Things To Do
in Amés
Ames is a small Galician town located just a short ride from Santiago de Compostela. Surrounded by green hills and farmland, it offers a tranquil pace of life with a strong sense of community. The town blends traditional churches, markets, and family-run bars that come alive in the evenings.
Its proximity to the city makes it easy to pair a day in Santiago with a relaxed exploration of local countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
You arrive in Amés just as the village is waking up, with the sun filtering through narrow streets lined by stone houses. You check into your cozy rural inn and unpack under the friendly gaze of local hosts. Before long, you join other travelers for a steaming café con leche and a buttery croissant in the village square.
After settling in, you take a leisurely stroll to the 18th-century chapel, admiring its baroque façade and centuries-old bells. You stop at a family-run tavern for a traditional Galician caldo and chat with locals about daily life here. Then you wander through olive groves on the village outskirts, filling your senses with the scent of rosemary and wild thyme.
As dusk falls, you join a small group for a guided tapas crawl, sampling pulpo a la gallega and tortilla de patatas. You linger over glasses of Albariño wine, enjoying spontaneous flamenco guitar under string lights. Finally, you return to your inn to listen to crickets lull you to sleep.
You start the day with a hearty breakfast of local cheeses, ham, and fresh bread at a farm-to-table café. A friendly guide leads you on a panoramic hike through rolling hills dotted with oak and chestnut trees. Along the way, you spot grazing sheep and learn about traditional shepherding methods.
A picnic lunch awaits you by a clear mountain stream, complete with homemade empanadas and regional fruit jams. Afterwards, you visit a nearby olive press to watch olives crushed and pressed into fragrant oil. You sample the new harvest and purchase a bottle to take home as a gift.
Back in Amés, you join a workshop at the municipal cultural center to learn Galician folk dances. The instructor’s infectious energy has you stepping to the rhythm of tambourines and bagpipes. You end the night watching sparklers light up the village square in celebration of local patron saints.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍷Glass of wine at restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (1 night) | $60-120 |
| 🚆Public transit day pass | $4-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to Santiago de Compostela for day trips
- Genuine Galician countryside and hospitality
- Quiet, walkable town center with markets and cafes
- Rich food culture with fresh seafood and regional wines
- Limited nightlife compared with bigger cities
- Weather can be rainy and variable
- Smaller choice of high-end dining or luxury accommodations
- Some rural amenities may require a short drive to Santiago
- "Ola" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Grazas" - Thank you
- "Falas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Onde está ...?" - Where is ...?
- "A conta, por favor" - The bill, please
- "Canto custa?" - How much is it?
- "Podería axudarme?" - Can you help me?
- "Perdoe" - Excuse me
- "Gústame isto" - I like this
Places to Visit in Amés
Visit one of these nice places.
Cobbled square, stone facades, and early-morning light perfect for architectural photography.
Quiet riverbank paths with bridges and green reflections, ideal for golden-hour shots.
Views over the Galician countryside from gentle hilltops around Ames; great sunset silhouettes.
Food in Amés
Amés Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Tender octopus seasoned with olive oil, paprika, and coarse salt, usually served on wooden plates.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked pork shoulder with grelos (turnip greens), a classic Galician dish.
Savory turnover filled with tuna, meat, or vegetables; a staple at markets and bakeries.
Small green peppers fried in olive oil; beware of a few hot bites.
Sea scallops lightly grilled and seasoned, a coastal specialty often found in seafood bars.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly and daily stalls offering fresh seafood, cheese, bread, and regional treats.
Street-front eateries offering quick bites like empanadas, octopus, and grilled peppers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a handshake in formal settings; in social circles, a kiss on the cheek is common among friends.
Lunch is typically later than in some countries; wait for the host to start and for everyone to be served.
Respect residential quiet hours in the evenings around apartments.
Safety
Tipping in Amés
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% at nicer restaurants is common.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is handy in markets and smaller cafes; contactless payments common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and fresh greenery; great for outdoor markets and landscapes in bloom.
Warm days with occasional sea breeze; expect longer daylight hours and outdoor festivals.
Pleasant temperatures and harvest flavors; rain increases, pack a light rain jacket.
Milder than inland Spain but cooler and wetter; expect short daylight and cozy indoor dining.
Amés at Night
Hiking in Amés
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A gentle hiking loop through farmland and woodlands with several viewpoints.
A scenic trail along a local river offering shade, birds, and easy terrain.
Airports
How to reach Amés by plane.
Regional and international flights; connected by rail and road to Ames and Santiago.
Also known as Alvedro; serves international flights; accessible by road and feeder buses.
Smaller regional flights; farther away but worth considering for certain itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longstanding residents with deep roots in Ames and nearby villages.
People traveling to Santiago for work or study; many live in Ames due to affordability.
People visiting from other parts of Galicia and Spain to explore the countryside and city of Santiago.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely followed and played; local clubs and school teams are common.
Popular at community centers and schools; casual games and leagues available.
Parks and countryside offer scenic routes for joggers and runners.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Amés.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for fresh vegetable dishes, cheese, and egg-based empanadas; request veggie options, and ask for no seafood or meat.