Visiting Muxia Spain | A Magical Village in Galicia
Along the rocky shores of the Galicia autonomous region in Spain, find a small town known for its sacred energy, and charm. This quiet fishing village is also an optional ending point to one of the most traversed pilgrim routes in Europe, the Camino de Santiago.
This special place is Muxía Spain, a quaint fishing village located along the rocky coastline of the Costa da Morte.
There are many things to do in Muxía. Visit the famous church of Sanctuary of A Nosa Señora da Barca, where the legends of the Virgin Mary appearing here can still be “seen” in the massive rocks. Swim at the white sandy beaches, climb up the top of Monte Corpiño, savor a sunset, stroll the boardwalk, or slow down and reflect in the tranquility.
The Costa da Morte is lined with a rich Celtic history, lighthouses, and stunning landscapes and Muxía is located in the heart of it all. If captivated by the beauty, you may just wish to walk to nearby places like Fisterra, or the entire coastal lighthouse route known as the “Ruta de Faros.”
This complete guide for Muxía includes how to get to this sleepy fishing village, the best things to do in Muxía, some of my favorite places to eat and sleep, and nearby day trips that are worth the effort. As a bonus, find a brief overview and highlights of the Costa da Morte.
Here’s how to make the most of your time in Muxía Spain and why it’s worth a visit.
Table of Contents
- What is the Costa da Morte & Where is it?
- How to Get to Muxía Spain
- Best Things to Do in Muxía Spain
- Where to Eat in Muxía
- Where to Stay in Muxía Spain
- Muxía Day Trips & Things to Do Along Costa da Morte
- A Not-So-Quick Guide to Visiting Muxia Spain
What is the Costa da Morte & Where is it?
The Costa da Morte (Death Coast) gets its name from the numerous shipwrecks that occurred between the rocky shores of Malpica to the south of Fisterra. Muxía is located in the province of A Coruña Spain.
The coastal area of the Atlantic Ocean is notorious for having strong currents and crashing waves. The Costa da Morte is said to be one of the most dangerous shorelines in the world and for hundreds of years has been claiming massive amounts of shipwrecks and lives.
With rocky shores and many fishing villages, the Costa da Morte is home to many lighthouses (Faros).
One of the more unique ways to experience the Costa da Morte is to walk the Ruta de Los Faros or the Lighthouse Route. The trail typically starts in Milpica and ends at Cape Finisterre. Many of the lighthouses along the Death Coast were not only used to guide ships but were symbolic in the walking routes of the Camino de Santiago.
The Camino dos Faros spans 125 miles and takes an average of 8 – 9 days. The sleepy village of Muxía found along this route and the Camino Finisterre Muxia, making it a popular walking destination along the Galician coast.
A Note About the Muxía Weather
Muxía is located in Galicia along the wild Atlantic Coast. The unique autonomous community of Galicia is different than the rest of Spain. Upon arrival to Galicia Spain, it can almost feel as if you’ve been transported to Ireland. For example, you may hear the sound of the Galician “gaita,” a distinctive instrument quite similar to the bagpipes from Ireland. In Galicia, find many Celtic ties from the food, to the weather, and more.
Also, it’s green here, like really green. This is due to the climate with a solid rainy season.
The rainy season in Muxía is in full swing from October to March and can run into the shoulder seasons of September and April. During the winter months that coincide with the rainy season, many restaurants, cafes, and a number of lodging options shut down. With the village located along the wild Atlantic Coast, the weather can change and be unpredictable. Muxía receives an average of 71 inches of rainfall per year!
If swimming is high on your bucket list, it’s best to visit the Costa da Morte between the months of June to September when the water is a little warmer and the weather a little less volatile.
How to Get to Muxía Spain
There are multiple ways to reach Muxía. Either walk, join an organized tour, take a bus, or rent a car to explore the Costa da Morte at your own speed and pace.
Walk the Pilgrimage Route to Muxía
The most popular way to get to Muxía Spain is to walk the Camino Finisterre Muxía. Upon completion of one of the many Camino routes that lead to Santiago de Compostela, a handful of pilgrims opt to walk to the “End of the World” to the sea.
The Camino Finisterre Muxia is the only pilgrimage route that starts at the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela. The two main ending points of the Camino Finisterre are Fisterra and Muxía. However, it’s easy and encouraged to visit both.
The official distance to Muxía from Santiago de Compostela is about 86 KM (53.5 miles) and takes an average of 3 days. The walking route that connects Finisterre to Muxia is less along the coast and more inland through a forest and is just around 29 kilometers (18 miles).
🥾 Walking to the End of the World? Check out my Camino packing list & tips
If planning on walking to both and looking to spend an extended time in Muxía, the best option is to walk to Fisterra first and then continue to Muxía. Pilgrims walking between Finisterre and Muxía, don’t forget to pick up a Camino Muxía Certification from the Muxia Tourist Information Center.
➜ Feeling a little overwhelmed planning or nervous walking the Camino Finisterre Muxía? There are organized walking tours like this one.
Day Trip to Muxía Spain from Santiago de Compostela
If limited time, it may be best to visit Muxía with a guided tour from Santiago de Compostela.
➜ This popular Costa da Morte tour includes the main highlights of the Death Coast with stops in Fisterre, the Finisterre lighthouse, the Ezaro Waterfall, and a stop in Muxía before returning back to Santiago de Compostela.
Buses to Muxía from Santiago de Compostela
On the other hand, there are multiple buses that connect Santiago de Compostela to Muxía.
If visiting as a day trip from Santiago, buses depart from the main bus station Santiago de Compostela – Estación Intermodal via the company Monbus.
The buses to Muxia take 2 -3 hours depending on the route and cost around €6.65 for a one-way ticket. Oftentimes online ticket sales offer a discount. Schedules fluctuate and change with the season.
Santiago de Compostela to Muxia Buses via Monbus
| Santiago – Muxía Departure Time | Bus Schedule |
| 9:00 | Daily |
| 9:15 | Saturday & Sunday |
| 10:45 | Monday – Friday |
| 14:30 | Daily |
| 16:45 | Saturday & Sunday |
| 17:00 | Monday – Friday |
Make sure to check the up-to-date schedule and return tickets to Santiago de Compostela
Fisterre to Muxía Buses
There are also daily buses that run between Fisterre and Muxía via two different bus companies. The bus takes around 40 minutes and costs €2.55 for a one-way ticket. Be mindful that with the Arriva bus company, you must transfer buses.
| Finisterre to Muxia | Bus Schedule | Bus Company |
| 9:45 | Monday – Friday | Arriva |
| 11:15 | Daily | Monbus |
| 12:25 | Monday – Friday | Arriva |
| 17:00 | Daily | Arriva |
➜This is a useful website to help navigate the bus system in Galicia Spain
Driving Along the Death Coast
There are so many things to see and do along Spain’s overlooked Death Coast. Depending on what you wish to see, it may be optimal to rent a car to enjoy the beauty of Galicia at your own pace.
9 of the Best Things to Do in Muxía Spain
With a sacred past and alluring charm, Muxía Spain is worth a visit. There really are so many things to do in Muxía, one of the best sleepy fishing villages in the A Coroña province.
Many of the top-rated Muxía attractions are located steps away from the center of the village.
1 | Sanctuary of A Nosa Señora da Barca
The origins of this shrine may have been built as early as the 12th century, but the stones in front of the Sanctuary of A Nosa Señora da Barca hint that this site was used as a sacred space well before Christianity arrived in Spain. These stones were significant to the Celts who inhabited this area and worshipped Pagan Gods long before the Romans arrived.
In Galician, this seaside church is known as the “Santuario da Virxe da Barca” and not only offers stunning views of the wild Atlantic Ocean but is tied to a sacred legend. Barca translates to the boat, so this site supposedly is where the Apostle of Saint James (you know, that one who is allegedly buried under the Cathedral Santiago) saw the Virgin Mary materialize to offer strength and encouragement to continue on his purpose to spread Christianity through Spain.
The Virgin Mary was said to appear and ride in a boat made of stones.
The legends say that these stones, located in front of the church are remnants of the Virgin Mary’s stone boat, including the rudder (Pedra do Timón). Many of these stones are said to possess healing powers that cure health ailments.
The two most famous stones, or pedras, are the Pedra do Abalar (boat) and the Pedra dos Cadrís (magical rock shaped like a kidney).
The current church was built in the 18th century and offers a daily pilgrim mass. The Sanctuary of A Nosa Señora da Barca is a spectacular Camino de Santiago Church.
2 | A Ferida Megalith & Kilometer Marker 0.0
Those who walked all the way to Muxía from their starting Camino route will most likely feel “all the feels” upon arriving at the 0.0 Kilometer marker. This milestone is located right in front of the megalithic and moving monument of “A Ferida,” which translates to the wound.
This split rock megalithic monument honors all those Galicians who came together and cleaned up after the Prestige oil tanker spilled almost 70,000 gallons of oil into the Atlantic in November 2002. The local communities pulled together in what was supposed to be a huge disaster and took action to minimize the damage.
The incredible sculpture of A Ferida honors what happens when humanity comes together and fights to preserve Mother Earth.
3 | Faro de Muxía
Not far from the Santuario da Virxe da Barca is the Muxia lighthouse. Although not as large as the one in Finisterre, this simple lighthouse is a great place to reflect in the quiet and watch the sun come up over the mountains.
4 | Corpiño Viewpoint
One of the best things to do in Muxia is to climb up to the Miradoiro do Corpiño. The top of the hill offers incredible 360° views of the town, the Sanctuary A Nosa Señora da Barca, and the stunning landscape from the port to the ocean.
Look for the stone cross at the top. The elevation of Mounte Corpiño is 220 feet.
The small stone trails that twist along the hillside make for a nice stroll. Include a meander past the Church of Saint Mary Muxía.
The Corpiño mountain is an awesome place for both sunrise and sunset and should not be skipped on a visit to Muxía.
5 | Stroll the Boardwalk
Muxía has been an important fishing village for centuries. Today, there is a small marina filled with local fishing boats. One of the best things to do in Muxía is to take a stroll from the village, past the port to the beaches.
☛ Psst… Love fishing villages in Spain? Why not visit San Vicente de la Barquera in Cantabria or the Basque fishing village of Getaria? The most beautiful fishing village in Galicia is said to be Combarro.
6 | Enjoy the Beaches of Muxía
At the end of the boardwalk, find a popular beach with pilgrims, Espiñeirido Beach. During the warmer summer months and if you’re lucky, during the shoulder season, watch pilgrims dunk themselves into the refreshing sea. This marks the final destination after weeks or months of walking. The salty ocean water acts as a “baptism,” a rebirth on the Death Coast.
Espiñeirido has a nice sandy beach with many other smaller beaches nearby.
When the tide is low, it’s possible to walk to the nearby beaches along the beach. During high tide, it’s only possible to reach the other beaches via the sandy path.
These Muxía beaches are very simple, have no facilities or restrooms, and one garbage dumpster at the main beach. These are the best beaches for swimming in Muxía.
Along the west side of Muxia, there are many stoney beaches. Playa de Piedras is a nice beach to watch the waves crash and reflect but is not for swimming.
Coming into Muxía from Finisterre is the wild Lourido beach (Praia de Lourido). This long and quiet beach is visited by fewer tourists and is close to the luxury Parador Costa da Morte (Muxía). Be mindful if swimming at this beach, as it can have strong riptides and currents.
7 | Observe the Secadoiro de Congros
Muxía has always been a fishing port. One of the more unique things to see here is the wooden drying racks that were used to hang dry Conger eels. There are only two traditional racks that are still used today in Spain and they are found in two different places in Muxía.
The drying racks have been used since the Middle Ages when the eels were seasoned, dried, and then used to trade.
8 | Slow Down and Watch the Sunset & Sunrise
One of the best things to do in Muxía is to watch the sunrise or sunset. There are multiple places to savor the sky, including the rocks below the Santuario da Virxe da Barca Church, near the lighthouse, and at the top of Mount Corpiño.
But in all honesty, there isn’t a bad view in the village.
Muxia is truly a quiet place to reflect, so really make a conscious effort to slow down and savor the simplicity here.
9 | Walk to Os Muíños & Swim at Praia de Area Maior
One of the best beaches near Muxīa is the Os Muiños beach. The large swimming area is often referred to as Praia de Area Maior. This white sandy beach is rustic and is found tucked away in a cove. The Os Muiños beach is a lovely place to spend the day swimming and relaxing.
The Rio Negro dumps into the sea and offers a short hiking trail with an old water mill. For a lovely day trip, walk next to Moraime village to see the monastery and enjoy a hearty lunch. The Moraime Monastery also offers a place to sleep if looking for a quiet retreat.
Follow the arrows back to Muxía. This small section of trail is the final steps of the Camino Finisterre Muxia from Olveiroa to Muxía.
☛ Psst… One of the best hikes in Galicia is arguably the Ruta da Pedra e da Auga which passes by over 30 old stone mills. It’s part of the Camino Espiritual Variante in southern Galicia.
Where to Eat in Muxía
There are tons of awesome places to eat in Muxía. Since this is ultimately a famous fishing village, one thing you must try is the fresh fish and seafood.
There are a handful of restaurants along the waterfront that serve up excellent seafood. Most of these places serve by weight and present the fish and seafood before preparing them.
✔ For a true Galician gastronomy experience, try Lonxa d´alvaro.
✔ If seafood isn’t your thing, opt for a homemade meal from Caramba. This restaurant has fantastic burgers and a nice outdoor space on a quiet street.
✔ Restaurante A Sirena has a delicious rotating daily menu that highlights local ingredients. The price is more than fair for the hearty portions.
✔ There are plenty of coffee shops and bars along the waterfront. A busy morning stop is Plaia das lanchas which serves up hearty tostadas for breakfast.
✔ Restaurante A Marina also has a spectacular outdoor space with a value breakfast and is a nice place to enjoy a glass of wine in the afternoon.
✔ Casa Cuiñas is a locally run tienda that sells bocadillos and handmade goodies that are perfect for a picnic at the beach
Looking for local Galician wine? Stop by the Alemena Wine Bar which is filled with locals. Additionally, find lovely rooms upstairs at the Pension Rustica Alemana
What to Eat in Muxía
Barnacles are popular along the Atlantic Coast and one famous delicacy is Percebes or gooseneck barnacles. These barnacles are the most expensive seafood in Europe and can cost up to 200 Euros per kilo! The high cost is due to the dangerous harvesting process.
Percebes can be found living on the rocky stones in Muxía. Along the town find signboards posted about how the fisherman harvests and helps preserve a healthy barnacle population.
Where to Stay in Muxía Spain
There are many different types of accommodations in Muxía for all types of budgets. Find budget-friendly albergues to pensions and hotels.
Albergues in Muxía
Muxía has a public (Municipal) Albergue and a few Private Albergues.
Municipal Albergue in Muxia
The cheapest place to stay in Muxia is the Municipal Albergue Muxia. This 20-bed pilgrim hostel is only available to pilgrims walking the Camino de Finisterre – Muxía. To sleep here you must be carrying the Pilgrim Credential, or passport, that is stamped daily.
Municipal Albergues do not allow reservations and are on a “first come, first serve” basis. Like all Municipal Albergues along the Camino Finisterre route, a bed costs 8 Euros and it is only possible to sleep one night here.
Private Albergues in Muxia
Anyone, whether or not they are walking the Camino Finisterre Muxia, can sleep in private albergues. The private Albergues in Muxia run around €15 a night and it’s possible to sleep in these hostels for more than one night.
Many of the albergues also offer private rooms, as well as large shared rooms.
More Places to Stay in Muxía
There is also a wide range of hotels in Muxia, pensions (cheaper accommodations), and private apartments.
➜ Browse all the Best Places to Stay in Muxia
Muxía Day Trips & Things to Do Along Costa da Morte
Muxía is a fantastic destination to visit in Spain. The advantage is that the village itself is sizably small. If spending a few days relaxing, why not check out these nearby day trips from Muxía.
If you have a car, it would be easy to visit these highlights over a few days.
The day trips are listed with the closest day trips from Muxía first, moving south.
Cabo Touriñán
Cabo Touriñan is only 10 miles south of Muxía but is a significant cape in Spain. While the Romans believed that Finisterre was actually the most western point of Spain, it is actually here in Cape Touriñan. Today, there are two scenic lighthouses, and is a popular place to watch the sunset.
Fisterre (Finisterre)
Fisterra is often the end of the road for many pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. It was literally named Finis (end) Terrea (Earth) by the Romans. This small village has a very different vibe than Muxía but is charming in its own way.
If walking the Camino Finisterre, this seaside town may already be included in your Camino itinerary.
Visit the Finisterre lighthouse, which has its own 0.0 kilometer marker. The cliffside Faro de Fisterra is a popular place to watch the sunset and for many pilgrims to leave behind notes, stones, and even shoes.
Fisterra has many diverse beaches, from large sandy beaches to rocky pools. If looking for a more wild beach, explore the west side of Fisterra and relax at Mar de Fora Beach.
The Castelo de San Carlos is a castle that has been converted into an informative fishing museum and includes a guided tour.
In Fisterra, eat fresh Galician seafood along Paseo Ribeira in the lovely plaza with many tables spilling into the plaza and ocean views. The streets of Fisterre are a delight to wander.
The walk between Finisterre and Muxia is also beautiful, but with a car, only takes 30 minutes.
Ezaro Waterfall
The Fervenza do Ézaro, or Ezaro Waterfall, is a scenic waterfall found along the Xallas River. This site is free and is worth a visit. Near the parking find of the Cascada de Ezaro, find a few shops, a Tourist Information Center, a playground, and a public restroom. Follow the wooden boardwalk to reach the Ezaro waterfall.
During the peak season at night, the Cascada de Ezaro is illuminated at night with a light show.
The Ezaro Waterfall is only 20 miles from Muxía and is worth a stop.
Don’t miss the awesome Ezaro Mirador that’s up the road a bit. On a clear day, it’s possible to see all the way to Cape Finisterra and the lighthouse.
The village of Ezaro is cute and has an ideal beach for swimming. Ezaro Beach is a favorite among locals. Make sure to stop in the nearby seaside towns of Cee and Corcubión which are connected via a scenic boardwalk.
The Ezaro waterfall and village are worth a stop.
With more time, slow down and hike up the mystical Monte Pindo. This sacred mountain is filled with myths, legends, and unique rock formations. The summit, A Moa boasts panoramic views of the coast. Monte Pindo has multiple hiking routes, but the out-and-back trail from O Pindo is best for those using public transportation.
Castro de Baroña
Those travelers who are interested in ancient Celtic history should visit the Castro de Baroña. Castros are ancient stone fortifications, more than likely villages, built on rolling hillsides. Many castros date as far back as the 6th century.
Castros are found all throughout Galicia, but Castro de Baroña may be the most dramatic. The stone structures have the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean in the backdrop and special energy.
Castro de Baroña is about 50 miles from Muxía, so it’s a longer day trip. The easiest way to reach this sacred site is by car. There are a few organized tours to Castro de Barona from Santiago but check in the Muxía Tourist Information Center to see if they have any tours scheduled or can arrange a driver.
A Not-So-Quick Guide to Visiting Muxia Spain
In short, Muxía Spain is so much more than a sleepy fishing village in Spain, it is the perfect place to explore the cultural, gastronomic, and sacred shores of the Costa da Morte.
There are tons of awesome things to do in Muxía, from completing the incredible Camino Finisterre, swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, taking in a sunset and sunrise, and sampling some of the freshest seafood in Galicia. However, there are also incredible day trips to discover the treasures of Galicia and the rich echos of its Celtic past.
Muxía is worth a visit and is an underrated destination in Spain.
Whether you are walking the Camino, or simply looking to slow down and find something special, don’t miss the chance to visit Muxía in Galicia.
Have you been to Muxía? Did you walk the Camino Finisterre or visit as a day trip or tour from Santiago de Compostela? Is there something you loved along the Costa da Morte that I’m missing? Let me know in the comments below!
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