Compostela
Galicia, Spain: Good water quality
Located 2.9 km from Vilagarcía de Arousa, Compostela Beach holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The beach is open year-round, though April through June offer the best conditions for swimming and sunbathing. Check…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Compostela
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Compostela?
Located 2.9 km from Vilagarcía de Arousa, Compostela Beach holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and safety. The beach is open year-round, though April through June offer the best conditions for swimming and sunbathing.
Check local safety information before your visit, as conditions can vary seasonally. The Blue Flag designation comes from the Foundation for Environmental Education, a reliable indicator that the beach maintains high environmental and safety standards.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Galicia, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Spain certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Compostela faces west toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9°C | 14°C | Low |
| Feb | 9°C | 14°C | Low |
| Mar | 11°C | 14°C | Low |
| Apr | 13°C | 14°C | Med |
| May | 15°C | 15°C | Med |
| Jun | 18°C | 17°C | Med |
| Jul | 20°C | 18°C | High |
| Aug | 20°C | 19°C | High |
| Sep | 19°C | 19°C | Med |
| Oct | 16°C | 18°C | Low |
| Nov | 12°C | 16°C | Low |
| Dec | 10°C | 15°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit Compostela?
The best time to visit Compostela is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 19.9°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 18.4°C in July.
How crowded does Compostela get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in Spain, Compostela sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Compostela open year-round?
The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Compostela
Is Compostela safe to swim?
Compostela is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Good.
What is the water temperature at Compostela?
Peak water temperature at Compostela reaches around 18.4°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 9°C.
What is the beach like at Compostela?
Compostela on the Galicia coast of Spain. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Compostela sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Compostela
How do I get to Compostela by car?
Compostela is approximately 2.9 km from Vilagarcía de Arousa. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Compostela?
The nearest airport is Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ), approximately 42.6 km away.
Can I get to Compostela by public transport?
Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Vilagarcía de Arousa. The nearest recorded bus stop is 688 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Compostela?
Compostela lists Portela as the nearest railway station, 14.15 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Map
Find Compostela
Open the map or get directions to the Compostela pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
On the beach
Facilities at Compostela
- Toilets
- No
- Showers
- No
- Parking
- Available nearby (surface parking)
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | July – September |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Nearest supermarket | 1.7 km from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 688 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 42.6139°N, 8.7675°W |
| Water Quality | Good (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Spain |
Frequently Asked Questions
Compostela FAQ
Is Compostela suitable for children?
Compostela has a child-friendly score of 1/10. It is Blue Flag certified in Spain. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is Compostela free to access?
An entry fee is not listed for Compostela. Check with the beach operator before you travel. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Galicia, Spain, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Compostela?
The best time to visit Compostela is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best.
Peak water temperature reaches around 18.4°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Compostela?
Compostela is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Good.
Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Compostela?
Compostela is located in Galicia, Spain. It is approximately 2.9 km from Vilagarcía de Arousa. The nearest airport is Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ), 42.6 km away.
By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Spain, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
What the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Compostela
- ADEAC (Asociación de Educación Ambiental y del Consumidor)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.