After yesterday’s short stage, today we set off for Finisterre, and, for many the end of the adventure. Others will continue from there to Muxía. For both of us, however, the arrival at Cape Finisterre will be a major milestone.
Let’s continue on the Camino de Finisterre!
Today’s stage is a pleasant walk by the sea. Surrounded by pine trees, cliffs and with some urbanizations on the way, we will reach Finisterre.
From there tradition commands to continue to Cape Finisterre, where, hopefully, a beautiful sunset awaits us.
If you are thinking of doing the Camino de Santiago from Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre or Muxia, tell us what your plans are for the Camino de Santiago, and we will contact you to advise you on everything that you need.
Itinerary stage Cee – Finisterre
In today’s short day we travel 12.2 kilometres to the town centre of Finisterre. From there, we will still have a walk to the cape, but we can do that without carrying the backpack in tow.
Cee (km. 0). Beginning of stage
Practical tips for this section: Leaving Cee we will find a marker that moves us away from the promenade.
The signage is correct and points to the official section, however, we think that on this occasion it is worth skipping and travelling the kilometre and a half that separates Cee from Corcubión, by the sea. Buen Camino!
We pass in front of Pazo do Cotón and a cross; then we descend on the left to reach the beautiful promenade. This is why we arrive in Corcubión (km. 1.5). It’s not the official road, but it’s worth giving up on it for this stretch.
When you arrive at the town, cross the pedestrian crossing next to the Post Office to link with the official path. We walk along Calle San Marco and reach the church of the same name.
Next to the church we take the stairs, which are located on the right, and down Calle de las Mercedes we head to the children’s playground of do Rollo. We go up a road that provides us with beautiful views of Corcubión and Cee.
The ascent continues, harder in its final stretch, to the field of San Roque and the village of Vilar (km. 2,3). Later, after crossing the road, we continue along a road that goes down to the AC-445 road.
Almost always on the hard shoulder, we pass the hamlets of Amarela and Estorde. Then, at the entrance of Sardiñeiro, we left the asphalt of the road for a short stretch, although we immediately return to it. Finally, reaching Rúa Nova we leave the road behind again.
Sardiñeiro (km. 6,2).
Practical tips for this section: You are midway through the stage, nothing remains to complete the journey to Finisterre. Enjoy the beautiful sands that will come your way on this stretch. Buen Camino!
We left the town along a stretch through which the Camino Real ran, and which leads to a viewpoint over Fisterra (Finisterre) and its Cape (km. 8).
We cross the road again and descend suddenly to skirt around Talon Cove. Another short stretch of road leads to Calcoba (km. 9.3), where the extensive sandy beach of Langosteira begins.
The official road advances behind the beach dunes, although many pilgrims choose to go barefoot and make this stretch beside the sea. Through the neighbourhood of San Roque, we access Fisterra.
We pass next to the cross at Baixar (km. 11,2) and along Calle Santa Catalina, we enter Calle Real, where we can ask for the ‘Fisterrana’.
Finisterre (km. 12,2). The end of the Camino de Finisterre.
Practical tips for this section: In Finisterre as in Santiago de Compostela, although in a much more leisurely and less crowded way, the obligations accumulate. Stop by to pick up the ‘Fisterrana’ and finish the tour arriving at Cape Finisterre, where you can see beautiful sunsets.
Congratulations! Whether you’re continuing to Muxía tomorrow or finishing your tour here, you can say you’ve completed the Camino de Finisterre. See you soon, or see you tomorrow?
But the Camino de Finisterre does not end here, but at Finisterre Lighthouse. It is your decision if you want to stop at your accommodation to leave the backpack and then continue, or maybe you prefer to carry your faithful companion to kilometre zero.
We pass by the Chapel of Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso, in Ara Solis Square, and we go out onto the road that leads to the lighthouse. Along this, we pass next to the Church of Santa Maria das Areas.
The ascent up the road is quite bearable. In the middle of the route we find a modern sculpture of a medieval pilgrim. The kilometre zero marker announces the entrance to the surroundings of the Lighthouse. We recommend watching the sunset from the lighthouse.
If you spend more than a day in Finisterre, other visits of interest are possible, if you want to discover the town are the Castle of San Carlos, the Museum of Fishing, the End of the World Cemetery, the Chapel of San Guillermo and the monument to the emigrant.
Comments stage Cee – Finisterre
Here are some tips to make the most of your arrival at the End of the World.
Precautions stage Cee – Finisterre
The biggest difficulty on today’s stage are the continuous crossings on the AC-445 road, starting from Vilar. Special attention should be paid to the crossings in Amarela, Sardiñeiro and Cala del Talón.
In the area of Cape Finisterre approaching the sea or bathing is strictly forbidden. The sea is extremely dangerous at this point and has already claimed the lives of several pilgrims in recent years.
Food stage Cee – Finisterre
Below we recommend some dishes to enjoy the gastronomy of the region.
- Fish: Hake, Sea Bream, Red Bream, Sardine, Sole, among others.
- Cocido (Galician Stew)
- Bacon with Turnip Tops
- Galician Empanadas
- Seafood platters
Services stage Cee – Finisterre
Get to know the main healthcare services, cafes, ATMs and restaurants that are located on this stage of the Camino de Finisterre.
Map stage Cee – Finisterre
Check the map with the route and locations that the stage runs through.
Profile stage Cee – Finisterre
Find out about the profile, altitude and degree of difficulty on each section.
What to do on the stage Cee – Finisterre
During today’s stage you will pass through various places of interest, below we provide you with information about them.
Playa de Gures
This fantastic beach, crystal clear and unspoilt, is shaped like a shell and is completely clear. Enjoy its white sand and very calm waters. It’s going to take a little work to find it, but thanks to this she’s not overcrowded. Make the job of doing it well, and you’ll reach it right at the end of a descent that will take you to a set of rocks.
Corcubión
The municipality of Corcubión has just over 1,600 inhabitants and an urban area declared a Historic Artistic Site, in 1984.
The origin of the villa dates back to a Celtic settlement, from which some remains are still preserved in the Mount Quenxe fort, with magnificent views over the estuary.
From the 13th century, the ancient inhabitants of the village moved their homes to the coast, leaving the mountainside.
In the town, you can visit the Church of San Marco, the Chapel of Pilar, Pazo de los Condes de Altamira, the Castle of Cardenal and the building of José Carrera. The visit to the maritime museum is also recommended.
Faro de Cabo Cee
The Cape Cee Lighthouse became operational in 1860, after, in 1847, the Lighthouse Commission pointed to the need to illuminate the arrival of vessels in the Corcubión Estuary. It subsequently ceased operations and resumed its activity in 1934.
Capilla del Pilar de Corcubión
The Chapel of Pilar is located in Antonio Porrúa de Corcubión street. It is a small temple built in 1931 and currently intended for cultural activities.
Castillo del Cardenal
Cardenal Castle is located in Punta Pión. It is an ancient fortification that was intended to protect the Corcubión Estuary. The construction dates from the second half of the 18th century.
The fortress has 12 mounted guns and can accommodate up to 96 people. In front of it, is the Prince’s castle in La Ameixenda, also with defensive function.
Mercado de Cee
On Sundays the Cee market takes place, where the most characteristic charm of this municipality is represented: traders who sell their products of all kinds. Among them, local and very good quality foods such as cold cuts, bread, fruits, vegetables, fish and seafood.
This market is the economic engine every Sunday in Cee and, thanks to the large influx it receives, it becomes a small shopping centre that is open to the public all morning.
Edificio de José Carrera
The José Carrera Building is an Indian building located in the town of Corcubión. Its construction was carried out in 1924 and presents an eclectic style. The structure of the building consists of a central body and two wings.
The facade that we can observe today is not the original, but the result of the remodelling that suffered the property in 1967, to host the offices of the City Council.
Paseo marítimo de Corcubión
Corcubión’s seafront promenade joins the town to neighbouring Cee. On the promenade, you can access the Don Benigno Lago and Don Ramón Pais viewpoints.
Museo Fernando Blanco
The museum focuses on publicizing the life of Fernando Blanco de Lema and spreading the historical heritage of one of the most admired Colleges in Galicia, where it is precisely located, the “School of Girls” in Cee, built on the site of his birthplace.
This museum is an example of the work of the great philanthropists who returned from America in the late 19th century with the intention of enhancing culture in their hometowns.
It has one of the most important collections of scientific material in Galicia thanks to the gadgets of the old Physics, Chemistry and Natural History departments, and the magnificent canvases that Federico Madrazo painted to praise the figure of Fernando Blanco and his executor.
Iglesia de San Marcos
The Church of San Marcos is located in the town of Corcubión and was declared as a site of Cultural Interest.
The temple was built in the 14th century, just after the population began to leave the mountainside and move the village settlement beside the sea.
Its architectural style is mainly Marine Gothic, although it combines other styles. In the main chapel and in the corbels, you can see the presence of Romanesque features while on its façade you can appreciate neo-Gothic elements and on the cruise a Baroque influence.
The temple has been damaged on several occasions. The French attack sparked a fire that devastated the lower part of the church. Years later, three lightning strikes hit the bell tower and part of the façade, causing serious damage.
These events have caused the temple to have been rebuilt on various occasions throughout history.
An example of the renovations suffered by the church are the Chapels of Socorro and Carmen, which were later added, in the 18th century.
Museo marítimo de Corcubión
The Corcubión Maritime Museum has been headquartered since 2001 in a former salting factory. The museum space houses an extensive collection of materials about life at sea and fishing on the Costa da Morte.
The museum has several rooms. One intended for maritime rescue, another specialized in electronic navigation instruments, a third room focused on deck machinery and waterfront carpentry, another on engines and the last one in nautical plans and instruments. In addition, there is another room where temporary exhibitions are held.
Practical information:
Hours: Open daily. In summer (from 11:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00). In winter, Monday to Friday (11:00 to 14:00), Saturdays and Sundays (11:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 20:00).
Admission: General (1€).
Pazo de los Condes de Altamira
The Pazo de los Condes de Altamira is located in the town of Corcubión. The construction dates back to 1430 and was carried out by the nobles themselves, after constituting the capital of the jurisdiction in Corcubión.
It originally served as a residence. Over the years it has undergone various renovations, such as the defensive towers that were installed and were subsequently demolished, in the 17th century. Today, it continues to be a private residence.
Playa de Quenxe
Quenxe Beach is located in the Corcubión Estuary. It is a beach composed of fine sand and with crystal clear waters, 300 metres long. The pier is one side.
Cruz de Baixar
The Baixar Cross is located at the entrance of Finisterre’s Langosteira Beach. It is a cross made of granite, characterized by not having a platform and being supported by a square-based column with chamfers.
On the front of the cruise you can see the image of The Crucified Christ. On the back is depicted the Immaculate One with the Child Jesus on her lap.
Playa de Langosteira
Langosteira Beach is one of the most visited resorts on the Costa da Morte. It is a sandy area of almost 3 kilometres in length and has spectacular crystal clear waters. Next to it is a promenade that joins Finisterre with a small village called Calcoba.
Fisterra
Fisterra was for many years, the last bastion of the land on which civilization was known. This corner of the world was populated by the Nerios, a Celtic tribe, and the Romans.
This fact caused this point of the planet to be considered for centuries the end of the world: Finis Terrae. The place where the sun set behind the dark waters of the Atlantic Ocean, a space inhabited by monsters and fantastic creatures.
The current municipality, with approximately 5,000 inhabitants, is formed by Fisterra, as the main nucleus, and by several adjoining parishes.
The town of Finisterre is now a clear example of a fishing village, being able to observe in this the port, the market, prepared for tourism, and an urban layout formed by stone houses distributed in narrow streets.
A visit that cannot be missed if you pass through Finisterre is that of its Cape. On the way, the pilgrim will find the Church of Santa Maria de las Arenas.
Other visits of interest, if you want to discover the town in more depth are: the Chapel of Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso, San Carlos Castle, the Fishing Museum, The End of the World Cemetery, The Chapel of San Guillermo and the monument to the emigrant.
Capilla de Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso
The Chapel of Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso is located in the Plaza Ara Solis in Fisterra. The temple dates back to the 18th century and is Baroque in style. Its structure consists of a single nave and a square chapel.
On its façade, at the top, you can see the coat of arms of the founder of the temple. Inside it guards an altarpiece of Baroque style, with the image of the Virgen of Relief and the Crucified Christ.
Plaza de Aras Solis
The Plaza de Ara Solis is located in the centre of Finisterre and is one of the most popular squares in the town. Its history dates back to Roman times.
According to tradition, the Romans found in this place an altar to the sun “Ara Solis”, built by the Phoenicians and subsequently destroyed by order of Santiago the Apostle.
Castillo de San Carlos
San Carlos Castle is located next to O Corbeiro Beach, next to the port of Finisterre. Like the Prince’s Castle in Ameixenda, it was intended to defend the town from possible foreign invasions.
It was built by engineers Demaur and Exaccha. Its structure has an irregular shape, due to the characteristics of the terrain where it is located.
The castle has three towers, one facing the villa, another facing the Cape Finisterre and the third towards the estuary.
At the end of the 19th century the property was auctioned by the state and acquired by Plácido Castro Rivas. Afterwards, his son, Plácido Castro Del Río donated the castle to the village to become the headquarters of the current Fishing Museum.
Museo de la Pesca
The Fishing Museum is located in the San Carlos Castle in Finisterre and was inaugurated in 2006. The museum space houses an exhibition explaining the development of Galician fishing, to this day.
Its main purpose is to make the importance of fishing activity in the hamlets and villages of the Galician community public, thus helping to highlight the cultural and historical value of this way of life.
Practical information:
Hours: Only opens its doors upon previous reservation.
Admission: 2€
Cementerio del Fin de la Tierra
The Cemetery at the End of the World was built by the architect César Portela. Unlike other cemeteries, there are no dead people in this one.
This peculiar cemetery consists of a group of small cube-shaped buildings, distributed along passages that run along the mountain slopes.
The random disposition of these elements is intended to recall that death is an unpredictable fact.
Ermita de San Guillermo
The Chapel of San Guillermo is located on Monte do Facho. Only the remains left after its destruction in the 18th century by French troops are preserved from the temple.
It is known that the church was associated with the worship of the sun and that in it, fertility rites were performed. According to tradition, sterile couples went to sleep at the temple so they could conceive children.
Faro de Finisterre
The Finisterre Lighthouse is one of the most famous, representative and western lighthouses in Europe. Its construction was carried out in 1856 with the aim of helping the navigation along the Costa da Morte, one of the most dangerous and wild coasts.
Its construction is the work of the engineer Félix Uhagón. Its structure has an octagonal base and its lantern is located 138 metres above sea level.
In the old days, the lighthouse was powered by an oil lamp, but after various modifications, electricity began to be used. Currently, its flickering light has a range of 31 miles, which equates to 57 kilometres.
Attached to the lighthouse is another building, known as La Sirena or La Vaca de Fisterra. This construction is especially valuable on days of intense fog. Its operation consists in emitting, every minute, sounds that reach 25 miles away, which equate to 46 kilometres.
The third building in the complex is the one known as The Traffic Light. The function of this is to send warnings to the navy.
Iglesia de Santa María de las Arenas
The Church of Santa Maria de las Arenas is located on the road that ascends to the Finisterre Lighthouse. Its construction dates back to 1199, according to the writing donated by Doña Urraca Fernández.
The influx of pilgrims visiting the temple on its way to Fisterra increased considerably during the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries.
Today, the temple has a rectangular scheme and is believed to have been the work of the architect Domingo A. De Andrade, who also participated in the construction of the Cathedral de Santiago.
In the architecture of the church you can appreciate each of the styles used in the construction of the Cathedral of Santiago, since although it was originally formed by a single quadrangular-based chapel and Baroque style, they subsequently added new chapels in various styles.
The central nave, from the beginning of the 15th century, shelters the image of Santiago the Pilgrim. The Gothic Chapel of La Purísima was added in 1496. The same goes for the Chapel of Our Lady of Carmen, 1524, made in a plateresque style.
The Egeas style can be seen at the Holy Door, which is the main entrance to the temple in the events during Holy Year.
The church houses inside, since 1721, an altarpiece that houses the Gothic image of the Most Excellent Christ of Finisterre. According to legend this image was transported by boat, but due to a large storm had to be thrown into the sea.
Lonja turística
The tourist fish market in Finisterre is a pioneer in the Galician community and in it, guided tours are combined with the activities typical of this type of space. To do this, it is divided into two zones.
The upper part is intended for visitors, from where they can observe the fish auctions. In the lower area, the activities of the fish market take place: loading and unloading of fish, the auction, etc.
Practical information:
Hours: Closed on weekends and public holidays. Open Monday to Friday from 16:30.
Admission: General (5€), children between 6 and 12 years old and groups of more than 15 people (4€), children under 6 years old (free).
Monumento al emigrante
The Monument to the Finisterre Emigrant was inaugurated in 1993 and is the work of Agustín De la Herrán Matorras. The sculpture, dedicated especially to the Galicians who emigrated to Argentina, aims not to forget the migratory past of the Galician population.
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