Camino Finisterre
Elevation profile
Overview
The Camino Finisterre is a 86km pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, typically completed in 4 days. It offers a transformative journey combining spiritual reflection, natural beauty, and cultural immersion.
Highlights
The Camino de Finisterre is unique—it is the only route that begins in Santiago de Compostela and walks westward to the Atlantic coast. Medieval pilgrims believed Cape Finisterre (literally 'the end of the earth') was the westernmost point of the Roman Empire. Many pilgrims walk this route as a postscript to their main Camino.
Terrain & Difficulty
The route is relatively short and moderate, with rolling Galician countryside, eucalyptus forests, and coastal paths. The terrain is not mountainous but includes steady climbs and descents. The final descent to the Finisterre lighthouse along the coast is spectacular.
History
Cape Finisterre has been a sacred site since pre-Roman times, when Celtic peoples worshipped the sun setting into the Atlantic. The Roman name, Finis Terrae, reflected the belief that this was the edge of the known world. The tradition of burning clothing or walking sticks at the lighthouse dates back centuries.
Best Time to Walk
April–October. The Galician coast is mild year-round, but spring and autumn offer the clearest views.
Practical Tips
Many pilgrims continue to Muxía, a nearby coastal village with the Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Barca. Watch the sunset at the Finisterre lighthouse—it is the traditional end point of the journey. The route is short enough to complete in 3–4 days.
Towns & Waypoints
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Distance: 86 km
Duration: 4 days
Stops: 6 towns
💡 View info
📍Click on the ▶ start and 🏁 finish markers to see the start and end points of the route.
📈Hover over the elevation chart to see the altitude and total distance at each waypoint along the route.
🏘️Browse the Towns & Waypoints and Stages lists below for detailed guides on each town, stage, and point of interest.
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