The Camino Finisterre is the only Camino de Santiago route that starts in Santiago de Compostela. The Romans believed it was “the end of the earth” – finis terrae in Latin. Nowadays this route is a popular trail that is walked by many pilgrims.
I have walked this Camino twice. The first time in 2017 after completing the Camino del Norte and the second time in May 2026 as a separate route. Many people walk the Camino Finisterre after completing a longer Camino route.
There are two finishing points on this Camino; Finisterre and Muxía. You can choose one of them or walk to both (they are connected). The first 60 km/37 mi from Santiago are the same, at Hospital (the middle of the stage 3) the Camino splits.
I’ve walked both routes and find that the scenery on the route to Finisterre (the last stage) is more interesting than on the route to Muxia. You get to walk through Cee and Corcubion, two beautiful seaside towns and along the coast. the route to Muxia is more inland. Which one to walk to first is up to you.
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Camino Finisterre PDFs
To help you with route planning we’ve created downloadable PDF files with walking stages and places to stay along the Camino.
If you don’t feel like walking more after completing one of the Camino routes you can do a day trip from Santiago to Finisterre and Muxia.
GPX files of the route
You can download our GPX files of the Camino Finisterre and use them on your phone or GPS watch for navigation.
Travel insurance for the pilgrimage
You can read more information about travel insurance for the Camino de Santiago or get an instant quote for your trip right here.
World Nomads travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers, with coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Camino Finisterre route overview
- Distance – 117 km/72.7 mi – Santiago to Finisterre to Muxia; 90 km/55.9 mi from Santiago to Finisterre; 27 km/16.7 mi from Finisterre to Muxia.
- Number of days (stages) – 4-6 days depending on the route and daily distances
- Starting point – Santiago de Compostela
- Finishing point – Cape Finisterre or Cape Muxia
- Difficulty level – moderate
- Accumulated ascent (over 5 days) – 2732 m
- Accumulated descent – 2839 m
- Walking surface – 66 km/41 mi – asphalt; 51 km/31.6 mi – footpath/gravel road.
- Average cost – between 30 and 50 euros per person per day mostly depending on the cost of your accommodation.
Camino Finisterre-Muxia map
Santiago de Compostela, the beginning of the route
The Camino Finisterre is the only Camino route that starts in Santiago de Compostela. Most pilgrims walk it as an extension after completing one of the other routes. It can be a nice addition to your route if you walk one of the inland Camino routes e.g. the Camino Frances, Camino Primitivo, or the Central Route of the Portuguese Camino.
Places to stay in Santiago
There are many great places to stay in Santiago de Compostela for different budgets from albergues to luxury hotels.
- Low-end | Albergue Seminario Menor | Santiago KM-0 |
- Mid-range | Hospedería San Martín Pinario | CampusSur |
- High-end | Via Aetcal Hotel & Wellness | Parador de Santiago – Hostal Reis Catolicos |
Camino Finisterre-Muxia walking stages
Stage 1. Santiago de Compostela to Negreira, 20.7 km/12.8 mi
- Distance – 20.7 km/12.8 mi
- Time – 5-6 hours
- Accumulated ascent – 500 m
- Accumulated descent – 597 m
- Walking surface – 15.7 km/9.7 mi – asphalt; 5 km/3.1 mi – footpath/gravel.
- Walking route – Santiago de Compostela – Ponto Maceira – Negreira.
A beautiful walking day mostly through the forest with a steep ascent in the middle part.
The Camino starts at the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. It’s a strange feeling to start walking from there. The first 400 m are not well-marked. You can see faded yellow arrows painted on the ground. But it’s not difficult to follow the route. From Obradoiro Square go down to and follow it out of the town till you see the first official Camino sign at the pedestrian crossing across the road.
There are no places to stop for food or water for the first 9 km/5.5 mi. It’s better to have breakfast before you leave Santiago and pack enough water and some snacks.
Elevation profile
Challenges of the stage 1
- No place to stop for food or water between 1 km/0.6 mi and 8.8 km/5.4 mi.
- Several ascents and descents throughout the day.
- A steep and long ascent at 12 km/7.4 mi – 230 m up over 2 km/1.2 mi.
- Walking on the road for 2 km/1.2 mi at the end of the stage.
Highlights
- The beautiful Galician forest.
- Ponte Maceira, a charming place with the Medieval bridge, small waterfalls, and old stone houses surrounded by the forest.
Stage 1 route description
0-1 km/0-0.6 mi – through Santiago de Compostela.
1.5-8.8 km/0.9-5.4 mi – through the forest with no place to stop for food or water.
8.8 km/5.4 mi – a restaurant
10 km/6.2 mi – a private albergue and a cafe.
11 km/6.8 mi – a cafe and a pharmacy.
11.6 km/7.2 mi – a cafe.
12 km/7.4 mi – a steep and long ascent in the forest. It’s the toughest part of the stage and probably the most challenging ascent of the entire Camino Finisterre. You go up 230 m over 2 km/1.2 mi.
12-16 km/7.4-10 mi – through the forest.
15 km/9.3 mi – a bar.
17 km/10.5 mi – Ponte Maceira, a small picturesque place with a beautiful bridge, small waterfalls, and restaurant with great views from its terrace.
17-18.8 km/10.5-11.6 mi – through the forest.
18.8-20 km/11.6-12.4 mi – on or along the road.
20.7 km/12.8 mi – Negreira.
Places to stay in Negreira
- Budget | Municipal Albergue | Albergue Bergando |
- Middle price | PENSION ORUEIRO VILASERIO |
- High-end | Piso Camiño a Fisterra |
Stage 2. Negreira to Lago (Mazaricos), 28.6 km/17.7 mi
- Distance – 28.6 km/17.7 mi
- Time – 7 hours
- Accumulated ascent – 746 m
- Accumulated descent – 558 m
- Walking surface – 16.3 km/10.1 mi – asphalt; 12.3 km/7.6 mi – footpath/gravel.
- Walking route – Negreira – A Cabana – Santa Marinas – Lago.
It is the longest walking day in this itinerary. As an option you can adjust it. First walk from Negreira to Santa Marinas, 21 km/13 mi. Then from Santa Marinas to Olveiroa, 13 km/8 mi.
The walk overall was nice mostly through the forest and fields with a couple of stretches of walking on quiet roads. In the second half there are no places to stop for food and water for 8 km/5 mi. I strongly recommend carrying enough water and some snacks with.
Elevation profile
Challenges of the stage 2
- A long walking day.
- A long and gradual ascent from Negreira.
- Walking along the road for 4 km/2.4 mi (two stretches).
- Several ascents and descents throughout the day.
- No place to stop for food and water for 8 km/5 mi, between 13 km/8 mi and 21 km/13 mi.
- A steep ascent with a subsequent descent at the very end of the day, the last 2 km/1.2 mi. You can skip it by continuing walking on the road to Lago instead of turning left to the gravel road at 26 km/16.1 mi.
Highlights
- The beautiful forest in the first part of the day.
- Rural scenery in the last part of the walk.
Stage 2 route description
1 km/0.6 mi – Municipal Albergue of Negreira.
1.6-8.6 km/0.9-5.3 mi – through the forest.
3.7 km/2.2 mi – a small cafe.
5.5 km/3.4 mi – an ascent.
8.6 km/5.3 mi – A Cabana. A private albergue/cafe Alto da Pena.
8.7 km/5.4 mi – a restaurant, Albergue/hotel San Mamede da Pena.
10-13 km/6.2-8 mi – through the fields.
11-13 km/6.8-8 mi – along a quiet road with very few cars.
13 km/8 mi – Vilaserio. Private Albergue Casa Velha, private Albergue/guesthouse O Rueiro, a restaurant.
13.4-15 km/8.3-9.3 mi – along the road with not many cars.
15 km/9.3 mi – a vending machine with cool drinks and snacks.
15.4-16.4 km/9.5-10 mi – through the forest.
17-28 km/10.5-17.3 mi – mostly through the fields.
21 km/13 mi – private Albergue/restaurant Casa Pepa.
22 km/13.6 mi – private albergue Santa Mariña and a bakery.
26 km/16.1 mi – a steep and short ascent with a subsequent descent.
28 km/17.3 mi – Lago, a small place with one private albergue and two cafes.
Places to stay in Lago
Private albergue Monte Aro (a private room and a dormitory)
Stage 3. Lago to Cee, 25.4 km/15.7 mi
- Distance – 25.4 km/15.7 mi
- Time – 6 hours
- Accumulated ascent – 380 m
- Accumulated descent – 698 m
- Walking surface – 9.4 km/5.8 mi – asphalt; 16 km/10 mi – footpath/gravel.
- Walking route – Lago – Oliveira – Hospital – Cee.
Elevation profile
Challenges of the stage 3
- A long and steep downhill to Cee.
- No place to stop for food or water for the last 13 km/8 km, between 12 km/7.4 mi and 25 km/15.5 mi.
Highlights
- Walking over the hills with stunning views.
- Olveiroa, a nice small town.
- Senora das Neves Chapel in the forest.
- A scary 5-meter tall bronze statue of Vakner, a werewolf from Galician mythology in the middle of the forest. There is a metal plank with a legend and explanation of its origin.
- The beautiful town of Cee.
Stage 3 route description
0-4 km/0-2.4 mi – through the fields.
4.2 km/2.6 mi – private Albergue/guesthouse Ponte Olveiroa and a restaurant.
4.5-6 km/2.7-3.7 mi – along the road.
6 km/3.7 mi – Olveiroa, a small town with several Albergues, guesthouses, and restaurants.
7-11 km/4.3-6.8 mi – over the green hills with beautiful views.
10 km/6.2 mi – private Albergue/cafe O Logoso and guesthouse A Pedra.
12 km/7.4 mi – Hospitales, the last cafe for the next 13 km till Cee.
13-24 km/8-15 mi – over the hills and forest.
16.7 km/10.3 mi – Sra das Neves Chapel in the forest.
22 km/13.6 mi – a long and sometimes steep ascent to Cee.
24.6 km/15.2 mi – a private albergue and a bar.
25 km/15.5 mi – Cee, a picturesque coastal town with many albergues and cafes.
Places to stay in Cee
- Low-end | Tequeron | Albergue O Bordón |
- Mid-range | Hotel Larry | Abuela Maruja |
- High-end | Hotel Oca Insua Costa da Morte |
Stage 4. Cee to Finisterre, 15.5 km/9.6 mi
- Distance – 15.5 km/9.6 mi
- Time – 4 hours
- Accumulated ascent – 405 m
- Accumulated descent – 300 m
- Walking surface – 11.5 km/7.1 mi – asphalt; 4 km/2.4 mi – footpath/gravel.
- Walking route – Cee – Corcubion – Finisterre (town) – Finisterre lighthouse.
In Cee there is a route split. One route is 1 km/0.6 mi longer and it goes more inland. The other route goes along the coast through Corcubion (another town next to Cee). Both routes merge after a couple of kilometers.
It’s a short walking stage (compared to the rest of the itinerary). In the middle there is a part of walking on a busy road between Corcubion and Sardineiro Beach. The Camino crosses from one side to the other side of the road at least 5 times which is not nice considering the lack of pedestrian crossings and traffic lights.
Finisterre Cape is 2.5 km/1.5 mi from the town. Once you are in the town you can head to your accommodation place, leave your backpack there, and then walk to the point. Most people do it that way.
From the cape you can walk back to your hotel/albergue or take a taxi. There are no public buses between the town and the lighthouse.
Elevation profile
Challenges of the stage 4
- Walking on the road for 1.5 km/0.9 mi between Corcubion and Finisterre (town).
Highlights
- The charming seaside town of Corcubion.
- Walking through the beautiful forest.
- Walking for 2 km/1.2 mi along Langosteira Beach.
- The town of Finisterre.
- Spectacular views of the coast on the way to the lighthouse.
- Breathtaking views from Cape Finisterre, the lighthouse, and the KM0 sign.
Stage 4 route description
0-2 km/0-1.2 mi – walking through the town of Corcubion.
3 km/1.8 mi – municipal Albergue San Roque.
4 km/2.4 mi – private Albergue San Pedro.
4.3-5.5 km/2.6-3.4 mi – walking on the road.
5 km/3.1 mi – hotel/restaurant Playa de Estorde.
5.2 km/3.2 mi – campsite Ruta Finisterre.
6 km/3.7 mi – Sardineiro Beach, a small place with a couple of guesthouses, hotels, and restaurants.
6.2 km/3.8 mi – hotel/cafe Playa de Sardiñeiro.
7-8.7 km/4.3-5.4 mi – walking through the beautiful forest.
9 km/5.5 mi – private Albergue Cabo da Vila.
9.5-11.5/5.9-7.1 mi – along the beautiful Langosteira Beach. You can walk on a sidewalk along the beach for 2 km/1.2 mi or on the sand on the beach.
10.7 km/6.6 mi – a bar.
11.5-13 km/7.1-8 mi – through the town of Finisterra.
13-15 km/8-9.3 mi – on a footpath along the road.
15.5 km/9.6 mi – KM0 sign and Cape Finisterre lighthouse.
To get back to the town you have to walk back (another 2.5 km/1.5 mi) or take a taxi. It’s possible to stay right at the lighthouse at Semaforo Hotel but the place is quite pricey.
Places to stay in Finisterre
You can stay at the very cape Finisterre, next to the Lighthouse at Hotel O Semaforo. It’s quite pricey but the location and the scenery around are truly spectacular. It’s a small and cozy hotel with beautifully designed rooms, breathtaking views, and a nice restaurant.
- Budget | Municipal Albergue | Albergue Mar del Plata | Albergue Oceanus Finisterre |
- Middle price | Pensión Mirador Fin da Terra | Hotel Ancora |
- High-end | Hospedium H Cabo Sport |
Stage 5. Finisterre to Muxia, 27.5 km/17 mi
- Distance – 27.5 km/17 mi
- Time – 7-8 hours
- Accumulated ascent – 701 m
- Accumulated descent – 686 m
- Walking surface – 13.2 km/8.2 mi – asphalt; 14.3 km/8.8 mi – footpath/gravel.
- Walking route – Finisterra – Lires – Muxia town – Muxia cape
It’s another long walking day. It went quite quickly for me because I really enjoyed the scenery. Most of the day the Camino goes through the forest. The last 2 km/1.2 mi to Muxia are along the coast past some spectacular beaches. Overall despite the distance the day went by quite fast.
The first Camino sign to Muxia can be found in front of Asador San Roque restaurant at (Langosteira Beach), about 1 km/0.6 mi from the center of the town.
Elevation profile
Challenges of the stage 5
- A long walking day.
- Several ascents and descents throughout the day.
- Not many places to stop for food in the second half of the stage.
- Walking on the road (with not many cars) for 1.5 km/0.9 mi.
Highlights
- Walking through the picturesque Galician forest with spectacular coastal views for the most of the day.
- Praia de Lourido, a beautiful white sand beach at 25 km/15.5 mi.
- Walking along the coast for the last 2.5 km/1.5 mi to Muxia.
- The beautiful Muxia Cape with the Church of Nuestra Sra do Barco, a small lighthouse, and several other monuments.
Stage 5 route description
3 km/1.8 mi – a cafe.
3.6 km/2.2 mi – a short ascent.
5.7 km/3.5 mi – a cafe.
7.6 km/4.7 mi – a cafe.
8.3 km/5.1 mi – a short ascent
8.5-12 km/5.2-7.4 mi – through the forest.
12 km/7.4 mi – the small town of Lires. It looked like a very nice place. If you don’t want to walk 27 km/16.7 mi in one day you can stop here. There are plenty of guesthouses in this small place but no albergues.
12.2 km/7.5 mi – Casa Raul guesthouse.
12.3 km/7.6 mi – Casa Divina.
12.4 km/7.7 mi – Restaurant/guesthouse Liresca.
12.5-24 km/7.7-15 mi – through the forest.
18.8 km/11.6 mi – a bar.
20 km/12.4 mi – an ascent.
24-25.5 km/15-15.8 mi – on a road with beautiful coastal views.
25 km/15.5 mi – the stunning white sand beach Praia de Lourido.
25-26.5 km/15.5-16.4 mi – along the coast to Muxia.
26.7-27.5 km/16.5-17 mi – the walk from the town to the cape. You can walk there following Rua Atalaia or on a footpath along the cliffs.
27.5 km/17 mi – the church of Nossa Senhora da Barca and the lighthouse.
The cape is about 1 km/0.6 mi from the town. To get back you have to walk.
Places to stay in Muxía
- Budget | Municipal Albergue | Muxia Mare | Albergue Bela Muxia |
- Middle price | Four Rooms | Apartamentos Praia do Capitàn |
- High-end | Pensión Rustica Alemana |
How to get back to Santiago?
Finisterre to Santiago de Compostela
There are 7 daily direct buses from Finisterre to Santiago. The journey takes 2 to 3 hours (depending on the route and stops). The bus leaves from the bus stop around the corner from the municipal albergue. The price is 7,30 Euro pp. You can check online for the current departure times, prices, and tickets. Note! In the search box “Departure point” type “Fisterra”, the Galician name of the town.
Muxia to Santiago de Compostela
A bus from Muxía to Santiago takes 1h45min., the price is 6.85 Euro. There are 2 daily direct buses and one that goes through Finisterre. The bus leaves from Cafeteria Don Quijote, the second stop is at the bar O’Xardin. You can purchase tickets and check the up-to-date itinerary on the MonBus website.
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The pretty half of Stingy Nomads, responsible for all our land adventures (hiking, climbing, walking the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves walking since she was a child, she prefers to walk 1000 km with a backpack rather than to do a 10 000 km road trip (actually any road trip). Alya is a big fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Every time we go away she desperately misses our dog Chile.
France
Thursday 10th of April 2025
A lot of very good information for anyone planning this part of the Camino. I walked it last year (2024). I also published the story of my days on the Camino. Just published : WALKING TO THE END OF THE WORLD; Camino Fisterra-Muxia.
Sarah
Tuesday 21st of November 2023
Hi guys! Your website helped me soooo much, planning my first camino in May this year! (I did the Camino Portugues from Porto to Santiago and I absoluters LOVED it!). Right now I’m planning to walk from Santiago to Fisterra and Muxia in May ‘24. Your PDF files and all the advice you give is so incredibly useful! Thank you so much for that!
Stingy Nomads
Friday 24th of November 2023
Hello Sarah. Thank you for the comment. We're sure you'll enjoy the Camino Finisterre. It's a beautiful route. Buen Camino
Catherine Grant
Friday 5th of August 2022
In September 2023 I am returning to complete the Portuguese Coastal Route. I am hoping to finish in Finisterre, if I can still walk, but should be OK after a days R&R in Santiago. , I'm intending to walk to Finisterre. I've just discovered this site, and its been so informative.I'm coming from NZ, and this time around I will be much better prepared.
Brendan Green
Saturday 4th of June 2022
You guys do fantastic guide books! Thank you. Brendan.
Marina
Monday 25th of April 2022
Hi Stingynomads, thank you very much for the guide. I just arrived in Negreira municipal albergue and have to add that the kitchen here is not equipped at all. It is empty. There is a microwave for sure and cooking plates, but besides that, nothing else. I found two plates, two glasses, one knife and bottle opener in the cupboards. That's it.
Jen H
Tuesday 13th of June 2023
I volunteered for two weeks in a municipal albergue this year (2023). I learned that because Galicia's municipal albergues do not have cooking implements like pots, pans, colanders, etc. This is because each albergue is staffed with only one person who cleans and sanitizes all buildings from 9am-11am, then handles check in from 1pm-10pm. Adding kitchen cleanup to their duties isn't sustainable due to these time limitations.
Kitchens often have a microwave for heat-eat meals. One enterprising pilgrim bought heavy-duty aluminum foil (to use as a baking sheet) and made five pizzas from scratch in the oven. If pilgrims want to cook in the municipal albergues, consider bringing a lightweight pot to use in the stove or order a la carte from a local restaurant. Hope this helps!
Stingy Nomads
Monday 25th of April 2022
Hello, Marina. Thank you for the comment. When we were there the albergue in Negreira definitely had more than you described. Maybe they'll get new utensils again. For the last two years, most albergues were closed there might be some lack of infrastructure or facilities. Buen Camino