Whether you are a tourist or a pilgrim of the Camino de Santiago who wants, like me, to extend your trip to Muxia this guide is for you. Find out here how to go and what to do on a day trip from Santiago de Compostela to Muxia.
Best tours:
1. Finisterre, Muxia and Costa da Morte Full Day Tour
2. Finisterre, Muxia and Cabo Vilan with Boat Cruise
Where to stay:
1. Albergue Bela Muxia
2. Apartamentos Costa da Morte Muxia
3. Casa de Lema
4. A de Loló Alojamiento con Encanto
I recently finished the Camino Frances in Santiago de Compostela. Many pilgrims I met on the road were considering to visit Finisterre and/or Muxia. I would highly recommend to do so in case you have the time.
About Muxia
Muxia, known for its serene beaches and prosperous fishing industry, has a population of approximately 5,000 people. It is also a popular destination among pilgrims of the Camino de Santiago.
In November 2002, Muxia gained global attention as it made headlines worldwide due to the environmental disaster caused by the oil tanker “Prestige.” The incident led to the release of approximately 70,000 gallons of oil into the Atlantic Ocean.
How to Go in a Day Trip from Santiago de Compostela to Muxia
By Bus
There are buses leaving every day from Vidan – Rotonda del Hospital Clinico to Muxia. The trip by car from Santiago de Compostela to Muxia takes only 1h 45m.
Booking a Round-Trip Tour
Another way to reach Finisterre and Muxia is by joining a round-trip tour that departs from Santiago de Compostela and allows you to visit both cities in one day. The following are the most recommended ones:
1.Excursion to Finisterre, Muxia and Cabo Vilan with Boat Cruise
A comprehensive 10-hour tour including a cruise ride from the port of Finisterre, providing an opportunity to view the lighthouse from the Atlantic Ocean. The tour encompasses popular tourist spots, renowned lighthouses, charming villages, and the chance to savor delectable Galician cuisine and beverages.
Book an Excursion to Finisterre, Muxia and Cabo Vilan with Boat Cruise here
2.Excursion to Finisterre, Muxia and Costa da Morte
This tour takes you to Costa da Morte and Muxia on a 9.5-hour day trip from Santiago de Compostela. You will explore lighthouses, ancient villages, waterfalls, and Cape Finisterre with 7 stops. Enjoy panoramic views, learn local legends, and savor traditional products. Available in English, Spanish, French, and Italian. Wheelchair accessible.
Book an Excursion to Finisterre, Muxia and Costa da Morte here
What to Do in Muxia in One Day
Enjoy Nemiña Beach
Arriving from Finisterre, I encountered this beautiful sandy beach surrounded by imposing dunes. It extends for more than 1 km along Muxia, Finisterre, and Cee.
It’s a well-loved destination for surfers, and during the summer, several surfing schools open in the area. For years, Nemiña has been attracting surfers from all over the world, mostly from France and Germany.
Nemiña is also the second-to-last stop before reaching Fisterra, the final destination of O Camiño dos Faros. This 200-kilometer hiking trail connects Malpica in A Coruña with Finisterre along the seashore.
Walk along the Rua Marina
I enjoyed taking a leisurely stroll along the scenic promenade by the seaside. I recommend you to begin at Playa da Cruz, a peaceful beach. The promenade offers inviting bar terraces and top-notch restaurants for you to enjoy.
Some of the most recommended restaurants are located along the promenade, which is known as Rua Marina.
Look for the “Miraculous Stones” near the Virgen de la Barca Sanctuary
The Virxe da Barca, or Virgin of the Boat, is a 12th-century chapel.
According to tradition, at this location, the apostle Santiago was in prayer, seeking greater success in his monumental task of evangelizing the Peninsula. It was here that the Virgin Mary made a sudden appearance, riding in a stone boat on the sea, and bestowed upon him courage.
Close to it, you can find the “miraculous stones”, which are believed to be remnants of the stone boat on which the Virgin Mary appeared to Apostle Santiago.
Among these stones, I found one which represents the structure of the boat with its flat shape. According to legend, only those without sin can move it. Another stone resembles a sail and is believed to have healing properties for kidney diseases, back pain, and headaches. It is said that passing under it nine times can bring relief.
If you are traveling with your loved one, make sure to search for the “Piedra o Furna dos Namorados” (Stone or Cave of Lovers), a hidden place where couples pledge eternal love to one another.
Visit the A Ferida Monument
“A ferida” from the Galician language, spoken in Muxia, means “The wound.” It’s the name of the huge granite sculpture that you will see outside the entrance of the Virgin of the Boat Church. Donated by a Spanish sculptor, “A Ferida” is a tribute to all the volunteers who arrived from everywhere to help clean the area after the oil spill of the Prestige ship in 2002.
This imposing monument, weighing more than 400 tons, stands at a height of more than 36 feet (11 m).
Visit Cabo Vilan
The lighthouse on top of Cape Vilan, standing at 100 meters high, is considered by many travelers to be the most beautiful on the Costa Morte. Its location offers the most spectacular views of the ocean. You can enjoy an unforgettable sunset from the top. If you are traveling by car, you can park it about 200 meters before reaching the lighthouse and continue on foot.
This historical lighthouse was built at the end of the 19th century and was the first one to use electricity in Spain.
Visit Cabo Touriñan
This is a place of unbelievable beauty and a shocking image at the same time. No wonder it’s located on the Costa da Morte. The view of the Atlantic Ocean and the cliffs is impressive. Around the rugged landscape, only thorny vegetation grows.
This cape is not very high, standing at less than 100 meters. A 19th-century lighthouse stands on it.
Enjoy the Local Food
A visit to the fish market gave me an idea of the diverse range of seafood available in Muxia. Octopus is always highly popular and in great demand, so much so that it is celebrated on Octopus Day in August. I recommend trying Pulpo a la Gallega.
Other traditional dish which I recommend you to try is Caldeirada de congrio, a typical dish based on congrio. This fish lives along rocky coasts and in deep waters. While it was once considered a humble dish, congrio stew has now earned its place in Galician haute cuisine due to its exceptional qualities.
D’Alvaro (a Michelin-starred restaurant) and A Furna specialize in seafood dishes, as well as Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine. You can find both of them at Rua Marina, in the promenade.
Where to Stay in Muxia
Albergue Bela Muxia is the one where I stayed in after completing the Camino. It is an excellent budget choice for pilgrims completing the Camino. It is centrally located and open year-round. This albergue is not exclusively for pilgrims. It offers 20 bunk beds, shared bathrooms, a private kitchenette, a dining table, washing machines, and outdoor furniture.
Book your stay at Albergue Bela Muxia here
Apartamentos Costa da Morte Muxia is highly rated by travelers.The apartments include a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and a kitchen with a microwave, toaster, fridge, stovetop, and coffee machine. Hiking opportunities are nearby, and popular attractions include Playa O Coido, Praia da Cruz, and Praia Espiñeirido.
Book your stay at Apartamentos Costa da Morte Muxia here
Casa de Lema is a beautiful countryside house, located 2 km from the coast. The rustic decor with floral gtouces, rustic furniture, and stone walls creates a charming atmosphere. The property also features a lovely garden and library. Air conditioned rooms, some with private balcones, are equipped with a work desk.
Book your stay at Casa de Lema here
A de Loló Alojamiento con Encanto is a 5-minute walk from Virgen de la Barca Sanctuary, making it an excellent stop for travelers on the Jacobean Route. It boasts a café-bar and restaurant. The rooms are equipped with handmade furniture, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms. Additionally, they offer family rooms and free parking.
