The wild coastal link at the end of the world: just under 29 kilometers along the Costa da Morte from Cape Finisterre to the Marian shrine of Muxía – the Atlantic epilogue of the Camino.
The Camiño a Fisterra-Muxía is the link between the two Atlantic "endings" of the Camino. While the main routes end in Santiago de Compostela, many pilgrims walk on to the sea – to Finisterre, the legendary "end of the world," and to Muxía, to the shrine of the Virxe da Barca. This route of just under 29 kilometers connects the two along the rugged Costa da Morte, the "coast of death."
It's a short but intense walk: through pine and eucalyptus woods, past lonely beaches and cliffs swept by the wind off the open Atlantic. Walkable in either direction – from Finisterre to Muxía or the other way around.
It is the cross-link between the separate routes Camiño a Fisterra (Santiago → Finisterre) and Camiño a Muxía (Santiago → Muxía), turning the two into a round trip.
Ideal as a crowning finale if you carry on from Santiago to the sea and want to see both capes. Doable in a single day's stage and scenically magnificent.
Less suitable as a standalone goal: the route makes most sense in connection with the routes from Santiago. In storm and rain the coast can turn harsh.
From Finisterre the path heads inland through woods and small villages such as Lires, roughly halfway, a good place to stay overnight. Again and again the view opens onto lonely beaches and the cliffs of the Costa da Morte.
In the final part the path drops to Muxía, whose shrine sits on the rocks right by the sea. Walking the other way, you finish at the lighthouse of Finisterre.
At about 29 kilometers it's doable in a day, but the constant up and down (over 900 meters of climb) makes it more tiring than the short distance suggests. If you prefer it gentler, split the walk at Lires.
Waymarking is good, but check the few places to stay in advance – especially in Lires and outside the season.
Two places make this route special. Cape Finisterre was, to the Romans, the end of the known world ("Finis Terrae"); at the lighthouse stands the km 0.0 marker of the Camino. Traditionally pilgrims burn a piece of clothing here and watch the sun set over the Atlantic.
In Muxía the shrine of the Virxe da Barca stands on bare rock right by the sea – by legend, the Virgin Mary landed here in a stone boat to encourage Saint James.
The best time is spring to autumn; the Costa da Morte is often windy and wet, so good weather gear is essential. Accommodation is in Finisterre, Lires and Muxía, in albergues and guesthouses. As on the other routes you'll need a pilgrim's credential (credencial); the walk to the sea has its own certificates (the Fisterrana and Muxiana).
For such a short stage the cost is minor: albergues usually cost €8–15, plus food. If you stay in guesthouses or by the sea, you'll pay more.
Start and finish are Finisterre and Muxía on the Galician Atlantic coast; most arrive on foot from Santiago (via the Camiño a Fisterra or a Muxía) or by bus.
A de Loló - Four Rooms
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Albergue @ Muxia
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Albergue Arasolis
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Albergue As Eiras
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Albergue Bela Muxía
Open season unknownEverything you need for the Camiño a Fisterra-Muxía, shipped to your door.
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