Praia de Area Maior A Stunning Beach on the Death Coast Worth Visiting
The last time I visited Muxia, I had missed Praia de Area Maior, a lovely beach only a couple of miles stroll from the quaint fishing village of Muxia. What a mistake that had been.
The Os Muiños Beach is like most beaches located on the Costa da Morte of Galicia. Be wowed by long stretches of white sand that fade into bright blue turquoise ocean waters that fluctuate with the tides. Of course, the beach is surrounded by cliff-like dunes with ample flora and vegetation.
The many beaches of the Death Coast, don’t feel lifeless, but rather bursting full of life and beauty.
Praia de Area is one of the best beaches near Muxia. It can be reached via a casual hike and offers plenty of things to see in one day.
Here’s why the Os Muiños Beach of Praia de Area is worth a visit.
Table of Contents
- Where is Praia de Area Maior?
- How to Get to Playa Muiños
- What is There to See at Os Muiños Area Maior Beach?
- What are the Facilities of Praia de Area Maior Like?
- Detour to Moraime Monastery
- Where to Stay in Muxia Spain
- Conclusion | Praia de Area Maior A Fantastic Beach on the Death Coast
Where is Praia de Area Maior?
Galicia has some of the best-hidden beaches in Spain and the summer months bring a small influx of tourists. However, the crowds are nothing compared to the Costa del Sol, Costa Brava, or Concha Playa in San Sebastian. Many of the beaches are visited by Spanish travelers or pilgrims reflecting on the long walk to get here.
Praia de Area Maior is located on Spain’s Death Coast. The underrated Death Coast stretches between Malpica and runs as far south as Finisterre. Praia de Area Maior is less than a mile from the small hamlet of Os Muiños. For this reason, this beach is also referred to as Playa Muiños or Os Muiños Beach.
Praia de Area Maior is only a 2.5-mile walk from the special fishing village of Muxia. This seaside village is also one of the optional ending points of the Camino Finisterre Muxia.
I fell in love with Muxia ever since I ended my first Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port France. After my Camino Portuguese from Porto, again I went to Muxía to reflect and spent the day at Playa Muiños.
How to Get to Playa Muiños
The Os Muiños Beach can be reached via car, bike, or foot.
Travelers with a car can visit many of the best beaches of the Costa da Morte like nearby Praia do Lago.
Playa Muiños has a convenient parking lot and is connected by a quiet paved road. Bikers can also follow the same road.
If walking the Camino Finisterre from Santiago de Compostela to Muxia first, the way passes through Os Muiños village. Those walking the Camino Muxia can easily make a pit stop at the beach.
Be mindful that the Camino Finisterre Muxia splits at the town of Hospital. Typically, Day 3 is from from Dumbría – Muxía.
To detour to Praia de Area Maior, simply walk through Os Muiños village and take the detour to the sea before Moraime village. Pilgrims who walk the stage from Dumbría – Muxía have an easy detour to stop at this worthwhile beach.
Those already in Muxia can walk past Praia Espiñeirido and follow the trail to Chorente village where the path leads to the beach area. The trail is not well marked from Chorente, so an offline map is useful.
Likewise, this and many of the beaches of the Death Coast are along the Camino dos Faros route. This scenic route covers over 125 miles (200 Km) from Malpica to Finisterre and follows the coastline and the many lighthouses along the way.
What is There to See at Os Muiños Aréa Maior Beach?
Most travelers come to relax and enjoy the sandy white beach of Os Muiños. The Rio Negro also flows into the sea. The beach sits in a cove, so the waters here are usually calmer than on more exposed beaches. Praia de Area Maior is surrounded by scenic dunes, making the waterfront area incredibly scenic.
The beach recedes and moves with the tide. Never swim during high winds or bad weather.
Besides the beach area, the Rio Negro offers a small walking trail. The trail starts in Os Muiños and follows the river to the cove. The forest trail boasts an old mill, wooden bridges, and fountains.
It’s best to pick up the Senda do Rio Negro from Os Muinos village because the trail is harder to find from the beach.
☛ Psst… Galicia is filled with old mills that sit abandoned along rivers. One of my favorite trails in Galicia is Ruta da Pedra e da Auga which is part of the Camino Variante Espiritual Route.
Praia de Areaa is definitely worth a visit and is an unspoiled beach to relax, explore, and swim on the Costa da Morte.
What are the Facilities of Praia de Area Maior Like?
The beach area is no-frills and there are no cafes or bars near the beachfront. Pack enough food and water if planning on enjoying the beach for the entire day. There are plenty of grocery stores, tiendas, and places that sell food to-go in Muxia.
There are basic showers to rinse your body and feet near the main entrance of Praia de Area Maior.
Parking is no issue at the beach. There is a huge lot to park that can fit almost 100 cars and vans. This beach is a popular spot for those traveling by van across Europe.
There are also no amenities like umbrella rentals. During mid-day there is no shade coverage, so plan accordingly. During the afternoon, the sun moves behind the hills and can provide shaded areas.
The Praia de Area Maior is a popular beach destination during the summer months, especially for Spanish families with children.
Detour to Moraime Monastery
If visiting by car or walking from Muxia, don’t miss a chance to visit Moraime. The tiny town is a short walk and boasts a former monastery and the 12th-century stone church of San Xiao in Moraime. Even if you don’t tour the church, the cemetery next door is worth a stop.
There’s a nice restaurant across the street, La Taberna de Moraime. Grab a hearty plate of food and sit outside on the patio or in the backyard garden.
If looking to sleep in Moraime, the 11th-century Romanesque Monastery has recently been renovated. If sleeping at the Monasterio y Pensión de Moraime, the church visit is included in the stay.
Once in Moraime, it’s easy to spot the seashell way markers of the way to Muxia. The Camino Finisterre Muxía follows past the small chapel of Capela de San Roque de Moraime, back through Chorente, and has magnificent panoramic views of Muxia. Stroll on the boardwalk or shoreside to return to Muxia. The walk is not too difficult with some moderate hills.
Where to Stay in Muxia
There are so many fantastic things to do in Muxia. With its small and tranquil feeling, it makes the perfect place to reflect and contemplate the journey of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
Even if not walking the Camino, the energy of Muxia and its nearby beaches and rugged coastline make for the perfect weekend getaway to unplug and disconnect. It still remains one of my favorite places in Galicia.
Although quaint, find a wide range of Muxia accommodations, from albergues to hotels.
Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in Muxia Spain
- Albergue Bela Muxia ( I love the kind hosts and have stayed here twice!)
- Albergue da Costa
- Albergue @ Muxia
- Albergue Arribada
- Muxia Mare
Popular Places to Sleep in Muxia Spain
➜ Browse all the Best Places to Stay in Muxia
More Things to Do in Galicia Spain
Conclusion | Praia de Area Maior A Fantastic Beach on the Death Coast
In short, the Praaia de Area Maior is a worthwhile beach to visit close to Muxia on the Death Coast. The no-frills beach boasts white sand, and turquoise waters, and is connected to lovely walking trails. Reach the Muiños beach by following the yellow shells of the Camino Finisterre, or the Green arrows of the Costa da More.
A perfect excursion from Muxia includes walking to the beach, swimming in the sea, and detouring to the Moraime Monastery. Reach the beach via the yellow shells of the Camino Finisterre or the way of the Camino dos Faros.
Os Muinos Beach was one of my favorite beaches near Muxia and is worth the visit!
Have you visited Praia de Area Maior or more beaches on the Death Coast? What did you think?
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.
