Finisterre or Muxia? Which Village Should You Walk to First on the Camino Fisterra Muxia?
The Camino de Santiago is one of Europe’s most epic pilgrimage routes. Pilgrims arrive in Santiago de Compostela after walking across Spain, Portugal, or places even farther. For some, the journey is complete upon arrival into Santiago de Compostela. For others, many continue to walk the“End of the World” via the Camino Finisterre Muxia.
The Camino Finisterre Muxia has two ending locations: Finisterre or Muxia. Both villages are found along Galicia’s rugged Death Coast, yet the two final destinations have a different energy.
Pilgrims who wish to end in Finisterre can watch the sunset from stones near the lighthouse found at the end of the Cape. Those who walk first to Muxia will enjoy a sleepy fishing village laced with giant boulders and legends.
Both Fisterra and Muxia have a 0.00 kilometer marker and the option to obtain a credencial for walking from Santiago de Compostela. The first 60 Km (37 miles) of the Camino Finisterre Muxia follow the same path. Once in the village of Hospital, you’ll have to decide whether to walk to Finisterre or Muxia first. That means that the last 30 Kilometers of each route is different.
I have personally walked the Camino Finisterre Muxia twice. For my first Camino, I walked to Finisterra first. The second time, I walked to Muxia first.
This guide is an overview of the Camino Finisterre Muxia and gives a brief overview of the route, the typical Camino Fisterra Muxia stages and distances, and my honest opinion on which village I prefer to walk to first.
Here’s my ultimate guide on how to choose the village of Finisterre or Muxia first when walking the incredible Camino Fisterra Muxia.
Table of Contents
- Overview of the Camino Finisterre Muxia
- Typical Camino Finisterre Muxia Stages & Distances
- The First 60 Kilometers of the Camino Finisterre Muxia
- Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre First
- Santiago de Compostela to Muxia First
- My Humble Opinion on Walking to Finisterre or Muxia First
- Conclusion⎥Camino Finisterre Muxia Which Village to Walk to First
Overview of the Camino Finisterre Muxia
This Camino Finisterre Muxia guide is for pilgrims who will depart from Santiago de Compostela to the “End of the World.” Pilgrims that have ample time may reach the grand Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and wish to continue walking. This was my calling after I completed the Camino Frances from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
The Camino Finisterra Muxia is the only Camino route that starts from Santiago de Compostela. It can be walked as a continuation of any Camino de Santiago route or as a stand-alone Camino route.
Whether walking to Finisterre or Muxia first, the route is the same for the first 37 miles (60 Km) to the tiny village of Hospital. A majority of pilgrims reach Hospital on Day 2 or 3 of the Camino Finisterre Muxia. Once here, the route splits for Finisterre or Muxia.
Typical Camino Muxia Stages & Distances
The Camino Finisterre Muxia route is well-marked with yellow arrows in the shape of the famous conch shell. Find the yellow arrows in concrete blocks, on the side of walls and homes, on trees, and sometimes spray-painted on the road.
Most pilgrims budget 3 – 4 days to walk from Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre or Muxia.
The official kilometer marker to Finisterre from Santiago reads 89.586 KM (55.67 miles).
The official kilometer marker to Muxía from Santiago reads 86.482 KM (53.74 miles).
Typical Camino Finisterre vs. Muxia Stages
Santiago de Compostela to Fisterra
- Day 1 | Santiago de Compostela – Negreira | 13.2 Miles / 21.2 KM | + / – 5 Hours
- Day 2 | Negreira – Olvieroa | 21 Miles / 33.8 KM | + / – 8 Hours
- Day 3 | Olvieroa – Fisterra | 19.4 Miles / 31.2 KM | + / – 7 Hours
- Camino Finisterre Distance: 53.6 Miles / 86.25 KM
Santiago de Compostela to Muxia
- Day 1 | Santiago de Compostela – Negreira | 13.2 Miles / 21.2 KM | + / – 5 Hours
- Day 2 | Negreira – Olvieroa | 21 Miles / 33.8 KM | + / – 8 Hours
- Day 3 | Olvieroa – Muxia | 19.6 Miles / 31.6 KM | + / – 7 Hours
- Camino Muxia Distance: 53.4 Miles / 85.9 KM
Keep in mind there is an official route that connects Fisterra to Muxia, so you can walk to both villages. The distance between Finisterra and Muxia is around 18 miles (29 Km). Most pilgrims walk from Finisterra or Muxia in one day. However, it can be broken up over two stages by sleeping in Lires.
The First 60 Kilometers of the Camino Finisterre Muxia
No matter what village you choose first, you’ll follow the same route the first 60 Kilometers out of Santiago de Compostela.
I recommend spending at least two days in Santiago de Compostela before departing on the Camino Finisterre Muxia. This gives a fair amount of time to sightsee, indulge in the cuisine, visit a few museums or churches, and appreciate the UNESCO Heritage Site of the Old Town.
The route from Santiago de Compostela is the same until the village of Hospital. This is my detailed Camino Finisterre Muxia guide on routes and tips.
Highlights of the first 60 Kilometers include an epic viewpoint of Santiago de Compostela, the beautiful hamlet of Ponte Maceira, with most pilgrims stopping at Negreira to sleep.
After Negreira, expect a beautiful forest section highlighting the spectacular scenery of the Galician countryside. There is a fairly steep ascent after A Gueima that leads to the Miradoiro de Monte Aro (1586 ft / 483m). The way down is a gradual descent into Lago with the fabulous Albergue Monte Aro in Mazaricos.
Olveiroa is about 4 miles after Lago and most pilgrims opt to stay in Olveiroa.
Once in Olveiroa, it’s best to decide if you will walk to Fisterre or Muxia first. Another fabulous highlight leaving Olveiroa are the stunning views of the Xallas River. The path leads to O Logoso with its popular albergue and nearby natural pools to swim in.
O Logoso is only a short 1-mile walk before the split of the Camino Finisterra Muxía in Hospital. There is a Tourist Information Center in Hospital, but it’s temporarily closed for now. The arrows come up at a large roundabout just after the village center.
The official Camino Markers at the split list these distances as:
⬅︎ 29.693 KM to (18.45 miles) Fisterra (LEFT)
➡︎ 26.589 KM (16.52 miles) to Muxia (RIGHT)
Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre First
This is what my personal itinerary looked like walking to Finisterre first. While most pilgrims walk the route over three days, I opted to walk it in four. I highly recommend doing this.
| Day | Stage | Distance | Accommodation |
| 1 | Santiago de Compostela – A Pena | 18.25 Miles (29.4 KM) | Albergue Rectoral San Mamede da Pena |
| 2 | A Pena – O Logoso | 18.25 Miles (29.4 KM) | Albergue O Logoso |
| 3 | O Logoso – Cee | 9.6 Miles (15.5 KM) | Albergue A Casa da Fonte / Albergue Tequeron |
| 4 | Cee – Fisterra | 7.4 Miles (12 KM) | Places to Stay in Fisterra Spain |
In the direction of Fisterra from the split in Hospital, be mindful that there are no restaurants or cafes until Cee. It’s impossible to miss the last coffee shop in Hospital that has a huge signboard telling you it’s the last coffee stop until Cee.
Shortly after the roundabout, in the direction of Finisterre, you’ll get those first very distant views of the Ocean. When I saw the Ocean after walking a route that was land-locked (Camino Frances), it was extremely emotional for me.
Another thing you’ll see on this route is Vákner, a mystical creature who supposedly inhabited the area until the late 1400s.
The forest path continues downhill all the way to seaside Cee. This descent becomes quite steep that closer you get to the village, so be mindful of your knees.
Cee is a fairly decent-sized port city that has all the luxuries, from grocery stores, ATMs, pharmacies, and a small bus terminal. In the village, there are many restaurant options, lively plazas, and places to sleep.
There are a few small beaches and the town continues to merge into Corcubión via a lovely seaside boardwalk stroll.
What to Do With An Extra Day in Cee
If the weather is nice and you have some time to spare, I highly suggest an extra night in Cee. I’ve visited Cee a few different times and think the Fervenza do Ézaro is worth a visit. This waterfall flows from the Xallas River. Along the way, you’ve been following the river, so it’s nice to see where it ends.
Adventurous hikers can day hike to Monte Pindo, a sacred mountain filled with myths and legends. This mountain is often called the “Mount Olympus of Spain.” The hike can be combined with a visit to the Ezaro Waterfall. The trailhead and waterfall are easy to access by bus or taxi.
Another great thing to see is the Ezaro Mirador, which boasts the first distant views of Cape Finisterra and the lighthouse. Be mindful that it’s a steep uphill climb (at least 30 minutes) along the road to the viewpoint. For safety reasons, always walk on the left side of the road.
The beaches near here are also worth a stop if you feel inclined to lounge and relax. Two of my favorites are the beaches in Ezaro and Pindo.
Or Continue on the Camino Finisterre
The route to Corcubión follows along the boardwalk. From there, head through the village and take the climb up the hill. A little after Corcubión, start the small descent towards the other side of the small peninsula. The views are incredible.
Continue to head towards Fisterra. The way does follow near to the sea, but I chose to walk along Langosteira Beach. This is the final fantastic beach stretch into the village. The official 0.0 KM marker is a little bit out of the city and towards the lighthouse.
🥾 Add 2.2 Miles each way to walk to Cape Finisterre with the Lighthouse & KM 0.0
Santiago de Compostela to Muxia First
This is what my personal itinerary looked like for walking to Muxia first. I walked the route over 3 days. This is my detailed guide for the Camino Muxia.
| Day | Stage | Distance | Accommodation |
| 1 | Santiago de Compostela – A Pena | 18.25 Miles (29.4 KM) | Albergue Rectoral San Mamede da Pena |
| 2 | A Pena – Dumbria | 22.4 Miles (36 KM) | Xunta Albergue Dumbria |
| 3 | Dumbria – Muxia | 14.4 Miles (23 KM) | Albergue Bela Muxia Albergue Arribada Muxia Mare |
The final stretch of the Camino Muxia is quite relaxed. The majority of the final kilometers go through lovely forest paths. The first glimpses of the sea come near the village of Merexo, only a few kilometers before Muxia.
The Camino Muxia passes by the third largest hórreo in Galicia, San Martiño de Ozón. This impressive structure is found right before the village of Vilar de Sobremonte and stretches nearly 90 feet (27.3 m).
After Merexo, the way continues towards the village of Os Muinos.
The fluvial path of Ruta Rio Negro is a fantastic and short detour. The twisting river path boats stone mills, mossy stones, and wooden walkways. The final stretch leads to the white sand beach of Praia Area Maior.
If you opt for a quick dip, it’s easy to rejoin the Camino route before the Monasterio de Moraime.
The Camino Muxia is straightforward after this, and you’ll get incredible views of the seaside village as you work your way into Muxia. The final part of the way follows the coast along wooden boardwalks until pilgrims arrive at the heart of Muxia.
The 0.0-kilometer marker is in front of the “A Ferida” Monument, which translates to the wound. This split rock megalithic monument honors all those Galicians who came together and cleaned up after the “Prestige” oil spill in November 2002.
To reach the “End,” you’ll pass by the Santuario de la Virgin de a Barca, the seaside church with stunning views of the wild Atlantic Ocean. There are legends of the Virgin Mary appearing in a stone boat with the sacred stones still lying in front of the chapel.
My Humble Opinion on Walking to Finisterre or Muxia First
So, what is my honest opinion? When walking the Camino Finisterre Muxia, I prefer walking to Finisterre first. Again, this is my walking preference.
I do think it’s best to visit both villages, whether walking between them or joining a tour. Be mindful that all tours start from and return to Santiago de Compostela.
| Santiago de Compostela to… | Pros | Cons |
| Fisterra First | ✓ Vakner Sculpture ✓First ocean views not far after the split in Hospital ✓ Cee Village with day trip options to Waterfall or Hike Monte Pindo ✓ Walking barefoot on the beach to Fisterra | ✓ The descent into Cee is fairly steep ✓ The lighthouse & 0.0 Km is outside of town almost 2 miles each way ✓ Fisterra is more popular with pilgrims so it can be busier |
| Muxia First | ✓ Fewer pilgrims walk to Muxia first, so the last stage is quieter ✓ Walking past the Horreo San Martiño de Ozón ✓ Ruta Rio Negro near Os Muinos ✓ The lighthouse & 0.0 Km is steps away from the village | ✓ Sea views don’t come until a few KM from Muxia ✓ More forest paths vs. sea views (may be a pro for some) |
Why Do I Prefer Walking to Finisterre First?
To me, after the split in Hospital the section to Cee is spectacular. Yes, it can be steep, but seeing the ocean in the distance for the first time in over 30 days was extremely powerful.
I also love the stretch between Cee and Corcubión. I think the village Cee is worth visiting as well, especially for those looking to explore more of the Death Coast.
The descent down walking towards Praia Da Langosteira is unforgettable. I followed dolphins splashing around in the sea all the way towards Fisterra.
The Santiago de Compostela to Fisterra route still resonates with me as a way to finish the Camino. It also allows me to “finish” in Muxia. The village of Muxia always feels more like the end to me. I love the tranquility so much that I typically sleep here an extra day or two to unwind.
Finisterre can have more of a “celebratory vibe” than a “reflective vibe.” Of course, it all depends on how you wish to finish your journey. There is no wrong way to end your Camino.
In addition, some of the highlights of the Muxia first route can easily be visited from Muxia by foot. For example, the walk to Ruta Rio Negro is lovely and I try to always visit the Os Muiños Beach when staying in Muxia.
Conclusion⎥Camino Finisterre Muxia Which Village to Walk to First
In short, this is a comparative guide on walking the Camino Finisterre Muxia. Many pilgrims are not sure which village they wish to walk to first from Santiago de Compostela: Finisterre or Muxia.
I have personally walked the divergent routes to Finisterre and Muxia. In this guide I offer an overview of both routes and my personal opinion on which one is best. Of course, we all have different experiences we seek. The best advice is to follow your gut!
I prefer the Camino route to Finisterre first. There are many reasons, but the main one is that I absolutely love ending my Camino journey in Muxia. This is why I think it’s best to walk to both villages if you have time.
Have you walked the Camino Finisterre Muxia? Which village did you walk to first, Finisterre or Muxia? Do you have a preference or anything to add to this comparative guide? Let me know in the comments section below!
Pack This Post for Later! Pin It!
Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.
