity´s greatest holy cities and attracts around 250,000 visitors a year.
The cathedral is considered by many to be one of the greatest buildings in the world, parts of it date back to the 12th century, and it is a mix of Romanesque, Gothic and baroque styles. It also houses a fine museum and archive. Book a rooftop tour for a bird’s eye view of the cathedral’s interior from its upper storeys, and of the city from the roof.
The monumental square in front of the cathedral, Praza do Obradoiro, is bordered by beautiful, ancient buildings including the 16th century Hostal dos Reis Católicos. Originally a recuperation centre for pilgrims, today it's a parador (state-owned hotel). Its courtyards and other areas are open to visitors. Elsewhere on the square are the elegant 18th-century Pazo de Raxoi and the Colegio de San Xerome.
Take a stroll around the historic old town close to the cathedral. The most interesting streets are the Rua del Villar, Rua Nueva and Calle Franco; where fashionable boutiques stand side by side with ancient grocery shops, and in between you’ll find taverns and tapas bars to sit and watch the world pass by whilst enjoying the local specialities.
Road trips from Santiago de Compostela Airport
The Galician Atlantic coastline is often wild, but well worth exploring. From Santiago de Compostela Airport you’re well placed to discover this corner of Spain in your Avis hire car.A Coruña
It is around an hour’s drive on the AP-9 toll road to the port city of A Coruña. It’s a place for lovers of the outdoors - Riazor Beach is a prime surfers’ spot and the 13 km walkway and bike path, the Paseo Marítimo, runs from the port, around the peninsula, along the ocean beaches and out to the west. For views of the coastline, climb to the top of the World Heritage–listed Roman lighthouse, the Torre de Hércules, about 2.5 km from the city centre.
Pontevedra
The medieval town of Pontevedra is around 60 km from Santiago de Compostela via the N-550 or the AP-9 toll road. Quieter than Santiago de Compostela , Pontevedra has historic buildings, churches and museums, along with attractive plazas and a large pedestrianised shopping district. Close by is Playa de la Lanzada, a spectacular 1.5-mile dune-backed Atlantic beach, great for body boarding.
Vigo
A short drive from Pontevedra is Vigo, the main gateway to the beautiful Illas Cíes, a nature reserve and part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. The blue flag beaches around Vigo are its main attraction, with miles of golden sand and sports such as fishing or diving. Make time for a meal at one of the many beach restaurants, offering some of Vigo's culinary specialities - mussels, shrimps, oysters and the famous caramuxos.
Imagine exploring all this in complete comfort with no fuss. Just the open road ahead. Make it a memorable trip to Santiago de Compostela and Galicia with an Avis hire car.
Road rules in Spain
Country driving laws- Mobile phones may not be used at all whilst driving
- Do not use headphones when driving (except hearing aids)
- Dipped headlights must be used in poor daylight visibility
- Always use indicators, you will be fined for not using indicators when needed
- Cyclists have right of way, at all times
Speed limits
All speed signs will be in km/h. For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers: Urban areas:
- 50 km/h (31 mph)
- Rural areas: 90 km/h (55 mph)
- Motorways: 120km/h (74mph)
Unless indicated by road signs.
Child safety / Seatbelt laws
- It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
- Children aged under 12 and less than 135cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size
- Children aged under 12 are not allowed to sit in the front seat
Please note - it is the child’s parent/guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.
This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.