Travel bucket list idea:

Cape Finisterre

Fisterra, Galicia, Spain

Credit Shutterstock.com/Valery Rokhin

Last updated: 25 June, 2023

Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

Many pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela continue 90km west of the end of the trail, to the mystical ‘end of the world’ to watch the sun set from the lighthouse over the Costa da Morte (Coast of death).

In pre-Christian Celtic times, rites were performed at the Ara Solis, the sun altar, and it was believed that the living could meet the dead here before they set sail on stone boats to the end of the Milky Way. Christians come to worship the miraculous statue of the Christ of the Golden Beard at the church of Santa Maria das Areas on the road to the headland.

Logistics

Price: Free

Minimum age: Any

Age suitable: 18+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

If you aren’t a walking or cycling pilgrim (walkers generally take 4 to 5 days), it’s a 75-minute drive from Santiago de Compostela, or you can take a bus from the station, which runs at least once a day to the Cape in 2.5 hours.

After the obligatory walk to the lighthouse and sunset on Cape Finisterre, there’s plenty to see around the area, and going with a guide adds a lot to the visit; several agencies in Santiago offer tours, walks and experiences.

Some pilgrims carry on (or ahead instead) to less-visited Muxia, north of Finisterre. This is where the body of St James supposedly came ashore, a spot marked by the Church of Nuestra Senora de la Barca. The path along the Costa da Morte that links Muxia and Finisterre is absolutely stunning.

When to do it

The classic time to visit is at sunset (you can spend the day touring the coast). Try to check the weather, though, before setting out, as Cape Fisterre can be wrapped in fog, although that can add to the mysterious aura.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Excursion to Finisterre + Muxia + Costa da Morte (7 stops)

General description This excursion, which combines nature and culture, will be perfect for you to spend a day discovering some of the most representative places on the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre, the ancient end of the World of the Romans, and a natural extension of the Jacobean route. In Galicia Tavels we have years of experience carrying out these types of routes and our goal is always to offer the best service to our clients in the most enjoyable and personalized way.

Price: €45

Min age: 1

Rating 4.70 / 5 [496 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Santiago de Compostela: Finisterre, Muxía & Costa da Morte

Essential tour to know, without haste, the most significant and spectacular corners of the "Costa da Morte". From the hand of professional guides you will discover impressive waterfalls, lighthouses, an impressive coast and you will have time to enjoy the best local gastronomy.

Price: €45

Min age: 0

Rating 4.83 / 5 [179 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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