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The Camino Finisterre and Muxía ~ Pilgrimage to the Ends of the World

Q: How Long is the Camino Finisterre or Muxía?

These ancient medieval pilgrimage routes are both about the same distance, so this should not be a factor in your decision-making. The Finisterre Way is about a total of 90 kilometers (56 miles) and the route to Muxía about 88 kilometers (54.7 miles). If you want to add either destination on the Finisterre-Muxía extension it will be another 28.2 kilometers (17.5 miles). In fact, as discussed below, you can do a complete loop back to Santiago if you have the time and/or desire!

Q: How Difficult is the Camino Finisterre or the Camino Muxía?

The walk on either of these Camino extensions is more energetic than you might think! At least this was my experience. There are surprising elevation changes, if you jump to the Camino Finisterre/Muxía Stages and view each profile. If you are doing this pilgrimage after another lengthy Camino de Santiago, you will be already conditioned, so it may not matter as much. If you are doing the loop alone, be prepared to have strenuous days. Especially if you are walking from Finisterre back to Santiago. The elevation gain after Cée is a dramatic 300 meters (1000 feet) from the sea, over only five kilometers. This is why I always advise loop walkers to do the loop to Finisterre first, when this elevation change is downhill. The climb up to the same elevation from Muxía is much more gradual and over many more kilometers.

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What awaits beyond Santiago? The Camino Finisterre and Camino Muxía offer journeys to the very edge of the medieval world! These are ancient, scenic coastal pilgrimages to what was once the "End of the World."

Because Finisterre was considered the end of the known world in the Middle Ages, it held special spiritual and physical significance.

Just like us, you too can experience the unique spiritual and physical energy that continues to attract pilgrims to Finisterre and Muxía for centuries - and still does to this day.

"Sometimes we are called to dance on the wild edges of our lives and discover something new, or we have a sense that our lives have grown too small so we need to confront our fears of what is unknown, we need to welcome in strangeness to crack open unfamiliar parts of ourselves and of God." ~ Christine Valters Paintner, on Pilgrimage

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Rich and Elle on Traslatio Boat Ride, Variante Espiritual

We’re not a travel agency ~ we’re fellow pilgrims! (See About Us)

We've trekked Pilgrimage Routes Across Europe since 2014!

💬 We’ve:

Gotten lost so you don’t have to. 😉
Followed waymarks in the glowing sunlight, the pouring rain and by moonlight. ☀️🌧️🌙
Slept in albergues, hostels & casa rurals. Ate and drank in cafés along the way. 🛌 😴
Created comprehensive and downloadable GPS maps and eBook Guides, full of must-have information based on real pilgrimage travels. 🧭 🗺️
Shared our complete journeys, step by step to help YOU plan your ultimate pilgrimage and walk with your own Heart and Soul. 💙✨

Every detail is from our own experiences. Just fellow pilgrims sharing the Way. We have added a touch of spirituality, heartfelt insights and practical guidance from the road ~ offering a genuine connection to the spirit of pilgrimage. Tap into the wisdom of seasoned pilgrims!

Ultreia and Safe Pilgrimage Travels, Caminante! 💫 💚 🤍

Dancing on Wild Edges

After completing our Camino Inglés, it felt only natural to extend our pilgrimage onward via the traditional medieval pilgrimage route from Santiago de Compostela to Cabo Finisterre (Cape Finisterre) and Muxía.

As in the time of the medieval pilgrims, my desire for this part of the journey was part curiosity, part adventure and yes, part spiritual. I felt that I would pay homage by walking in the footsteps of those of another time, another place and another more mysterious faith.

By taking this extension of the Camino, perhaps I would dance on my own wild edges and discover something new!

👣 Camino Finisterre and Muxía eBook Guide

Our Downloadable Camino Finisterre eBook Guide in PDF Format contains all the valuable information from our web pages, for comfortable reading offline and without ads on your personal device. Don't carry a hard copy guide book to increase your pack weight. Use our digital guides on your next Camino instead!

Our ebook guide is packed with frequently updated information, because a digital format is more nimble than hard-copy publishing. Our eBook Guide is unique because we also entertain and immerse you with our story!

We cover the entire circular route to both Finisterre and Muxía so you can choose to go to either or both! Click here for your copy or BUY NOW!

How Long Does it Take to Walk the Fisterra Way or the Camino Muxía?

Both routes from Santiago de Compostela to the Cape, Cabo Finisterre or to Muxía take only an additional three or four days. It all depends on how many kilometers you are comfortable walking in a day.

And if you desire to walk to both, the extension from Finisterre or Muxía, starting from either town will take an additional day or two. Pilgrims travel in both directions between Finisterre and Muxía as the waymarks show you as you walk.

Pilgrimage is about more than distance - it’s about transformation. Read more on what a pilgrimage really means.

How Long is the Camino de Fisterra or Muxía?

These ancient medieval Land's End pilgrimage routes are both about the same distance, so this should not be a factor in your decision-making. The Finisterre Way is about a total of 90 kilometers (56 miles) and the route to Muxía about 88 kilometers (54.7 miles).

If you want to add either destination on the Finisterre-Muxía extension it will be another 28.2 kilometers (17.5 miles). In fact, as discussed below, you can do a complete loop back to Santiago if you have the time and/or desire!

How Difficult is the Camino Finisterre or the Camino Muxía?

The walk on either of these coastal Camino extensions is more energetic than you might think! At least this was my experience. There are surprising elevation changes, if you jump to the Camino Finisterre/Muxía Stages and view each profile.

If you are doing this pilgrimage after another lengthy Camino de Santiago, you will be already conditioned, so it may not matter as much.

If you are doing the loop alone, be prepared to have strenuous days. Especially if you are walking from Finisterre back to Santiago. The elevation gain after Cée is a dramatic 300 meters (1000 feet) from the sea, over only five kilometers.

This is why I always advise loop walkers to do the loop to Finisterre first, when this elevation change is downhill. The climb up to the same elevation from Muxía is much more gradual and over many more kilometers.

How Busy is the Fisterra Way and Muxía?

According to the statistics from the Pilgrim's Office in Santiago, less than 1% of all pilgrims walk these routes. In this case, I feel like their statistics are not reliable. Most pilgrims do not collect any type of certificate or Compostela after completing these routes. Their journeys are not recorded.

For sure, these treks offer more solitude than the busier full-length Caminos. From my own casual observations, walking them several times is that they are not all that busy. However, we have only attempted them in cusp months, when all the Caminos are quieter.

The pilgrim's office notes that July and August are the busiest months. This is always accepted information, regardless of the accuracy of the actual reported numbers of pilgrims on these coastal Caminos.

What's in a Name?

The dialect of this Northwestern Spanish region or Galicia is called Gallego, which confuses us because Finisterre, or "Land's End" becomes Fisterra in the local dialect. So similar, yet so different! Whichever proper name you use, Finisterre in Spanish, or Fisterra in Gallego, you will be understood.

Jump to Camino Finisterre and Muxía Stages

The Wild Costa da Morte (The Coast of Death)

To add even more mystery and drama to Cabo Finisterre, when you arrive at the End of the World, you arrive on a coastline that is rocky and treacherous, and is known in Gallego as the Costa da Morte, or the Coast of Death. The northwestern coast of Spain, from Finisterre to Muxía is totally exposed to the violent Atlantic ocean. When you see the Costa da Morte coastline, as shown in the photo below, you can understand why so many sailors have perished in the storms that prevail here.

First Glimpse of the Finisterre Lighthouse

First Glimpse of the Lighthouse on the Cabo Finisterre, along the Finisterre Way

Cabo Finisterre itself, is a wild and unusual place, at medieval Europe's "End of the World" and often at the end of one's Camino. This place feels deeply sacred and unlike any other place that I have visited. It is traditional to come here and reflect on one's journey and to watch the sunset over the dramatic Atlantic coastline.

The bronze boot sculpture, shown below, once an iconic landmark at the far end beyond the lighthouse, is now gone. This was very sad for me to see, so I continue to show my photo of it here.

Bronze Boot Sculpture, Cabo Finisterre, Icon of the Past

The goal of the Camino de Fisterra, is the lighthouse or faro, shown in the photo, below. If you have gotten your Credential stamped on the pilgrimage along the way, you can get another Compostela here, the Finisterrana, in the lighthouse, documenting your Fisterra Way.

Faro at Cabo Finisterre at the end of the Camino Fisterra

The Lighthouse at the End of the World

(If you make it to Muxía, you can also receive the Muxíana completion certificate, in the Muxía tourist office. Some accommodations have them too!)

We were thrilled to have accomplished our own goal of walking to the Finisterre lighthouse and receiving the Finisterrana. It felt deeply spiritual as we watched the sunset at the Cabo Fisterra, with less noise and fewer pilgrims. Click this link to read about our experience at Cabo Fisterra, and our tribute to the historical rituals there.

Jump to Camino Finisterre and Muxía Stages

🌍 The Camino Finisterre and Muxía Maps

You have two options to finish your Camino to the End of the World, either to Finisterre or Muxía. The overall mileage to Finisterre is 89.94 kilometers and to Muxía it is 87.75, by my GPS tracks. The Camino to Muxía is a little shorter, by two or so kilometers, but it is truly a matter of preference which Land's End pilgrimage you prefer. So, why not try both?

Here is our Google map of the entire route of the Fisterra Way, uploaded with our personal GPS tracks. As an added bonus, I have added features to each map, to include accommodations, eateries, fountains, churchs and more, that are useful to the pilgrim. Just click on a feature to see more information, and for direct links to accommodations, etc.

The Camino Finisterre route map below is fully interactive, for your use on this webpage, like a maps-only guide to the Camino!

If you wish to open and retain this map on your own device, click on this Camino Finisterre and Muxía Google sharing link. The map that opens on the device you are currently using will have all these same features you will need to plan a successful pilgrimage!

🌍 Map Like a Pro: Step-by-Step Guide to Using My Interactive Maps*

On a Laptop:

Initial View: Click "View larger map" (upper-right).
Re-access: Go to maps.google.com → "Saved" icon (left taskbar) → "Maps" (far right).

On a Mobile Device (Google Maps App - Recommended):

Initial View: Tap "View larger map" (upper-right). May open in app or browser. Tap "Save" if your browser asks.
Re-access: Open app → "You" or "Saved" (bottom taskbar) → scroll down → "Maps" (lower right).

On a Mobile Device (Browser):

Initial View: Tap "View larger map" (upper-right). May open in app or browser. Tap "Save" if your browser asks.
Re-access: Go to maps.google.com → dropdown under "Google Maps" → "My Maps."

💡 PRO TIP: Using My Interactive Google Map for GPS Navigation

Jump to this page for downloading instructions.
Jump to this page for uploading instructions.

*Note that my maps are not offline maps, but you will need to have a data plan for full functionality. However, you can use them offline. For instructions on how to do that, please click here.

Staying Connected with an eSIM:

If your wish is to stay connected and your mobile device supports eSIMs, it’s the easiest way to go. No need to swap physical SIM cards—you just activate a virtual one on your phone. eSIMs let you buy data plans online, so you're connected the moment you arrive. It is so simple!

Why I Recommend Roamless:

I personally use Roamless for its pay-as-you-go model and seamless global coverage. The inexpensive data never expires, making it perfect for long or multi-country trips. Activate it only once and never have to swap physical cards or eSIMs ever again, even when traveling to multiple countries across multiple dates. Find out more by clicking here and be an informed pilgrimage traveler!

Jump to Camino Finisterre and Muxía Stages

Which End of the World ~ Finisterre or Muxía?

For as many people as go to either Muxía or Finisterre, there are as many opinions on which place is the best, the most authentic "End of the World" or the most spiritual site!

It was fun when we came to Hospital, and the place in the road, below, where the Camino forks and you have to make a choice!

That's Me, Elle at the Fork in the Road ~ Finisterre or Muxía?

So then, what is the difference between the Camino Finisterre and the Camino Muxía? I'm glad you asked!

While both are scenic and deeply spiritual coastal routes, each has its own distinct feel, history, and trail experience.

For me, personally, I had to go to Finisterre, the "classic" Land's End pilgrimge from the Middle Ages. However, it only adds a day (28.2 kilometers) to your Camino, if you go to Muxía as well as Finisterre. Or, you can go slowly and break up the Finisterre to Muxía extension by staying halfway in Lires. The walk to Muxía from Finisterre along the Costa da Morte is absolutely gorgeous.

Trust me, you will not regret seeing the most legend-ridden Muxía, where St. James' body is said to have actually arrived by boat to Galicia in a miraculous fashion, set adrift from Rome where he was beheaded.

Muxía is also the final leg of the Camino de Santiago in the movie, "The Way," and in my experience was a more intimate place than Finisterre, and less touristy. However, it truly is a matter of preference and you will not know your preference if you don't see both. I advise you to take the extra day or two if you are able, to see both.

Many pilgrims are walking to Muxía, some starting from Santiago who then go on to Finisterre, and others from Finisterre where they have walked first. The choice is yours, which direction you wish to travel.

My Feet Dangling over the End of the World at Cabo Finisterre

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What Comes Next?

Please see my article on Muxía (click the link) and on Finisterre and the Cape to help you make your own decision. I chose to go to both and I do not regret it.

Even better yet, if you have time, why not consider the entire loop, to and from Santiago? I was surprised in my walks to the coast, how many pilgrims were walking backwards towards Santiago. Why not? The medieval pilgrims had no choice in the matter, did they?

Below is the stunning coastline at the point in Muxía and its lighthouse, just beyond the famous Nosa Señora da Barca shrine.

The Lighthouse at Muxía, End of the World

How do I get a Finisterrana or Muxíana Certificate?

Just like you can receive a Compostela in Santiago for completeing the Camino de Santiago, you can also recieve a similar certificate for either the Camino to Finisterre or the Camino to Muxía.

You will need to present your stamped credential in order to receive these walking certificates. You will only need one stamp per day to qualify for either certificate.

The certificate for the Fisterra Way is called the Finisterrana. You can receive it by walking directly to Finisterre from Santiago de Compostela or by coming via the extension from Muxía.

The Finisterrana is obtained at the Finisterre Punto Información (Information Center) along the main street when you enter town. Sometimes the municiple Albergue de Peregrinos de Fisterra has them.

For the Muxíana you can obtain this certificate by walking from Finisterre to Muxía, or directly from Santiago de Compostela to Muxía.

You can obtain the Muxíana at the Oficina Municipal de Turismo (municipal tourist office), right along the Rúa Virxe da Barca, a few blocks off the Camino to Land's End. Also inquire at the Albergue Público de Peregrinos, they might have them.

Salutation

I do hope you choose to continue your Camino de Santiago onward to the End of the World as the medieval pilgrims chose to do so many years ago. May you dance around your wild edges to find a bit more of yourself and give tribute to your personal Land's End pilgrimage.

To continue on with me and my personal pilgrimage, go to Day One on the Camino Finisterre to see how mine went!

May you metaphorically burn that which no longer serves you on the rocks at Cabo Finisterre. May you metaphorically build your cross of gratitude and discard your old boots as you watch the sun set on your Camino Finisterre or your Camino Muxía and its amazing lessons learned.

Love Spain and want to stay longer? For travelers exploring ways to travel and work abroad without experience, Jooble lists global job opportunities worth checking out.

Camino Finisterre and Muxía Stages

Camino Finisterre and Muxía: Overview and Introduction

Introduction to the Camino Finisterre and Muxía

Camino Finisterre and Muxía - Day 1: Santiago to Negreira, 20.8 Kms (12.92 Miles)

Day One ~ Santiago to Negreira, 20.8 Km (12.92 Miles)

Camino Finisterre and Muxía - Day 2: Negreira to Olveiroa, 33.6 Kms (20.88 Miles)

Day Two ~ Negreira to Olveiroa, 33.6 Km (20.88 Miles)

Camino Finisterre - Day 3: Olveiroa to Finisterre, 31.6 Kms (19.64 Miles)

Day Three ~ Olveiroa to Finisterre, 31.6 Km (19.64 Miles)

From the Cross to the Cape, Final Four Kilometers (2.45 Miles)

Finisterre to Muxía Extension: 28.2 Kms (17.52)

Finisterre to Muxía Extension, 28.2 Km (17.5 Miles)

Camino Muxía - Day 3: Hospital to Muxía, 27.15 Kilometers (16.87 Miles)

Day Three ~ Hospital to Muxía, 27.15 Kms (16.87 Miles)

Discovering Muxía

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Followed waymarks in the glowing sunlight, the pouring rain and by moonlight. ☀️🌧️🌙
Slept in albergues, hostels & casa rurals. Ate and drank in cafés along the way. 🛌 😴
Created comprehensive and downloadable GPS maps and eBook Guides, full of must-have information based on real pilgrimage travels. 🧭 🗺️
Shared our complete journeys, step by step to help YOU plan your ultimate pilgrimage and walk with your own Heart and Soul. 💙✨

Ultreia and Safe Pilgrimage Travels, Caminante! 💫 💚 🤍

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Essential Packing List

Carbon Trekking Poles

Carbon fiber construction (not aluminum) in a trekking pole makes them ultra lightweight. We like the Z-Pole style from Black Diamond so we can hide our poles in our pack from potential thieves before getting to our albergue! There are many to choose from! (See more of our gear recommendations! )

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