Whether you are a tourist or a pilgrim of the Camino de Santiago who wants, like me, to extend your trip to Finisterre, this guide is for you. Find here how to go on a day trip from Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre.
Best tours:
1. Finisterre, Muxia and Costa da Morte Full Day Tour
2. Finisterre, Muxia and Cabo Vilan with Boat Cruise
Best hotels in Finisterre:
1. Cabañas Fisterra (4*)
2. Hospedium H Cabo Sport (3*)
3. Hotel Bela Fisterra (3*)
4. Hotel O Semaforo (2*)
5. Hotel Rústico Prado da Viña (2*)
6. Albergue de Sonia Buen Camino
I recently finished the Camino Frances in Santiago de Compostela. Many pilgrims I met on the road were considering to visit whether Finisterre or Muxia. I would highly recommend spending at least one night in each of them in order to make the most of your visit.
Fisterra or Finisterre?
The first term is in Galician, the local language. Finisterre is the name the Romans gave to this cape, meaning “End of the Earth”. They considered that the known world literally ended there.
Many of the pilgrims whom I met on the Camino de Santiago, after arriving in Santiago de Compostela, decided to continue their trip to Finisterre. In fact, it is km 0 and the end of the Way.
Until recently, once arriving in Fisterra, pilgrims used to burn boots and leave their belongings on the way. The Town Hall launched the campaign “Buen Camino, Better End” to finish this harmful practice that damaged the environment and even caused forest fires. They installed a container at Km 0 where pilgrims can leave their belongings with the assurance that they will be managed in a clean and sustainable way.
How to Get on a Day Trip from Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre
By Bus
From the Estacion de Autobuses (Intermodal) in Santiago de Compostela, buses depart from 9:00 am, and there are five buses available daily. The journey from Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre can take between 2 hours and 10 minutes to 2 hours and 55 minutes.
There are buses leaving every day from Vidan – Rotonda del Hospital Clinico directly to Muxia. The trip takes only 1h 45m by car. Muxia is 30 minutes by car from Finisterre.
By Car
If you need to rent a car I recommend you to compare prices and book a car through Economy Bookings which always offers the best rental conditions. The drive to Finisterre typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Booking a Round-Trip Tour
You can book a round-trip tour from Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre and Muxia along the Costa da Morte. This tour takes you to Fisterra and stops for lunch in Muxia. On the way, you will pass through two beautiful medieval villages and a fishing town.
Book an Excursion to Finisterre, Muxia and Costa da Morte here
This other tour includes a cruise ride from Finisterre and gives you the chance to view the lighthouse from the Atlantic Ocean. This trip encompasses popular tourist spots, renowned lighthouses, charming villages, and the opportunity to savor Galician cuisine.
Book an Excursion to Finisterre, Muxia and Cabo Vilan with Boat Cruise here
What to Do in a Day Trip from Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre
Watch the Sea from the Faro (Lighthouse)
The pilgrims started finishing the Camino de Santiago in Finisterre centuries before the building of the Faro (Lighthouse) which dates back to the 19th century. By then, thousands of people had already died in hundreds of shipwrecks along the so-called Costa da Morte or Coast of Death.
The Faro is 126 meters above sea level. It takes 40 minutes to walk from the town, and it’s nearly a 10-minute drive by car. There is parking available, as well as bathrooms, souvenir shops, and a restaurant. Upon remodelation, the Faro’s old annex building became a boutique hotel, O Semaforo. It means that you could even stay up there and enjoy the great view of the ocean.
Stroll the Picturesque Streets of the Town
Finisterre has all the air of a typical old port town. The streets are narrow and the houses have gray stone facades with large windows, typical of Galician buildings. Colorful mosaics cover some of them.
The Ara Solis is the name of the main square. According to the legend, the Romans found there an altar of woship to the sun built by the Fenicians and which Saint James destroyed when he arrived to this land. In this square visit the Capilla de Nosa Señora de Bo Suceso, a Baroque church of 18th century.
The Plaza de Santa Catalina is the square where you will find the Monument to the Emigrant in memory of the thousands of Galicians who fled from hunger and poverty, mostly to Argentina.
Watch the Fishermen’s Activities at the Port
The Lonja de Pescadores, or fish wholesale market, opens from Monday to Friday at 4:30 p.m. to attend the auction of fish and seafood, which begins at 4:45 p.m.
Visitors have the option to explore designated walkways that provide a tour of the facilities while avoiding the areas of economic activity. Additionally, a room is available where you can observe the fish auction through a large window. To witness the fish auction is one of the best things to do in Finisterre.
Explore the Views outside of Town
The Muxia Church of Santa Maria das Areas is located outside of town on the way to the lighthouse. It dates back to the 12th century and houses the image of the Saint Christ of Finisterre, which is surrounded by several legends. According to tradition, it is believed that a witness of Jesus’ death sculpted the image. It is also known as the Saint Christ of the Golden Beard, due to the belief that its hair and beard continue to grow.
The Mirador de Talon, along the route of pilgrims coming from Santiago de Compostela, is the first viewpoint they encounter upon arriving in town. It offers the best vantage point to capture stunning pictures of the almost hidden Langosteira Beach, which stretches for 2 kilometers, as well as the cape.
Enjoy the Local Gastronomy
The cuisine in this area is a great experience. The seafood is always fresh and offers a wide variety of products, such as clams, scallops, sea bass, crabs, and lobsters.
I would recommend that you try a Mariscada. This seafood platter is prepared with a variety of shellfish, including octopus, mussels, clams, squid, crab, and lobster. They are cooked in a flavorful tomato, oil, and white wine sauce, enhancing their taste. Served with bread and a drink, it’s a delightful culinary experience.
My recommended restaurants in Finisterre are:
O Pirata: This restaurant serves a variety of fresh and delicious seafood dishes. It is often considered the best place to try Mariscada and octopus-based dishes.
Taberna Arco da Vella: Located in Paseo Ribeira, this restaurant offers excellent Galician seafood and wine, along with a great view. They also provide options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with gluten-free dietary restrictions.
Ethel and Pan: Situated in Praza Constitucion, next to the Tourist Office, this restaurant specializes in Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine. They have a diverse menu that includes options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with gluten-free preferences.
Where to Stay in Finisterre
4* Hotel
Cabañas Fisterra (4*) is conveniently located just 200 meters away from the beautiful Langosteira Beach. It offers air-conditioned accommodations with balconies and complimentary WiFi. Guests can also enjoy a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a garden during their stay.
Book your stay at Cabañas Fisterra here
3* Hotels
Hospedium H Cabo Sport (3*) is just minutes away from Da Ribeira Beach and Langosteira Beach. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, private parking (extra charge), and an elevator. Each room features a desk, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and air conditioning. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast.
Book your stay at the Hospedium H Cabo Sport here
Hotel Bela Fisterra (3*) is just a 5-minute stroll from Langosteira Beach. Enjoy free private parking, a garden, shared lounge, and terrace. The hotel features a bar and free WiFi in all rooms. Guests can opt for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free breakfasts.
Book your stay at Hotel Bela Fisterra here
2* Hotels
Hotel Rustico Prado da Viña (2*) is a lovely hotel. Most rooms offer views over the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel boasts spacious gardens and an outdoor swimming pool. Additionally, it includes a communal TV lounge with a library and a fireplace, providing a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Book your stay at Hotel Rustico Prado da Viña here
Hotel O Semaforo (2*) is a boutique hotel situated in what used to be the headquarters for marine monitoring, adjacent to the lighthouse. The hotel offers five rooms, each with stunning views. It has a restaurant.
Book your stay at the Hotel O Semaforo here
Hostel
Albergue de Sonia – Buen Camino is a budget hostel located close to the Old Town. It offers 25 bunk beds, a kitchen, and washing and drying machines for guests’ convenience. The hostel is open from March 1st to December 20th.
