Camino Finisterre: Santiago de Compostela to Muxia – 9 Days

Arrive in Santiago and enjoy the spectacular atmosphere of this world-famous city. You can visit the Plaza de Obradoiro and the Cathedral built in honour of Saint James and depending on the day, you may even be able to attend mass. Often these 4 days of walking on the Camino Finisterre are part of the completion of a longer pilgrimage that continues from Santiago to the coast for pilgrims to bathe after their long journeys.

Accommodation: Santiago de Compostela

Begin the day from the Santiago Cathedral and continue to walk west out of the city towards Ponte Maceira.  Follow the Camino out through the entrance of the Lost Pilgrims gateway, descending through eucalyptus and pine forests to the serene river Sar. Continue the walk, passing through the picturesque villages of  Villestro, Roxos and Alto do Vento. Upon reaching Augapesada, you will begin to climb to the summit of Mar de Ovellas, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the Amaía Valley.  On the next stage traverse through Carballo, Trasmonte, Reino, and Burgueiros, until you finally arrive at the majestic River Tambre, crossing over the Ponte Maceira bridge to Ponte Maceira.

Walk: Moderate/17km /5-6 hrs
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ponte Maceira

From Ponte Maceira, follow a shaded trail that runs alongside the river, ascending towards Chancela, and ultimately reaching Negreira and crossing the tranquil Barcala River. The initial kilometres are littered with native vegetation, and then later, expansive cornfields which harmoniously blend with majestic pine trees. As you progress, you’ll witness the authentic charm of the region, characterized by traditional granaries like As Maroñas and Romanesque churches such as Santa Mariña in Santa Marina your resting place for today.

Walk: Moderate to challenging/24km/ 6-7hrs
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Santa Marina

Continue from Santa Mariña towards Mount Aro, standing tall at 556 meters. From this vantage point, you’ll be treated to panoramic Terra de Xallas region views.  After descending from Mount Aro, the Camino route will take you through Campo Valado, Porteliñas, Abeleiroas, and the captivating Corzón viewpoint. Passing through Mallón, you’ll eventually arrive at Ponte Olveiroa, leading you into the heart of Olveiroa.

Walk: Easy/13km/3-4 hrs
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Olveiroa

From Oliveiroa, the Camino gracefully follows the path alongside the Xallas and Hospital rivers, leading pilgrims towards the quaint village of Logoso. Along the way, pass by the Nosa Señora Chapel (Our Lady), bestowing its spiritual presence upon the journey.

Beyond the chapel, the trail gently descends through the enchanting pine groves of Alto do Cruceiro da Armada. Today’s walk treats walkers to a picturesque panorama of mountains, windmills, and lush forests. During this stretch, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the majestic Atlantic Ocean and the captivating Cape Finisterre.

As you ascend to the peak of San Pedro, take a moment to relish the surrounding vistas before making your leisurely descent down the steep hill towards the beautiful village of Cee. Discover the charm of a village adorned with colourful fishing boats, a serene sandy cove, and an atmosphere that invites tranquility.

Walk: Moderate/20km/5-6hrs
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Corcubión/Cee

Start today in the captivating town of Cee Corcubión, renowned for its historic quarter designated as a historical and artistic significance site. From Corcubión, brace yourself for a challenging ascent up a steep hill that leads to Campo de San Roque and the charming village of Vilar.

Continuing along the picturesque coastline, accompanied by the allure of the expansive and breathtaking Langosteira beach. Eventually, you’ll reach the coveted destination of Finisterre (Fisterra). As you approach this symbolic place, the mythical lighthouse awaits.

At this juncture, the ocean’s vastness unfurls before your eyes, resembling a wide-angle lens capturing this great cape’s essence at the world’s edge.  This may be the culmination of a much longer journey, and Cape Fisterra is a fantastical, magical place to end and a cause for celebration.

Walk: Moderate/16km/4-5hrs
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cape Fisterra

On the next two stages from Finisterre to Muxía you will find pilgrims walking in both directions.  The route will have you walk along the Costa da Morte and initially, Langosteira Beach soaking up the beautiful Atlantic landscape and crossing various parishes in Finisterre and Sardiñeiro. Today’s walk is stunning and quite diverse with various places to stop and admire the views over the ocean. The walk concludes in Lires, in the municipality of Cee.

Walk: Moderate/17km/4.5-5.5hrs
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lires

This is your last walk on the Camino and it is one of the nicest. Shortly after leaving Lires, you will cross the bridge over the Castro River. Until 2010, crossing the Castro River was made using the stone blocks that you can still see in the water. Just before Muxia, you will walk on the Playa de Lourido beach, but if you wish you can make a short detour to take a swim in a calmer more protected area if you don’t like to swim in the open sea.

Muxia’s main draw, and the official end of this stage, is at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Boat Santuario da Virxe da Barca, about 1 km from the marina. The perfect place to contemplate your achievement.

Walk: Moderate/14km/4-5hrs
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Muxia

Depending on your onward travel plans, you can spend the morning exploring further before heading off on your journey home, most likely back to Santiago.

There is of course the option to walk back to Santiago.

Meals: Breakfast