Camino Finisterre
In short: Camino Finisterre: from Santiago de Compostela to Fisterra and Muxía. Length: around 90 km, duration: 3 to 4 days. Best time: Spring to autumn.
Overview
The route to Cape Finisterre is the only Camino that starts in Santiago. In three to four days it takes you to the “end of the world”, as the cape used to be called, and to the lighthouse high above the Atlantic.
Many pilgrims walk it as a finale, because after weeks on the road they don't want to step straight onto a plane. A detour to Muxía, with its sanctuary on the rocky coast, adds a day.
For many, the sunset at the cape is the real end of the journey. The town hall of Fisterra issues its own certificate, the Fisterrana, for which you also need your pilgrim passport.
Main stops: Santiago de Compostela, Negreira, Olveiroa, Cee, Fisterra, Muxía.
From Santiago to the end of the world
This is one of the few routes that start in Santiago. It runs via Negreira and Olveiroa to the Atlantic. The Romans saw the cape at Fisterra as the end of the known world. Today many pilgrims come here to watch the sunset.
The route is easily done in three to four days. After Olveiroa you can decide whether to go to Fisterra or Muxía first. A separate section of around 30 kilometres links the two towns.
Certificate and getting back
Fisterra and Muxía have their own certificates if you prove the route with stamps. Buses run back to Santiago every day, so you don't have to walk the route twice.
Planning your stages
How long you need depends on your daily distance. The table works this out for 90 kilometres, with one rest day a week.
| Per day | Walking days | With rest days |
|---|---|---|
| 15 km | 6 | 7 |
| 20 km | 5 | 5 |
| 25 km | 4 | 4 |
Who is this route for?
This route suits a first pilgrimage well. You need no mountain experience, normal basic fitness and broken-in shoes are enough.
What does the route cost?
With an albergue or simple guesthouse and one hot meal, 40 to 50 euros a day is usually enough. Over about 5 days that comes to roughly 200 to 250 euros, plus travel and gear. This is a guide figure.
You can find more routes under Pilgrimage routes in Europe, Pilgrimage in Spain, sorted by religion under Christian pilgrimage routes.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Camino Finisterre?
around 90 km, 3 to 4 days.
When is the best time to walk Camino Finisterre?
Spring to autumn.
Is Camino Finisterre suitable for beginners?
This route suits a first pilgrimage well. You need no mountain experience, normal basic fitness and broken-in shoes are enough.
What does Camino Finisterre cost?
Budget about 40 to 50 euros a day, so 200 to 250 euros for about 5 days, without travel and gear.
How do I get back from Fisterra to Santiago?
By bus. The journey takes around two to three hours, depending on the connection.
