Camino Finisterre

[Reverse] Camino Finisterre to Santiago

Rate:
Price: From €490
  • Activity Walking or Cycling
  • Distance 120 km
  • Duration 5 Nights (opt 7 Nights)
  • Difficulty Moderate
  • Tour Type Self-Guided Caminos
  • Time To Go All Year Round

[Reverse] Camino Finisterre to Santiago

The Camino Finisterre to Santiago [Reverse] or Camino de Fisterra is a unique route traditionally starting in Santiago. However, in this route you have the option to start in Muxia or Finisterre, believed to be the ‘Edge of the World’, and finishing up in Santiago de Compostela. This trail takes pilgrims east from the stunning Atlantic coast of Galicia. Once in Fisterra, enjoy a well-earned swim in the sea. For a really special experience, we recommend starting in the quaint fishing village of Muxia and then walking along the rugged coast, famed among pilgrims for its picturesque sanctuary by the ocean and ‘magic’ stones. Contact our travel team to learn more about the Camino Finisterre to Santiago [Reverse].

Please note, if you’d like to get your Compostela certificate in Santiago, you will need your Camino Finisterre to Santiago [Reverse] to start in Muxia to cover the minimum distance required.

This route can also be done from Santiago to Finisterre or Muxia. We also have a Camino Finisterre guided tour available.

This Camino route pre-dates Christianity, as pagans would head to mythical Cape Fisterra on the Costa da Morte (Coast of Death) where they believed the sun died and the worlds of the dead and the living became closer. Prayers would be said and offerings would be made to please the gods. It was a place rich in pagan rites, myths and legends. Fisterra is also believed to be the location of Ara Solis, a magical place and altar dedicated to the dying sun.

Fisterra was believed to be the most westerly point in Europe by the Romans, the place where the sun disappeared into the ocean and they named it accordingly: Finis Terrae, land’s end. This was the place also believed to be the final destination of a route marked in the sky by the Milky Way. As they arrived, pilgrims used to burn the clothes they had walked in for so many days, as a act of closure and purification. Many also went for a swim in the sea, which we recommend, as a much more eco-friendly activity!

You can extend your Camino journey by starting in A Virxe da Barca in Muxía along beautiful coastal paths to the sanctuary of Cape Fisterra, a traditional pilgrimage destination in a stunning location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

CAMINO HISTORY

From the 12th century, the Codex Calixtinus associated these lands with the pilgrimage tradition. This medieval Camino ‘guidebook’ tells the story of how the disciples of Saint James travelled to the city of Dugium, in present-day Fisterra, seeking authorisation from a Roman legion to bury the apostle at the site where Compostela stands today. The Romans, suspicious of their motives, threw them into prison. However, they eventually managed to escape, and just as the Roman troops were about to catch up with them, they scurried over a bridge that collapsed just as the Romans were attempting to cross in pursuit.

According to medieval tradition, the Virgin Mary came to this beautiful spot in a ‘stone boat’ (hence its name ‘Virxe da Barca’, our Lady of the Boat) to support Saint James.

The Fisterra Camino is frequently referred to in Odeporic literature. The oldest story is that of George Grissaphan, a Magyar knight from the 14th century. The story recounts his adventures as a pilgrim and hermit in Fisterra. In the late 15th century, Polish pilgrim Nicholas von Popplau journeyed to Muxía after having visited Compostela. He described the remains of the “wrecked ship, made of genuine stone” belonging to the Virgin Mary.

On his pilgrimage from Italy, the Venetian traveller Bartolomeo Fontana (16th century), visited Fisterra and reported that those who were free of mortal sin could move the stones of the ship of Muxía with just one finger. Domenico Laffi (17th century) the clergyman and scholar from Bologna, journeyed to Fisterra as well. He wrote of the lighthouse guiding the sailors to safety through the turbulent waters in the area. Many of these stories mention the Mount of Saint William, who was a legendary hermit in the area. This hermitage, no longer standing, was associated with fertility rites.

Read our latest Finisterre Camino articles on our blog: Camino blog.

Click below to create or customise your Camino Finisterre to Santiago trip. You can walk or cycle.

Map of the Camino Finisterre to Santiago [Reverse]

Itinerary of the Camino Finisterre to Santiago [Reverse]

Muxia

Stage: Muxia

You arrive in Muxia.

15 km

Lires

Stage: Lires

The ocean views along this section of the Camino are splendid. The village of Lires is home to pristine sandy beaches, perfect for a refreshing swim in hot summer days. Starting from Muxia, today’s Camino trail takes you to the hamlets of Frixe, Guisamonde, Morquintián, before you reach Monte do Facho. Enjoy the view and go for a swim at Praia de Lourido.

Make sure to visit the sanctuary of Nosa Señora da Barca right by the Atlantic Ocean and its holy stones, said to have curative powers: the rocking stone and the ‘Kidney stone’.

16 km

Finisterre

Stage: Finisterre

A beautiful path awaits for your walking day to Fisterra, hugging the cliffs and coves of the bay. Your final destination is Cape Fisterra (or Finisterre in Spanish) and its striking lighthouse. Watch the sun set right at the ‘End of the World’.

15 km

Cee

Stage: Cee

From Cape Fisterra, you will continue along the Finisterre Way to Cee! You will continue to follow the seasisde, along the cliffs and coves of the bay. The coastal town of Cee is your stop for the night.

25 km

Abeleiroas

Stage: Abeleiroas

From Cee, you will continue along the Finisterre Way to Abeleiroas. From A Barcala, the Fisterra Camino continues along a mountain and across the river Barcala. As you climb Monte Aro, you will enjoy great views of Fervenza’s dam before you enter the wild Serra de Castelo and the Xallas valley. Small hills and green pastures welcome you on your way.

28 km

Negreira

Stage: Negreira

Your destination for today is the medieval town of Negreira. Take time to visit Pazo do Cotón (picture courtesy of: Xosema), the country house of the Cotón family, and the chapel next door, dedicated to St Mauro.

21 km

Santiago de Compostela

Stage: Santiago de Compostela

Your Camino trip ends in Santiago de Compostela, a vibrant University city. Explore Santiago’s UNESCO-listed old town and its wonders after you have embarked on your journey from the ‘End of the World’!

You will finish your walk to Fisterra from the Praza do Obradoiro, home to Santiago’s Cathedral. Along today’s section of the Camino, you will walk past small villages and cross ancient Roman bridges.

Accommodation

Standard Hotels

We have hand-picked hotels and guesthouses along the Camino for their character and warm hospitality. Up to 3-stars, you will be staying in the centre of town and close to your Camino trail. All rooms are en-suite with bathroom. For our family packages, we have hand-picked establishments with outdoor space and swimming pools where possible. Where accommodation with private outdoor space is not available, we have selected comfortable hotels with spacious common areas as well as a convenient location close to recreational areas and sights. As your comfort is our priority, we try to book hotels located within walking distance of the Camino. Despite our effort, on rare occasions your accommodation can be located a few kilometers away from the trail, so we organise transportation to/from your accommodation.

Standard Hotel & Guesthouse

Access

How to Get There

Live information on Rome2Rio. We can also arrange private transfers if you prefer, just ask us.

Cape Finisterre and Muxía

There are various bus companies operating to Fisterra and Muxía with a few departures per day (only 2 per day to Muxía). The journey to Fisterra takes approximately 2h30, and 2h to Muxía. For details see: www.monbus.es and www.autocaresvazquez.net for Fisterra; and Buses Ferrin for Muxía. Please note bus timetables vary at the weekends. 
Santiago de Compostela Airport 80km: Once in Santiago, you can take a shuttle bus from Santiago airport to the bus station, departing every 30min. Bus stops are bus station (Estación de Autobuses), train station (Estación de Ferrocarril) and city centre (Plaza de Galicia). See Rome2Rio.
Vigo Airport 150km: Follow instructions to Santiago and from Santiago you can take either a bus to Travesia de Vigo or train to Vigo Guixar station, then take a bus to the airport from Travesia de Vigo (near Vigo Guixar station).
Porto Airport 260km: From  Porto airport you can take a bus to Santiago once or twice a day (taking 4h or 6h resp.). See www.alsa.es.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela Airport 11km: There is shuttle bus from Santiago city centre to the airport, departing every 30min. Bus stops are: city centre (Plaza de Galicia),  train station (Estación de Ferrocarril) and bus station (Estación de Autobuses). See: Rome2Rio.

Vigo Airport 90km: From Santiago you can take a train to Vigo Guixar (see www.renfe.com) or a bus to Travesia de Vigo (every hour). You should then take a city bus from Travesia de Vigo to Vigo Airport (every 30 min).

A Coruna Airport 70km: From Santiago you can take a train to A Coruña (30 min approximately) and then take a bus from Alfonso Molina (line 4051) to the airport (every 30 min, takes 20 min approximately). Monbus has services from Santiago to A Coruña Airport (every 3 hours), see monbus.es/en for details.

Porto Airport 210km: There is a direct bus connection between Santiago (Estación de Autobuses) and Porto airport once or twice a day (taking 4h or 6h resp.). See www.alsa.es.

Whats Included

  • Included: Selected accommodation with private bathrooms, Holiday Pack on your mobile phone (Route ebook and Google Maps) and a 24/7 support number providing assistance during your trip, for instance organising a support vehicle if needed.
  • Not included: Flights, drinks, city tax, Travel Insurance (Recommended)
  • Optional: Luggage transfers (On by default. One bag up to 20kg per person), dinners (On by default, where available), bike rental (On by default) and airport transfers, etc…

Note on Accommodation: We aim to book you into each of the towns listed on the itinerary, however in case of low availability we may book you 2 nights in the same town with provided transfers. If you are booking Superior collection or Country cottages, please note it is subject to availability and therefore cannot be guaranteed. Superior/Country cottage accommodation may be away from the route with included transfers. More details.

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