Padrón is a small town of about 8,300 people on the rivers Sar and Ulla, 20 km south of Santiago de Compostela. According to tradition, this is where the stone boat carrying the body of the apostle Saint James arrived in Galicia, making Padrón a key place in the story of the Camino.
Why visit Padrón
For its Jacobean legend, its literary heritage – Rosalía de Castro and Camilo José Cela are linked to the town – and, of course, the famous Padrón peppers. It is also the last stop before Santiago on the Portuguese Way.
Top things to do in Padrón
The church of Santiago and the Pedrón
Inside the church is the Pedrón, an ancient Roman stone that, according to legend, is where the boat of Saint James was moored. It gave the town its name.
Rosalía de Castro’s house
The house where the great Galician poet spent her last years, in the hamlet of A Matanza, is now a museum.
Iria Flavia
The old episcopal see next to Padrón, with its collegiate church and the birthplace of Nobel Prize winner Camilo José Cela, home to a foundation dedicated to him.
The market and the Espolón
The Sunday market along the riverside Espolón promenade is one of the liveliest in Galicia, with peppers, cheeses and local produce.
Padrón peppers
The small green pimientos de Padrón, grown especially in the parish of Herbón, are fried in olive oil and sprinkled with salt. As the saying goes, “some are hot and some are not”.
Best time to visit Padrón
Summer is the season for peppers and the driest time of year. Spring and autumn are green and quieter, but rainy.
Getting to and around Padrón
Santiago airport is about 30 km away. Trains and buses link Padrón with Santiago in about 20 minutes and with Vigo and Pontevedra.
What to eat in Padrón
Pimientos de Padrón, pulpo á feira, empanada, tetilla cheese and white Albariño or Ribeiro wines.
Padrón FAQ
How far is Padrón from Santiago de Compostela?
About 20 km, roughly 20 minutes by train or car.
Are all Padrón peppers spicy?
No: most are mild, but now and then one is very hot – that is part of the fun.
