A Pilgrim’s Guide to the End of the Earth: The Camino Finisterre

The Camino Finisterre, otherwise known as the Finisterre Way, is an incredibly scenic extension of the Camino de Santiago that stretches to the precipice of the Atlantic Ocean—which was once considered the end of the earth, earning the Camino its name. Explore Galicia's countryside and charming hamlets before venturing along the coastline's rugged cliffs through vibrant finishing villages and sandy beaches. Though this 90.0 km route does not satisfy the benchmark to receive a Compostela, it is an excellent addition for those who have a few extra days in Spain. After trekking another Camino route or simply as a personal adventure, this route will reward you with jaw-dropping ocean views.

Camino Finisterre Itinerary

The Camino Finisterre is the only Camino de Santiago pilgrimage that starts, not ends, in Santiago de Compostela. Short and sweet, this four-to-five-day pilgrimage exhibits awe-inspiring scenery as it guides adventurers through Galicia’s enchanting villages, luxuriant countryside, and lush woodlands before culminating at Finisterre located the bluff of Spain’s western seaboard. Though the true end of the route is in Finisterre, we highly encourage pilgrims to add on the extension up the coast to Muxía, which reveals unparalleled ocean panoramas and inviting sandy beaches.

Planning any kind of pilgrimage, even a short trek such as the Camino Finisterre, can prove to be a demanding feat. Avoid the stress-induced headaches and let us help! Check out our Finisterre Way Tour so that we can help you with any preparation and organization! If you are determined to map out your own pilgrimage, refer to our Camino de Santiago packing list and preparation guide for the Camino for some useful tips and tricks from experienced adventurers. The unassuming beauty and charm of the Finisterre Way are well worth the extra few days of walking—trust us.

Camino Finisterre - Short and sweet, four-to-five-day pilgrimage

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago de Compostela

Whether you flew into Santiago de Compostela or walked a pilgrimage route here, this charming city is where you begin your adventure. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Santiago de Compostela and have a delicious glass of vino in the company of like-minded pilgrims to celebrate your upcoming trek.

Accommodations: Albergue Parroquial Fin del Camino

Day 2: Santiago de Compostela to Negreira

Today marks the first day of walking. After departing Galicia’s capital, pilgrims will wander through the rural countryside with pine and eucalyptus forests, and over ancient medieval bridges. End your day in the town of Negreira after exploring the Pazo de Cotón—a medieval fort.

Accommodations: Albergue de Peregrinos de Negreira

Day 3: Negreira to Olveiroa

Day 3 presents a longer, more strenuous trek to Olveiroa. Begin your day wandering through pine forestlands before exploring the wild Serra de Castelo mountains. From atop Mount Aro, you will be rewarded with sweeping vistas of Xallas valley and the Fervenza reservoir.

Accommodations: Albergue de Peregrinos de Olveiroa

Day 3 - Sweeping vistas of Xallas valley and the Fervenza reservoir

Day 4: Olveiroa to Finisterre

Hopefully, you got some rest because day 4 warrants another long day of walking. Finally, after walking inland, you will be rewarded with the Atlantic coastline today. Departing from Olverioa, you will begin wandering through the rural countryside to Cee, where epic views of the expansive ocean will astound you. Soon, you will near the water, travelling through pine forests and along sandy beaches to Finisterre. If you want to break this trek into two days, then stop overnight in Cee or Corcubión.

Accommodations: Albergue de Peregrinos de Fisterra

Day 4 - Epic views of the ocean

Day 5: Departure from Finisterre

Now on the precipice of the Atlantic Ocean, make sure to show your pilgrims passport to get a Finisterrana, a document that certifies your pilgrimage to the End of the World. Don’t forget to visit the 0km stone, marking the end of the Camino de Santiago. We also urge you to take the time to journey to Cape Finisterre, where sits the iconic lighthouse overlooking the water that exposes unforgettable panoramas. To get back to Santiago de Compostela take one of the many buses back to the pilgrimage hub.

Day 5 - Muxía - a secluded fishing village on the coast

Extension- Day 6: Finisterre to Muxía

If you still have some gas left in the tank, consider trekking along the Costa de Morte up to Muxía, a more secluded fishing village on the coast. This walk demands a bit of stamina as it undulates up the coast. Travelling along dirt roads, through pine forests, and past the beaches of O Rostro and Lourido, there is no shortage of jaw-dropping scenery.

Accommodations: Albergue de Peregrinos de Muxía

Extension- Day 7: Departure from Muxía

Once in Muxía, head up to the Monte Carpiño for an epic lookout over the town. Explore the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and visit the historical and religious site of the A Barca Sanctuary. Again, take one of the buses back to Santiago de Compostela to catch your flight.

Camino Finisterre Map

Check out the Camino Finisterre Map. Travelling from Santiago de Compostela to the coast, this trek is an epic extension that exhibits incredible scenery.

About the Camino Finisterre

Surprisingly, the Camino Finisterre predates other Camino de Santiago pilgrimages as it was a part of Roman and Celtic traditions. Believing it was the end of the known world and the place where the sun died each evening, Finisterre became a religious destination. A place for Celts to venerate the sun and practice religious rituals, an altar– Ara Solis Altar, was built for worship. Unfortunately, years later, the altar was ultimately destroyed. Still, transfixed people continued to venture to the Costa de Morte to experience the divine sunsets where the sun goes to rest.

The A Barca Sanctuary, or Virxe da Barca, in Muxía, is another example of where the traditions used to mix to worship the Virgin Mary when she arrived in a stone boat to inspire the Apostle James to Christianize the land. Today, the routes' religious and historical origins are explicit as pilgrims trek through the hamlets and past basilicas on their way to Santiago de Compostela, or in this case, Finisterre and Muxía.

Camino Finisterre is a great route option in the summer months

The Best Time to Walk the Camino Finisterre

Enjoying maritime conditions, the Camino Finisterre is a great route option in the summer months. Though the quintessential Camino de Santiago routes urge pilgrims to avoid the months of July and August, the Finisterre Way has the ideal conditions from June to early September. Hiking through the summer guarantees warmer weather and less rain. We urge you to hike during these months, avoiding the off-season as the proximity to the coast warrants an extremely wet climate. If you are seeking a more in-depth depiction of the Camino’s seasonality, check out our article about the best time of the year to walk the Camino de Santiago for more information!

Still not sure if the Camino Finisterre is the right pilgrimage for you? No worries, we have an extensive guide to the Camino de Santiago that provides an informed summary of each of the most revered routes! Or you can also check out the Camino de Santiago tours.

Camino de Santiago Trip Planning Articles

• Discover the Camino de Santiago
• Camino Planning: Best time to Walk the Camino
• Camino Planning: How to prepare to Walk the Camino
• Camino Planning: What to pack for your Camino
• Route Guide for the Camino Frances
• Route Guide for the Camino Portugues
• Route Guide for the Camino Primitivo
• Route Guide for the Camino Ingles
• Route Guide for the Camino del Norte
• Route Guide for the Camino Via de la Plata
• Route Guide for the Camino Invierno
• Interesting Camino de Santiago Facts