The Camino de Santiago de Finisterre
The Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James) to Finisterre is the only route that follows the Atlantic coast following the Finisterre Way (or “Camino de Finisterre” in Spanish), from Santiago to Finisterre, to the place known as “The End of the World”.
The Camino de Finisterre is even older than Christianity itself, and there is evidence that the pagans made their way to Finisterre on the Costa da Morte, where they believed that the sun died and the worlds of light and darkness came together. It was in that precise moment in which the sun died that the pagans prayed and made offerings of gratitude to their Gods.
Once we’ve arrived in Finisterre, we can continue on the route to the Virxe de Barca Sanctuary in Muxia, which is another traditional pilgrimage spot in a stunning location bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.
Santiago de Compostela
Your trip begins in Santiago de Compostela, a vibrant city with an impressive old quarter. Santiago is considered to be a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Explore Santiago and its landmarks before embarking on your journey towards the “End of the World”.
Overnight: Santiago de Compostela
From Santiago de Compostela to Negreira
We will begin our walk on the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela from the Praza do Obradoiro square. Along our path, we will pass through small towns and over ancient Roman bridges. Our destination for today is the medieval city of Negreira. We recommend leaving some time to visit Pazo do Coton, the country house belonging to the Coton family, and the chapel next door that is dedicated to San Mauro.
Length: 22 km
Overnight: Negreira
From Negreira to Olveiroa
We continue the Camino along the side of a mountain and the River Barcala. As we make our way up to Mount Aro, we can enjoy excellent views of the Fervenza Reservoir before entering the wild Serra de Castelo and the River Xallas Valley.
Length: 33 km
Overnight: Olveiroa
From Olveiroa to Cee
From Olveiroa, we will continue along the Camino de Finisterre. From this point on, our path will follow the river bed to Logoso and we will pass by the Chapel of Nosa Senora. Then the trail will descend through the pine woods of Alto do Cruzeiro da Armada. From here we will be able to get a nice view of the sea.
Length: 19 km
Overnight: Cee
De Cee a Finisterre
On our last day of the Camino, we will travel along a beautiful trail that borders the cliffs and coves of the coast. Our final destination is Cape Finisterre. From the lighthouse we can really appreciate the beautiful sunset.
Length: 16 km
Overnight: Finisterre
Finisterre
This is going to be our last day and we will be able to truly enjoy the Finisterre landscape. We can also decide to continue along the coast until arriving at Muxia. If you wish to continue to Muxía, please contact us.
End of our services.
General information
All the rooms you book with Santiago Ways to do the Camino de Santiago have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks on site the quality of all the accommodation offered in order for pilgrims to have a comfortable and unforgettable experience on the Camino de Santiago.
Availability
When working with quality accommodations with limited capacity, the exact name of the accommodation will be provided 30 days before the start of the Camino.
All accommodation on the Camino de Santiago is subject to availability. In case we can't offer any of them due to lack of capacity, we'll accommodate you in one of equal or better quality.
Single rooms
Single rooms are subject to availability. Reservations must be made in advance and come at an additional cost.
Where am I going to stay?
All our accommodation has been selected to ensure tranquillity, rest and enjoyment during your Camino de Santiago:
Santiago de Compostela
Negreira
Olveiroa
Cee
Finisterre
Included Services
Accommodation in Hotels and Country Cottages.
Rooms with private bathroom.
Meal plan of your choice.
Baggage transport between stages.
Complete route itinerary.
24 hours Telephone assistance on route.
Assistance vehicle in case of emergency.
Information pack for the Camino de Santiago.
VAT.
Additional Services
Additional single room.
Extra night in Santiago.
Transfer from Finisterre / Muxia to Santiago (includes airport).
Travel assistance insurance.
Cancellation insurance.
In order to resolve pilgrims’ doubts, here we answer the questions that are most frequently asked when we receive your inquiries.
If you have any other questions, you can contact us and we will be happy to help you resolve all your enquiries.
General Information
What is the best time to do the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santiago can be started on any day of the year, always taking into account the weather and the season in which you want to travel, so that your clothing is always adequate for the season.
How do I get to my starting point on the Camino?
The best way to get to the starting point of your Camino de Santiago is to arrive at the airport, train station or bus station nearest to the town from where you will start walking.
Once you confirm your Camino, you will send us the arrival information for your flight, train or bus and, from there, we organize a private transfer to the town where you should start your Camino.
Can I travel alone?
Yes, you can. All the routes on the Camino de Santiago are suitable for pilgrims to travel solo.
Also, whether you are travelling alone, or travelling accompanied but want to sleep in a single room, Santiago Ways can offer this option to you.
We can book all your nights of accommodation in single rooms at an additional cost. We suggest you book well in advance since they are usually in high demand.
On the Camino de Santiago, you will find hundreds of pilgrims walking on their own. Many of them may have come to the Camino alone; others have probably moved away from their fellow travellers for a few hours because of the difference in speed when walking.
In any case, all the routes on the Camino are very well signposted, so you will have no problem if you go on your own.
Am I going to have an accompanying guide on el Camino de Santiago?
Most routes on the Camino de Santiago are done in a self-guided mode. Thus, each traveller has the opportunity to advance on their own and at their own pace along the routes marked on the complete itinerary of the route, which is sent one month before starting the Camino.
However, we also offer organized groups with accompanying guide on the stretch from Sarria to Santiago. We have specific dates already established, and we carry them out in groups of up to 15 people, with guaranteed departures. The guides in charge of these routes speak English and Spanish.
We already have all the dates published until 2021, so you are encouraged to reserve your place before the groups are filled.
What does the complete route itinerary consist of?
The complete route itinerary is a guide that we prepare for you with information about maps, route profiles and places of interest, kilometre by kilometre on each of the stages that you will go through on the Camino de Santiago.
The travel distances and travel times indicated for each route on both the website and the itinerary we send you are based on reference values. It depends on each pilgrim exactly how they adapt to these times and distances, according to the speed at which they progress.
When do I get the complete route itinerary?
You will receive it by email one month before starting your Camino along with all the documentation for the trip: accommodation reservations, baggage transfers, among others.
How many kilometres should I walk on each stage?
In Santiago Ways, we adapt each stage to the needs of our pilgrims, so that they can travel according to their physical capability and the number of days they have available.
On average, a stage of the Camino de Santiago is 15 to 20 km long. On most routes, however, we can organize your Camino so that you walk fewer kilometres, dividing some stages into two parts, depending on what is most comfortable for you.
Advice
What should I consider to prepare physically?
Both sedentary people and those who regularly exercise should physically prepare for doing the Camino de Santiago.
Sedentary people can start with moderate activity and continue progressively. They should start by taking small 20-minute walks, two or three times a week. It is suggested to increase the time until you reach walk about 4 or 5 kilometres every hour.
People with regular physical activity can start by walking from 45 to 60 minutes a day and increase the amount of time and kilometres they travel in the same span of time.
Generally, it is recommended to start training for about three months before starting the route.
How far in advance should I make a reservation?
There is no minimum number of days in advance to book, although on certain dates the occupancy of the accommodation is higher, especially in high season, and in dates of religious interest such as the San Fermin Festivals in Pamplona, from 7th to 14th July, or the Feast of Santiago the Apostle, on July 25th.
Therefore, in order to guarantee availability in the best accommodation, we suggest you book as much in advance as possible, so that we can meet all of your needs.
What clothes and hiking equipment are indispensable?
For any of the Caminos, we suggest you to bring the following items: light and fast drying clothing, waterproof jacket and trousers, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a pair of shoes suitable for hiking, trekking poles, a pair of shoes to rest in, a jacket that doesn't take up much space and a bottle to carry water.
Depending on the time of year in which you make the route, these items may vary.
Remember that with Santiago Ways, you have included a baggage transfer service between stages, so we will take your backpack from one accommodation to another so that you only worry about walking (maximum 1 piece of 20 kg per person).
For this reason, we suggest you prepare a second backpack, much smaller, that you can carry with you every day with water, sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, documents, some food and cash.
How does the baggage transfer between stages work?
Every day, at 8:00 am, you must bring your luggage, properly labelled, to the reception. One of our carriers will pick it up and take it to the place where you are going to stay on your next stage.
Delivery time varies according to the distance between stages and the carrier's delivery route. Usually, delivery is made before 4 p.m.
Should I take out travel insurance?
To complete any of the routes on the Camino de Santiago, it is advisable to have travel insurance with all the necessary coverage, especially emergency evacuation and medical care.
To do this, we suggest you take out the Travel Assistance Insurance and Cancellation Insurance that we offer you in Santiago Ways. If you want more information about it, we will be happy to answer your questions.
Accommodation
Do all rooms have a private bathroom?
Yes, all rooms you book with Santiago Ways to do the Camino de Santiago have a private bathroom.
Can I sleep alone in a room?
Yes. We offer accommodation in single rooms and double rooms, according to the requirements of each pilgrim.
Single rooms have a special surcharge and are subject to availability according to the location.
When will you tell me where I am going to stay?
We work with multiple accommodations in all locations which allows us to guarantee the best quality rooms for our pilgrims, provided that they are booked well in advance.
The name and exact location of each hotel is sent about one month before the start of the Camino with all the documentation related to the trip.
Am I going to share a room with strangers?
No. All the accommodations we book for our pilgrims have private rooms with private bathrooms in order to guarantee all the comfort needed torest properly.
Is the accommodation close to the route that I should follow?
All the accommodations that we book are in the centre of the towns or villages. In any case, depending on availability, if any accommodation is somewhat far from the centre, most of them are accessible on foot.
When necessary, Santiago Ways could offer a round trip transfer so that the pilgrim can reach their accommodation in the most comfortable way possible and return the next day to the point on the route from where he must continue the Camino.
What type of accommodation do you reserve?
All the accommodation that we book in Santiago Ways offers the necessary comfort to rest after long days of walking.
We work with hotels, traditional Galician homes, country cottages, and charming hostels, always a room with a private bathroom.
Now, we will talk about another of the possible routes when doing the Camino de Santiago: The Camino de Santiago to Finisterre (in Galician, Fisterra).
However, for a series of details that we will reveal throughout this text, the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre is, among all of them, a very special experience both for the stretch itself and for the peculiarities of this pilgrimage.
As in Santiago Ways, we always want to offer you the best, we will give you all the necessary and relevant information to make your experience on the Camino de Santiago something unforgettable. You just need to enjoy it.
Why choose the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre?
1.- The first reason to choose the Camino de Finisterre is that of its symbolism. Indeed, in antiquity and even with the discovery of America, this Cape was regarded as the end of the world.
That is why in the Middle Ages many pilgrims went there to contemplate what was considered the Earth’s abyss or the last point of continental earth that existed. Reliving the same feeling and following the footsteps of our predecessors is an incomparable experience.
2.- It is a route without overcrowding: especially if you have completed the Camino Frances , in which in some sections you will notice a large number of pilgrims, the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre can help you to “clear” a little.
This is an extension of the Camino de Santiago, which has asthe Galician capital as its starting point. So it is a good time to embark on a new route that is not too busy.
3.- The landscapes: One of the most powerful reasons to do the route from Santiago to Finisterre is to enjoy the landscapes that we will find along the way. Later in this article, we will specify to which places we refer, in particular, in the part of “Places that you cannot miss” on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre.
4.- It is a good time to reflect: for all the people who make the Camino de Santiago, regardless of the section or route you have chosen, there is a deep and philosophical sense that has to do with the effort made. This is not understood until it has been done at least once.
The Camino de Santiago is a path of great benefit to our existence that will bring us many memories. For this reason, the extension between Santiago de Compostela and Finisterre is a good time to dedicate some time for reflection and to think about what you have learned.
5.- Tranquillity: one of the most common aspects that complete the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre is the tranquillity along the entire route. This is due to its the quiet nature and the natural environments as we travel through it.
Information about the route between Santiago and Finisterre
One of the reasons why the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre is so important is that it is the only one that does not end in the city of Santiago de Compostela, in fact, it begins there. This gives you a number of extra possibilities as a pilgrim.
To begin with, it must be said that many people use it, as we have said before, as an extension of the Camino de Santiago that they were doing through one of the many routes that the road offers. However, it is possible to do it in a different direction.
It is, in fact, the reason why many pilgrims who in one year complete the Camino to Santiago, decide the following one to start from there to the point where the known world ended in ancient times.
The Camino from Santiago to Finisterre, or to Muxia, which is a little further on, has a total length of 87km, or 120km if you go to Muxia. It is divided into four stages that we’ll detail later. On it, we will be able to continue with the same accreditation that we had previously without having to renew permissions.
In the case of those who want to start there directly, they can get their accreditation. The first shell is in the San Lourenzo Park, in the city of Santiago de Compostela.
Many pilgrims opt to complete this Camino backwards (from Finisterre or from Muxia to Santiago de Compostela) so along the way you can find people walking in the opposite direction to you.
The most reserved routes on the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre
It must be said that the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre has only one route and does not have different alternatives as happens with other trails. Indeed, this route is a kind of “epilogue” to the Camino de Santiago for any of the routes that end in Santiago de Compostela or for those who want to reach it from Finisterre.
So there is only one marked route, which does not mean that it is less interesting and beautiful than the others. So, to begin with, it has to be said that it has an incentive that others do not share: it runs along the spectacular Atlantic coast. From Santiago, we will arrive at what was known in ancient times as “The End of the World”.
So then, the Camino de Santiago a Finisterre has a total distance of 87km that are divided into 5 nights and 6 days. With Santiago Ways, the option to book breakfast and dinner or only breakfast is included. You can book all year round to enjoy this unforgettable experience.
Route of the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre
Maps of the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre
So that you can have all the information possible to complete your Camino to Fisterra we enclose now the necessary maps with all the required information. They will be of great use both to organize the stages and to get to the idea of the great experience that awaits you and of all the sites that you will be get to know.
Stage map from Santiago de Compostela to Negreira
Stage map from Negreira to Olveiroa
Stage map from Olveiroa to Corcubion
Stage map from Corcubion to Finisterre
Profiles of the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre
With the profile of the Camino, we refer to the difficulty that the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre has with respect to others, as well as of how its layout is according to the type of terrain and its elevations. To begin with, it must be said that this is a highly recommended route for everyone, regardless of their circumstances or age.
It is very simple, and has hardly any difficulty compared to other routes of the Camino de Santiago. So, it barely has any ups or downs and we can consider that, compared to the other alternatives, the road from Santiago to Fisterra is practically flat. It also has good infrastructure and there is no problem with the terrain in general.
Stage profile from Santiago de Compostela to Negreira
Stage profile from Negreira to Olveiroa
Stage profile from Olveiroa to Corcubion
Stage profile from Corcubion to Finisterre
Stages on foot of the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre
Stage from Santiago de Compostela to Negreira
Stage from Negreira to Olveiroa
Stage from Olveiroa to Cee
Stage from Cee to Finisterre
Stage from Finisterre to Muxía
How long does the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre or Muxia take?
The approximate length of the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre is about 6 days, which can be extended by another 3 or 4 if you decide to extend it to Muxia. However, as we always say, the length of the Camino de Santiago is very relative: it all depends on what rhythm you want to take, how many stops you want to make and how much you want to stay and enjoy nature.
The ideal way is to do it is with us, as Santiago Ways has planned everything so that you will be able to enjoy the experience fully.
The best time to do the Camino de Santiago de Compostela to Fisterra
When it comes to doing the Camino de Santiago, we have to think clearly about the question of what season is best to choose. It must also be said that this depends on the taste of each person. In any case, we want to remind you that with Santiago Ways you can book at any time of the year to adapt to your own tastes.
However, there are some indications that we do want you to consider for different times of the year:
Spring
In spring, the weather can be unstable. Normally it will not be as cold as in winter, but there is always the risk of rain. Despite everything, if we go well-equipped for it, we could take advantage of this time of year to enjoy the natural surroundings that are all around us.
Summer
It is the most popular time to complete any route of the Camino de Santiago. In this sense, the route between Finisterre and Santiago de Compostela is no exception. It is true that it has the advantage of having compartively mild temperatures: In the north of Spain, and especially on this route, it is not hot because of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Galicia’s latitude.
It is indeed a perfect time to escape from the very hot areas of the rest of Spain. The only drawback could be the question of accommodation as there is a greater influx of pilgrims. However, with Santiago Ways, this will always be under our control.
Autumn
Autumn is another very interesting time to do the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre-Muxia. It is due to the great beauty in all places: in a large part, we will cross through natural environments with deciduous trees that will tint all the mountains and paths of spectacular yellow, brown and green colours. Completing the Camino from Santiago to Finisterre is always a great experience for all your senses.
Winter
Although it may seem that we are going to be very cold, the characteristics of this route make it ideal for a pilgrimage to Santiago during the winter . In fact, being close to the ocean, we will be able to benefit from the lower temperatures and, with it, continue knowing that frost will not appear.
There is always the risk of storms, but the flow of the route and the charm of the snow will be powerful incentives to go on.
Guide to the places that you cannot miss on the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre
We want to offer you a list of the most interesting places along the route of the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre. In this part, we will talk about the main places of interest, as well as the best hostels and cottages where to sleep and the best places to eat.
Places of interest
Ponte Maceira
Ponte Maceira is a medieval-style village that has all the charm of the past and all the enchantment of an enclave with great importance for many centuries. It has mills and a bridge of great beauty that you cannot miss.
Finisterre Lighthouse
The Finisterre Lighthouse is one of the main attractions on this Camino from Santiago to Finisterre because of its emblematic design and the great satisfaction it gives you as you observe it. You can’t leave without taking pictures of it.
Where to sleep – The best accommodation
It is important to make clear that one of the greatest advantages that you will have when organizing the Camino de Santiago with Santiago Ways is that we offer you the best accommodation both for the quality of their facilities and for the care they offer you and the environment in which they are located.
Where to eat – The best restaurants
Naturally, it is very important to eat well throughout our journey on the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre. Therefore, here we want to leave you with some recommendations on where you can eat to taste the best specialities of the area.
El Pirata: This seafood restaurant located in Finisterre is great value for money. You can enjoy the best seafood in this emblematic Galician area at an affordable price.
Etel and Pan: This new concept restaurant in Finisterre proposes us more select gastronomy, elaborated with gourmet products that will delight the most demanding of tastes.
Don Percebe: For those of you who search for a more “authentic” place to eat, we recommend the simple but very popular “Mr. Barnacle” restaurant.
Origin of the Camino de Santiago to Fisterra
Finally, we cannot finish this text without talking about what the origins of the emblematic route between Santiago and Finisterre are. It must be said that, contrary to what most people think, this route is not a recent one.
It is, in fact, one of the oldest and we can almost find its origins in the Roman era when it was travelled on for reasons very different from that of pilgrimages .
Apparently, there were several villages that considered Fisterra as the end of the Earth. That caused many of them to establish some temples here dedicated to the worship of the sun. Some say that it was Santiago himself who ordered that they be destroyed because they were cults that differed from Christianity.
Either way, the origin of this route has always been open and could be viewed as a good “pagan” contrast regarding the Christian purpose of the rest of the Camino de Santiago. That is another reason why the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre is so special at the end of the day.
The Camino de Santiago to Finisterre with Santiago Ways
Ideal footwear for the Camino
Other users’ opinions about the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre
And, since it is always better to know what others have said about us, we also want to share with you some opinions of other users who have completed the Camino from Santiago to Finisterre with Santiago Ways.
Photos and videos of the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre
The Camino de Santiago with Santiago Ways
Other Caminos de Santiago
- Camino Frances
- Camino Portugues
- Camino Portugues coastal route
- Camino del Norte
- Camino de Finisterre
- Camino Ingles
- Camino Primitivo
- Camino Lebaniego
- The Way of Lighthouses
- The Via de la Plata
Here you can see all the stages of the Camino de Santiago.
In Santiago Ways, we will advise you on which route of the Camino de Santiago is the best fit for you.
Other ways to complete The Camino de Santiago
- The Camino de Santiago in an organized group
- The Camino de Santiago with a dog
- The Camino de Santiago on bike
- The Camino de Santiago as a couple
- The Camino de Santiago at Easter
The quietest Caminos de Santiago
