Day Three on the Camino Finisterre
~ Hospital to Muxía, 27.15 Kilometers (16.87 Miles)

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This is our journey on the northern alternative for day three on the Camino Finisterre to Muxía. Instead of walking south towards Finisterre, from the bifurcation in Hospital, this Camino turns northward to end in Muxía and the 0.0 kilometer marker on the tip of the peninsula there.

As I have discussed before, you have two choices in the town of Hospital, at the bifurcation, you can walk either to Finisterre via the southern route or to Muxía via the northern route. If you are doing this day from Olveiroa, please see day three on the Camino Finisterre for the initial 6.2 kilometers from Olveiroa until the bifurcation in Hospital. 

“It is a mistake to think that moving fast is the same as actually going somewhere.” ~ Steve Goodier 

The northern extension to Muxía is a beautiful walk. If ever there were a time to take it slowly, savoring your last moments on the Camino, this would be the time!

Maps and Stats of Day Three on the Camino Finisterre to Muxía

Here are our GPS tracks, for the northern route from the bifurcation in Hospital, to the 0.0 kilometer marker in Muxía. I have placed accommodations, grocery stores, and the information center on the map for your convenience in planning. 

Next is our elevation profile from Hospital to the bus stop at the waterfront on the eastern side of the peninsula in Muxía. It shows a total of 26 kilometers. You must add another 1.15 kilometers from the center of town to the point on the peninsula where the 0.0 kilometer marker marks the official "End of the World" by the Nosa Señora da Barca church, for the 27.15 total.

The day is essentially a down-hill run, with a drop in elevation of 370 meters (1200 feet), however, this stage feels surprisingly energetic, with many little hills and diversions along the way. If you enlarge the photo below, you will see that this part took us 23 hours! This is because I never reset the GPS and spent the night at the albergue in Dumbria as you will see below.

I also did not include the final 1.15 kilometers to the tip of the peninsula in this profile. There is a gain in elevation of about 35 meters (114 feet) for the final walk from the center of town to the 0.0 marker. 

Elevation Profile, Day Three of the Camino Finisterre, Hospital to MuxíaElevation Profile, Day Three of the Camino Finisterre, Hospital to Muxía

Photo-Rich Travelogue of Day Three on the Camino Finisterre, Hospital to Muxía

Because we had already walked the southern route to Finisterre, we taxied back to the bifurcation late in the afternoon, to pick up the northern route there. 

I must admit it felt really strange, getting out of a taxi at the intersection of the DP-2302 and 3404, shown below. We laughed with the taxi driver and I secretly hoped no pilgrims would come along at the moment! 

After being dropped off by the side of the road, we quickly gathered our packs, changed to hiking shoes and set off to the right, as directed in the photo below, before we were noticed! 

Muxía or Finisterre Kilometer Waymarkers on day three of the Camino Finisterre to MuxíaMuxía or Finisterre Kilometer Waymarkers

The day was glorious and sunny, and our only goal, since beginning late in the day, was to reach the albergue in Dumbria, just shy of four kilometers down the road. 

We set off on the DP-3404, with a designated pedestrian lane on the west-bound side. 

Windmills Line the DP-3404Windmills Line the DP-3404
Designated Pedestrian Lane on the DP-3404Designated Pedestrian Lane on the DP-3404

You stay on this exposed and open road for only 1.14 kilometers, when you see the concrete waymark, leading you to turn left onto a path, below. 

Left Turn Off the DP-3404Left Turn Off the DP-3404

For about 1/2 kilometer, the path continues, dropping down to cross a stream, below, essentially paralleling the DP-3404. Here is Rich by the small bridge at the stream crossing. 

Descend to Stream Along the Path on day three of the Camino Finisterre to MuxíaDescend to Stream, Crossing on a Bridge Along the Path

After the 1/2 kilometer, cross over the DP-3404 and onto a gravel road at kilometer marker 24.887.

Cross Over the DP-3404 and Continue on Gravel RoadCross Over the DP-3404 and Continue on Gravel Road
Rich on the High Gravel Road on day three of the Camino Finisterre to MuxíaRich on the High Gravel Road

Continue on the gravel road about 600 meters, when you come to the DP-3404 once again. Turn right and briefly join the road. 

Turn Right Onto DP-3404Turn Right Onto DP-3404

After 230 meters on the road, again, follow the 24.081 kilometer waymark to the left, onto another country road that drops steeply towards the hamlet of As Carizas. 

Turn Left Onto Road Towards As CarizasTurn Left Onto Road Towards As Carizas

It is only 250 meters on a dirt track initially, then becoming a paved road, until you arrive in As Carizas. 

Entering the Hamlet of As CarizasEntering the Hamlet of As Carizas

If you blink, you will miss this town. Turn right at the T-intersection in town and walk another 200 meters, before coming to this intersection, below. Continue across the paved road and straight on, onto another tractor lane towards the next town of Dumbría and the albergue there. 

Straight on Towards Dumbría on day three of the Camino Finisterre to MuxíaStraight on Towards Dumbría

Along the way, see a quaint hórreo in the field among the windmills. There are many old stone hórreos along this route, and they always capture my eye and bring me pleasure. I savored each and every one of them on day three on the Camino Finisterre to Muxía!

Quaint Hórreo in a Field with Windmills Near DumbríaQuaint Hórreo in a Field with Windmills Near Dumbría

And then, a mere 650 meters later you see a brightly colored building ahead, just before you enter the town proper. It is the Albergue de Peregrinos do Conco (Dumbría). You will see the bright red section first.

At the albergue, you are only 3.66 kilometers from the bifurcation of the northern and southern branches on day three of the Camino Finisterre to Muxía and the walk has been essentially all downhill.

Albergue de Peregrinos de Dumbría on day three of the Camino Finisterre to MuxíaAlbergue de Peregrinos de Dumbría

We chose to stay here for the night. There is one more accommodation in Dumbría, at the far end of town, the family-run Casa Mesón O Argentina (+34 981 74 40 51). Check the interactive map for its location, one block off-Camino. It has been given good reports.

The municipal albergue is a modern, clean and well-appointed place. There is a small grocery store about 1/2 kilometer farther along the Camino, in the town of Dumbría, that opened at 6:00 p.m. the day we arrived. It had a very limited selection. We managed to scab together a meal of pasta and canned meatballs!

The restaurants and cafés  in town were not open until much later, but there was a sports café bar at the soccer field, up the hill and to the right, behind the albergue that was open (see map above for its location) for snacks and beer.

We were lucky that there was a local soccer game happening, or the bar most likely would also have been closed! It was a Sunday and the town was asleep except for the soccer game. Maybe everyone was there?

The next morning, with only 22.7 kilometers remaining to Muxía, we set off in the semi-darkness. After about 150 meters past the albergue, you turn left to join the DP-3404 once again. 

Walking through Dumbría, you will see many gorgeous old stone hórreos. They are now protected by law, and they glowed in the light of the street lamps. 

Walking Through Dumbría in Early Morning LightWalking Through Dumbría in Early Morning Light
More Dumbría Hórreos on day three of the Camino Finisterre to MuxíaMore Dumbría Hórreos

After about one kilometer from the albergue, along the DP-3404 at the landmark health clinic, the Centro de Saúde, shown below, turn left at the 21.7 kilometer waymark. The place was already bustling with clients at 8:00 o'clock in the a.m.

Left Turn at the Centro de SaúdeLeft Turn at the Centro de Saúde

Walk about 300 meters on the paved road and come to this intersection, below. Turn left, and cross the Río do Fragoso. 

Turn Left at T-intersectionTurn Left at T-intersection

In another 200 meters, look for a lane to the right, which leaves the roadway. Take it. About 150 meters later the lane takes a big bend to the left, and walks you under the AC-552 highway overpass. Follow under the highway for about another 200 meters, crossing a river and walking up to join alongside the highway on the other, north side. Just after reaching the level of the highway, continue on the lane a few meters, until it diverts off to the right. I was very happy not to join the highway, as I could hear the morning rush of traffic, and instead the scent of eucalyptus led me onward into the forest. 

It is a full 1.77 kilometers more that the pilgrimage traveler gets to walk on this continuing gravel lane, through various features, shown in the photos below. First there is a nice hill, shown below, and a right-hand turn, avoiding the highway once again at the 20.437 kilometer marker, on the way to the next town of Trasufre

Join Improved Forest PathJoin Improved Forest Path
Wall-Lined Forest PathWall-Lined Forest Path
Lovely Enchanted Forest on day three of the Camino Finisterre to MuxíaLovely Enchanted Forest

After the 1.77 kilometer, come to a T-intersection in Trasufre and turn right.

Turn Right in TrasufreTurn Right in Trasufre
Hórreos in TrasufreHórreos in Trasufre

Wind around the town on quiet paved roads, instead of passing through it, following the waymarks. On day three, the Camino Finisterre to Muxía deliberately walks you by the historic church the A Virxe do Espiño, shown below. The church in the center of Trasufre is at 7.66 kilometers from the bifurcation. 

A Virxe do Espiño Church on day three of the Camino Finisterre to MuxíaA Virxe do Espiño Church

Leave town, and walk by a charming hórreo in a field.

Hórreo in a Cornfield on day three of the Camino Finisterre to MuxíaHórreo in a Cornfield on day three of the Camino Finisterre to Muxía

After about 800 meters back on pavement, and after walking through Trasufre, make a right hand turn after crossing this bridge, at the 17.9 kilometer marker, that you can just see in the distance in the photo below, and onto yet more wonderfully quiet, narrow and paved country roads.

Right Turn at 17.9 Kilometer Marker Ahead in TrasufreRight Turn at 17.9 Kilometer Marker Ahead

We walked through fields of corn that were just harvested, like below, or being harvested as we walked by. 

Quiet Country Road Through Fields Toward SenandeQuiet Country Road Through Fields

At the 17.4 kilometer waymark, below, we turned left and onto a forested path...

Left Turn at 17.4 Kilometer WaymarkLeft Turn at 17.4 Kilometer Waymark

...and arrived in the next town of Senande at precisely the 16.5 kilometer waymark. While geotracking, I noticed that these waymarks at times were a bit off in their readings, but essentially, they are accurate enough for the pilgrim's purpose!

Entering Senande at 16.5 Kilometer WaymarkEntering Senande at 16.5 Kilometer Waymark

Being approximately six kilometers into our day three, (and a total of about 10k from the bifurcation), we decided it was an appropriate time for another café con leche. The next town of substance was at least another five or six kilometers away and we were making our best effort at taking the day more slowly. I wanted to savor my last coffee breaks in Spain!

This decision was made easily, as you are immediately greeted by the Bar A Coxa after turning onto the main street in Senande. 

Bar A Coxa in SenandeBar A Coxa in Senande

The proprietor of the bar is a real character, and he will entertain you! I will not say how, as I do not want to spoil your time here!

Barely 100 meters on the main road in town, the Camino goes to the left, and you come across another bar and grocerette called the Casa Rego, shown below. If you didn't want to stop at the bars and needed something to eat, this is a good place to get something for your pack.  

Bar and Tienda Casa Rego in SenandeBar and Tienda Casa Rego

Leave Senande and walk along the country road, entering the next town of Agrodosío, more of a place name than a town. 

Country Road to Agrodosío on day three of the Camino Finisterre to MuxíaCountry Road to Agrodosío

In about 700 meters come to a T-intersection and turn right to enter into the next town of A Grixa. 

Right Turn at Cruceiro in A GrixaRight Turn at Cruceiro in A Grixa

Walk through A Grixa, and within 150 meters, pass by the historic church and bell tower of San Ciprian de Vilastose, built in the 18th century. There is a nice plaque describing the place, in Galician and Spanish, but no English. 

Interestingly, the bell tower is separate from the church, up on the hill to the right and the church is on the left. There is a bench to pause here awhile, and contemplate the meaning of your Camino. There are no services in this town, so it is also a good place for a snack from your pack. 

Cruceiro and Bell Tower of San Ciprian de VilastoseCruceiro and Bell Tower of San Ciprian de Vilastose

Take a walk up the stairs to get a closer look at this unique bell tower. 

Bell Tower San Ciprian de Vilastose on day three of the Camino Finisterre to MuxíaBell Tower San Ciprian de Vilastose

Just past the church and bell tower, is the Casa Rural Liñeiros, a splurge for the pilgrim. A bit farther on, the Camino Finisterre to Muxía takes a left hand turn and walks again on a rural, paved country road. Just before the turn, on the corner here is the fantastic-looking private albergue, the Albergue O Cabanel, after about 11 kilometers from the bifurcation.  

Leave A Grixa on Country RoadLeave A Grixa on Country Road

In 1/4 kilometer, you will see the turn to the right, (in the distance in the photo above), where you pick up a long gravel road system, all the way to the next town of Quintáns, about 3.5 kilometers away.

The right turn by the kilometer waymark, states about 15 kilometers left for day three on the Camino Finisterre to Muxía.

After an initial turn to the left, this gravel road is almost a straight-shot northward into the town of Quintáns. As you walk through this section, another healthy climb begins and lasts for about 1.5 kilometers. Then the remaining kilometers are downhill into Quintáns.

Gravel Lane toward QuintánsGravel Lane Toward Quintáns
Lane Enters ForestLane Enters Forest
Soon Walls Line the Forest RoadSoon Walls Line the Forest Road

When the forest makes way for open terrain and the gravel road gives way to pavement, the Quintáns sign greets you as you enter town after 15 kilometers from the bifurcation in Hospital.

Is that the sea in the distance?

Welcome to Quintáns on day three of the Camino Finisterre to MuxíaWelcome to Quintáns

Come to a T-intersection at the 11.483 kilometer waymark, turn right and walk into town. Just after the church and before the main square is a nice shady picnic area to rest and lunch, if you need. 

Picnic Area by Plaza in QuintánsPicnic Area by Plaza in Quintáns

There is one restaurant and two hotels here in town. For more info on the hotels, click the Casa Ogando and Pensión Plaza (painted bright orange when we were there) with very inexpensive beds/rooms.

There is one restaurant and two hotels here in the center of town (the next bar is in San Martiño, several kilometers ahead). For more info on the hotels, click on Casa Ogando and Pensión Plaza (painted bright orange when we were there), with very inexpensive rooms.

After walking through the plaza, by the hotel and restaurant, the Camino stays left two times, the second time at the hórreo, shown below. 

Left Turn After Plaza in QuintánsLeft Turn After Plaza in Quintáns

Continue bending to the left (westward) through town, following the nice concrete side road by many more charming stone hórreos. 

Leaving Quintáns on Side RoadLeaving Quintáns on Side Road

After 300 meters, come to a T-intersection, turning left to leave town. Pick up a country paved road, for 1/2 kilometer, walking toward the next town of Ozón. You will see the sign, identifying the town, shortly after leaving Quintáns, however you never actually walk through it, but pass to the north of it.

The road turns to dirt briefly, then back to the pavement where you walk by the lovely Casa Pedrajás (minimum 4 nights!), a rural home with its own cross in the front, that accommodates guests and right beside it the private Albergue Et Suseia, the choice for pilgrims, at 15.8 kilometers from the bifurcation.

At the next intersection, take a left at the 10.49 kilometer waymark, below, then an almost immediate right onto this lovely dirt road, shown next.

Country Road Passing North of OzónCountry Road Passing North of Ozón
Dirt Road to San MartiñoDirt Road to San Martiño

Walk another 1/2 kilometer on this road, descending to cross a stream, then climbing up on the other side. Walk by a sign pointing you to the Café Bar San Martiño, saying it is 100 meters off the Camino. It is more like 150 meters, but if you need something, it is close enough. 

You approach the town of San Martiño at the backside of the Monastery to San Martiño de Ozón. First walk by the longest hórreo I have ever seen, then the cruceiro farther up the hill. 

Longest Hórreo by the Monasterio de San Martiño de OzónLongest Hórreo by the Monasterio de San Martiño de Ozón
Cruceiro by the Monasterio de San Martiño de Ozón on day three of the Camino Finisterre to MuxíaCruceiro by the Monasterio de San Martiño de Ozón

At the top of the hill, turn right by another cruceiro, and walk to the entrance to the Monastery. The sign inside the door says, "slow down, have a cup of tea, take a stamp and a kitten!" Too funny! It looks like a very tranquil place to hang out. 

Entrance to the Monasterio de San Martiño de Ozón on day three of the Camino Finisterre to MuxíaEntrance to the Monasterio de San Martiño de Ozón

Instead of entering the monastery, we chose to take a snack break just next door at the church of San Martiño de Ozón, eating food from our pack. Boy, am I glad we did, because in a few minutes, along came a van barreling into town, blowing the horn. Turns out she was the village baker, delivering fresh bread to the neighborhood. We jumped up and indeed, were able to buy freshly baked bread for our lunch. What a treat! Perfect timing!

Fresh Bread WagonFresh Bread Wagon

After our break, and continuing through town for about 1/3 kilometer, the Camino takes a left turn, and begins to climb steeply up the hill towards the next town of Vilar de Sobremonte. The views that open up as you climb are wonderful. Walk past the sign to town, entering it at the 9.23 kilometer waymark. 

The climb continues through Sobremonte, shown below. 

Walking Through Vilar de SobremonteWalking Through Vilar de Sobremonte

Just when you think you must continue all the way up the hill, shown above, the Camino turns right in the middle of town at the 8.96 kilometer waymark, (not visible in the photo) and into the forest, continuing the steep climb for a while longer. It is about 1/2 kilometer from the turn up the hill to this point. 

Forest Walk Continuing AscentForest Walk Continuing Ascent

At 17.6 kilometers into your day, you reach the top of this climb at the 8.709 kilometer marker. From here, it goes down the hill toward the next town of Merexo, along the coast. 

Forest Road to Merexo on day three of the Camino Finisterre to MuxíaForest Road to Merexo

At around 18.5 kilometers into this day three of the Camino Finisterre to Muxía, you can see glimpses of the sea through the trees, on your left hand shoulder, confirming that indeed, you are heading to the coast. It is about 1.35 kilometer walk on the forest road until it comes out in the town of Merexo, shown here. The coastline is in full view.

Entering Merexo on day three of the Camino Finisterre to MuxíaEntering Merexo on day three of the Camino Finisterre to Muxía

Turn left at the end of the road, skirting the town to the south. Many signs will greet you, including a sign for the Pensión Atlantico, which is the large red building in the photo above, where there is also a café for snacks, if you so desire. This is the only pilgrim-friendly place, so don’t be fooled by all the casa rurales that require a 2-5 night minimum!

As you follow this road it leaves the town of Merexo and bends to the south, climbing once again away from the coast on the way to the next town of Os Muíños. Along this road, as you climb, you will hear the sea and see it steeply below the road to the right of you. 

Climb Hill on Coastal Road Out of MerexoClimb Hill on Coastal Road Out of Merexo

It is about 1.5 kilometers on this coastal road until you arrive in Os Muíños. You can relax and enjoy the downhill walk through town. 

Walking Through Os Muíños on day three of the Camino Finisterre to MuxíaWalking Through Os Muíños

As you walk through town, if you'd like a stop at a café, look out for this yellow sign for Café Bar Pataca, a few meters off-Camino. 

Sign to Café Bar PatacaSign to Café Bar Pataca

There is also a craft beer cafe here now, called the Cervexa Artesa A Fisterrana e A Muxiana so keep your eyes open for it as well. There are no pilgrim accommodations in Os Muíños.

Walk by many historic stone hórreos, a sign for a Panaderia (bakery) and when you see the pharmacy ahead, look for the turn to the right, onto a side road, just beyond, shown in the photo below. The pale green sign, illegible in the photo, states this is the direction for the beaches (praias) of Os Muíños.

Leave Os Muíños on This Side RoadLeave Os Muíños on This Side Road

It is about a 600 meter walk through town, meandering around, following the well-marked Camino. 

In another 1/2 kilometer, look carefully for the next turn to the left at kilometer marker 4.91. Somehow we missed this turn and kept going straight toward the beach. Fortunately, it wasn't long before I checked my sources, as the direction of travel didn't seem right to me. 

There were cars parked in front of the turn, and large trash containers, so that is my excuse for missing the turn! Or perhaps, I just didn't want to climb another darn hill! 

Here is the house you need to look for, in the photo below. There are yellow arrows, also painted on the street, showing the "M" for Muxía and the "S" for Santiago. 

Left Turn Uphill HereLeft Turn Uphill Here

The road initially is concrete, but quickly gives way to a forest path, shown below. Yes, this is a steep climb up the hill, but take heart. It goes by quickly.

Uphill on Forest PathUphill on Forest Path

In less than 300 meters on this path, the way ahead opens up and you can see your next destination, the Iglesia de San Xulián de Moraime up the hill. 

Iglesia de San Xulián de Moraime AheadIglesia de San Xulián de Moraime Ahead

Come to the AC-440, turn right and then immediately take the next left onto a side road leading to the church. You are approaching the town of Casanovas, the 4.558 kilometer waymark and the Mosteiro de San Xulián de Moraime, just up the hill.

In just over 100 meters on the road you come to a cruceiro, a plaza and the Iglesia de San Xulián de Moraime, after 21.8 kilometers total. Unfortunately, the church was closed on our arrival in the early afternoon. I so longed to see inside it, because in the vestibule, are large billboards, showing the restoration being done inside, including 12th century murals!

Iglesia de San Xulián de MoraimeIglesia de San Xulián de Moraime

Instead, we sat down by the monastery and took a nice snack break. The monastery, just beside the church is a newly remodeled Hostal, called the Mosteiro y Pensión de San Xulián de Moraime.  (This is the only appropriate pilgrim accommodation in Casanovas.)

The door to the hostal was open, with no one around, so we conducted a self-tour! Inside it looks amazing and has a sitting area, restrooms, and private rooms. It felt like a very peaceful and lovely place to stay! There used to be an albergue here as well, but that is no longer true. 

Mosteiro de San Xulián de MoraimeMosteiro de San Xulián de Moraime

After leaving the monastery, you must climb again on pavement towards the next town of Chorente. Take the walled road by the monastery for about 1/4 kilometer, turning right at the 4.3 kilometer waymark. 

Walled Road Toward Chorente on day three of the Camino Finisterre to MuxíaWalled Road Toward Chorente on day three of the Camino Finisterre to Muxía
Right Turn at 4.3 Kilometer WaymarkRight Turn at 4.3 Kilometer Waymark

In just under 300 meters, cross over the AC-440 and pick up a quiet road to the next landmark San Roque Church. 

Cross Over the AC-440 Toward San Roque ChurchCross Over the AC-440 Toward San Roque Church

In another 1/4 kilometer, arrive at the lovely chapel of San Roque Moraime. The good news is that this is the top of the final climb of day three on your Camino Finisterre to Muxía, at 22.6 kilometers total

You are at the 3.72 kilometer marker, shown in the photo below. While we walked along, marvelous views of the sea open up. When we stopped to savor the moment, I was so very grateful that not only were we under 4.0 kilometers, but that it was all downhill from here! I breathed a deep sigh of relief! Hallelujah! 

Chapel San Roque de ChorenteChapel San Roque de Chorente at 3.72 Kilometer Waymark
View of Sea from San Roque de Chorente ChapelView of Sea from San Roque de Chorente Chapel

From the chapel onward another 1/2 kilometer, you come to an intersection in the road and turn right at the 3.167 waymark. Walk a few meters, follow the waymarks to the left, essentially walking by the hamlet of Chorente. 

In 150 meters past the turn, once through town, the camino changes from paved roads to a nice dirt road, walking the pilgrimage traveler through the final eucalyptus forest of day three of the Camino Finisterre to Muxía. 

Dirt Road Through Eucalyptus ForestDirt Road Through Eucalyptus Forest

400 or so meters later, the Way leaves the dirt road, turns left and onto a path at this 2.56 kilometer waymark. 

Left Turn onto Path at 2.56 Kilometer Waymark on day three of the Camino Finisterre to MuxíaLeft Turn onto Path at 2.56 Kilometer Waymark

As you drop down the steep hill and through a thick, lush forest on this path, in several hundred meters the views of Muxía open up for the first time! 

Muxía in Sight!Muxía in Sight!

Following the path not quite another 400 meters, you arrive at the beach and the boardwalk that starts at the 2.207 kilometer waymark. You can chose to walk on the beach itself if you like, called the Praia De Espiñeirido or remain on the nice even boardwalk.

Boardwalk and Beach Begin at 2.207 Kilometer WaymarkBoardwalk and Beach Begin at 2.207 Kilometer Waymark

Rich chose to walk on the beach itself, and if you choose this path, it will be shorter, albeit harder. 

Rich Walks on Espiñeirido Beach on day three of the Camino Finisterre to MuxíaRich Walks on Espiñeirido Beach

Pass the 1.998 kilometer, staying left at this waymark, OR continue on via the beach path.

Stay Left at the 1.998 Kilometer WaymarkStay Left at the 1.998 Kilometer Waymark

The Camino boardwalk bends southward to join the AC-440 and ends where the sidewalk into town begins. 

Boardwalk Ends at the AC-440 JunctionBoardwalk Ends at the AC-440 Junction

In only 150 meters or so, you have arrived in Muxía!

Welcome to MuxíaWelcome to Muxía

As you walk up the hill into town, and towards the harbor, you can see where the steps up from the beach join the Camino proper, shown below.

Steps From the Beach Join the CaminoSteps From the Beach Join the Camino
A Look Back at the Lovely Praia de EspiñeiridoA Look Back at the Lovely Praia de Espiñeirido

The first accommodation you see, to the left, in the photo above is the pension called the Hostal La Cruz. It was abuzz with pilgrims when we walked by, due to its location, I am sure. 

There are many accommodations in Muxía. Click on the link to see them. Plus there is the municipal albergue, the Albergue Público de Peregrinos de Muxia, on the street immediately behind the Hostal La Cruz (see above interactive map). Some private albergues are: the Albergue Da Costa Muxia, the Albergue Arribada, and the Albergue@Muxía.

But we love the private albergues, the Muxía Mare (I have stayed here three times) and the Bela Muxía (I have stayed here two times) and are farther along into town. 

The Bela Muxía has individual cubbies with charging stations at each and every head of the bed! Nice. You also have your own backpack locker as well. The place is huge with two fully equipped kitchens. Despite its size the proprietors are extremely warm, helpful and friendly. There is a mirador (look-out) to the sea from the top deck that is also very nice. They also have private rooms that were full when we were there in September, so you may need to book ahead for those. 

The Muxía Mare is small and intimate, on the Finisterre side of the Camino, but with all the amenities. I love the family who runs this place as well! They are so helpful and kind, plus you get a view of the sea to the west from the establishment. We usually get a double room that faces the sea when we stay here! It is so lovely!

But your Camino Finisterre to Muxía is not yet done! There is more than a kilometer left to go to the 0.0 kilometer waymark and the End of the World. Perhaps it's easier to get your accommodation first, then walk on to the end. 

Continue to walk onward on the waterfront AC-440, by the harbor, shown below.

It is important to locate the Monbus and Arriva Bus Stops on the other side of the street, close to the end of the harbor. It is where the bus stop is located, if you plan to bus back to Santiago. You can’t miss the giant blue sign along the street with the bus schedule on it! I have also located it on the map above to guide you. 

Muxía HarborMuxía Harbor

It is a good 3/4 kilometer along the AC-440 from when you enter town, until you see this sign below, and make a left turn towards the End of the World at the Café Bar Plaia das Lanchas. It is easier to spot the white sign to the Bela Muxía albergue, in the photo below, than the blue Camino sign with the shell. The turn is right after a large open, concrete plaza on your left. 

Leave the AC-440 at Waterfront and Turn LeftLeave the AC-440 at Waterfront and Turn Left

If you follow the signs to the Bela Muxía for the next three turns, you will be just fine. It is one block up the hill from the waterfront, then a turn to the right. Walk for another block and turn left, then another block and turn right and onto the Rúa Encarnación.

When you come to the cross in the middle of the street, pass to the left of it and continue on the Rúa Encarnación and up the hill. Do NOT turn right towards the Bela Muxía at the cross.

Your aim is the small church shown below, the Parroquia de Santa María and the path to the left (west) of it. If you miss this uphill path, you will end up on the road along the coast, and it will still get you there, but it won't be quite as nice a walk. 

Parroquia de Santa MaríaParroquia de Santa María Church

After the church, the path becomes cobblestone with stone walls on each side. 

Muxía Peninsula PathMuxía Peninsula Path

As you climb the hill of the peninsula, the views of the harbor, windmills and finally, the famous Nosa Señora da Barca come into view. 

Nosa Señora da Barca ChurchNosa Señora da Barca Church

If you look to your left, you can't miss the Monument to the Prestige and the zero kilometer marker. Please read my article on Muxía to learn all about these historic monuments at the End of the World!

Here is Rich and I ~ two very happy pilgrimage travelers at our final destination!

Elle and Rich at Prestige Monument and the 0.0 Kilometer MarkerElle and Rich at Prestige Monument and the 0.0 Kilometer Marker

Reflections on Day Three on the Camino Finisterre, Hospital to Muxía

This day was such beautiful a walk for me! There is just something about walking to the End of the World, whether it is to Finisterre or Muxía. This is an enchanted land, so full of legends, myths and healing! 

It is the perfect walk to slow down, ponder your completed journey, stay present to the full experience of the moment, and reflect on how your journey forward will change!

Having finally done both walks from the bifurcation in Hospital, I can honestly say that while both routes are beautiful, I prefer the walk to Finisterre. However, I just had to do both, and I have no regrets.

Day three on the Camino Finisterre to Muxía is more arduous than I thought, with many ups and downs along the way. If you start your day three from Olveiroa, you may want to break it into two, and there are many gorgeous places to stay along this leg, as you have seen, in this article. 

The descent on the southern leg from Hospital to Finisterre is dramatic, (see day three on the Camino Finisterre) and would be very, very difficult to do in reverse, if you were planning to make a loop back to Santiago. Therefore, I would advise that if you are planning to do the loop, go to Finisterre first. 

The Finisterre to Muxía section may be easier to travel northward, but it saves the intense hill climb until the end of a long 30k day, (see my Finisterre to Muxia extension). 

All-in-all, whatever direction and/or leg you chose, you will not be disappointed. Both Ends of the World are fabulous places that should be seen eventually, regardless of your original Camino. And if you don't have time for both sacred places, there is always your next Camino!

Salutation

May your own day three on the Camino Finisterre to Muxía be filled with joyful moments lived in the present. May your own pilgrimage to the End of the World be a slow and savoring walk, delighting in all there is to see, as there is plenty of time later to rush into everyday life!



You can purchase our digital guide book in PDF format. The latest version includes the northern route to Muxía as well as recent route changes! Click here for your copy! Don't carry the weight of a book, carry our digital eBook instead!


And the Journey Continues:



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Need suggestions on what to pack for your next pilgrimage? Click Here or on the photo below!




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 thievesbefore getting to our albergue! There are many to choose from!  ( See more of our gear recommendations! )




Gregory BackPack - My Favorite Brand

An ultralight backpack should serve you well for years, like my Gregory has - six Caminos in all! My 28L Women's pack gets a 5-star on Amazon (Ones for Guys too)!




Microfiber Towel Set

Do not forget your quick-dry microfiber towel! 




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