Experience the serene path to the “End of the World” with our Camino Finisterre tour, a journey of 90 km stretching over four or five days from Santiago de Compostela to the quaint fishing port of Fisterra on Cape Finisterre, overlooking the wide blue Atlantic Ocean.
The Romans and Celts, seeing it as the furthest edge of the northwesterly landmass, named the area Finis Terrae. The treacherous seas earned this coastline its moniker, Costa da Morte, reflecting the perils posed to shipping. The pilgrimage to Cape Finisterre, dating back to pre-Christian times, is believed to be linked to its status as the “End of the World”, according to its Latin name, Finis Terrae.
From Santiago de Compostela, the Camino Finisterre guides you through tranquil villages and exposed headlands, culminating in a breathtaking coastal walk into Fisterra village. A late evening stroll takes you out to the famed lighthouse, with the nearby the o.o km Camino waymarker. Here, your fellow travellers often gather to soak up the captivating Atlantic sunset and some even burn their boots!
But your Camino adventure isn’t yet over. You contiue your pilgrimage walk for another two nights, exploring the pilgrim trail around Cape Finisterre, ending in fascinating Muxia.
The journey continues from Fisterra over two days to finish in Muxia, some 30km further around the Cape. Muxia, a charming port steeped in Christian and pagan legends, offers a fascinating historical insight.
The Camino Finisterre is a perfect standalone journey for those seeking a shorter Camino experience or a quiet, contemplative route. It can also be extended from Sarria to Santiago on the Camino Frances, potentially including a rest day in Santiago. A two-week long itinerary from Sarria to Santiago and then on Finisterre and Muxia earns you three certificates: The Compostela, The Fisterrana, and The Muxiana.
Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and folklore of the region, home to numerous pre-Christian sacred sites such as Monte Pindo, the pink granite mountain known as the Celtic Olympus of the Galicians, and the small fishing town of Muxia, linked closely with the legend of St James.
Upon completing your Camino Finisterre journey, we will arrange your onward travel. The Paradores of Spain recently opened an ultramodern hotel and spa just outside Muxia if you want to treat yourself to a memorable end-of-tour extension. If you have any questions about this tour, please get in touch. And if you’re still exploring which Camino route is right for you, browse our full selection of Camino Walking Trips.
Price
£765.00
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Single Supplement
£160
Delve into the heart of Galicia with the Camino Finisterre. This route is far removed from bustling city life, taking you through picturesque rural landscapes and the stunning, untouched Atlantic coastline. The region boasts a wealth of heritage and folklore, with numerous pre-Christian sacred sites waiting to be explored.
Just two day’s walk away from Fisterra, the quaint fishing town of Muxia forms another integral part of the Camino de Santiago journey. After reaching Finisterre, many pilgrims visit Muxia to visit its 12th-century pilgrim church and the Sanctuary of Virxe da Barca (Our Lady of the Boat) with its legendary rocking stone.
Muxia is imbued with stories of a miraculous boat that carried the Virgin Mary ashore, intended to inspire St James in his mission to spread the Gospel throughout the Iberian Peninsula. The town hosts a pilgrims’ office where you can receive the Muxiana, a certificate modelled after the Compostela pilgrim certificate earned in Santiago.
Where available we always order a full breakfast spread for our clients. But it does vary between establishments. Whether you have a light or substantial offering, you can always top up mid-morning at cafe bars along the route. The Spanish habit is to have breakfast between 10 and 11 when cafes and bars fill with locals having their desayuno.
Lunches on the Camino are often taken as picnics, and most places have local shops selling items of fresh local produce to purchased each morning before you set out on the trail. Certain lodgings will offer pre-ordered packed lunches. Or check your guide and plan to stop off in a cafe-bar or restaurant on the Way.
Spanish people tend to have dinner from 9 pm. But on the Camino, dinner is usually served from 8 pm — so do take advantage of the habitual afternoon “merienda” to keep you going, once you have arrived at your daily destination. That could be cold beer “cerveza” and tapas or coffee and cake.
Hydration is essential — carry between 1.5 and 3l of drinking water, depending on the season, temperatures and distance you plan to cover. Keep a sugary and salty snack handy in your pocket or daypack – this will give you that little extra burst of energy to keep you going.
Mid morning/afternoon snacks known as merienda are the perfect way to sustain yourself on the Way. Especially if you are not used to the later meal times which are the norm across Spain. It is customary for Spanish people to have a mid-morning stop for breakfast and late afternoon for a bite to keep them going until the traditional late dinner.
The port-side cafes of Fisterra serve up delectable fresh seafood. As you enjoy the tranquil ocean view, indulge in a leisurely lunch of succulent sardines, scallops, or fried squid. After your meal, consider working off your indulgence with a climb to the town’s castle, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the sea and the Ria de Corcubion.
Complete your day’s efforts with a stroll on Langosteira beach. Extending for 2km, this white sandy beach is the perfect place to hunt for your very own scallop shell, a symbol of the Camino journey.
And, Fisterra town is not short of paths for exploration. One highly recommended journey is the round trip of the Cape and its landmarks, culminating at the renowned lighthouse, recently refurbished into a boutique hotel complete with an upscale restaurant. This hotel is a wonderful place to stay, should you wish an upgrade with an ocean view.
Our Bed & Breakfast accommodation includes a variety of family run traditional two and three star hotels. All rooms have en-suite facilities. You might like to upgrade in Fisterra and spend a night in the Lighthouse Hotel.
We quote all our journeys with bag transfers as standard. We heartily recommend that you book your main piece of luggage to be transferred between accommodations.
If you do wish to carry your own bag that is fine with us. And you can always call us and request to add on the service if you change your mind.
