Finisterre-Muxía Way

The Finisterre-Muxia Way or Camino Fisterra-Muxía, is a short way to Fisterra, a place previous to the beginning of The Way of St James. Cape Finisterre is often the last stopover for pilgrims.

• Only way that starts in Santiago de Compostela.
• Unique landscape said to be the ‘End of World’.
• Most pilgrims finish their pilgrimate to Santiago at the Lighthouse of Finisterre.
• It stands at the most western point of Spain, Cape Finisterre.

Total distance: 120km

Weather

• Summer –warm (between 23° to 26° June-Aug)
• Fall – cool and rainy (between 15° to 20° Sep-Nov)
• Winter – cold (from 5° to 13°)
• Spring – warmer (average 12° to 18° March-May)

Suitable for cyclists: Yes.

History of Cape Finisterre

Fisterra is a Latin word (finis terrae) that means the end of the land. The history of this place is anterior to the beginning of the St James route. Some experts think that the old city of Dugium is linked with the famous city of Atlántida where the Celtic tribe called Nerios was settled. This settlement came from the South of the Peninsula and they were neighbors of Ártabros. The reason for choosing this village was not a coincidence. Until the Middle Ages, people believed that Finisterre cape was the end of the world. It is believed that it existed an altar devoted to the Sun called Ara Solis in a temple were Celts and Romans used to go.

According to the legend, it was St. James who ordered to destroy this temple because it was considered a pagan temple. A great flood destroyed Ara Solis and devastated the settlement, just two oxen survived. Then those two oxen became rock as a punishment and became the current islands called Bois de Gures. St. James’ disciples were also here, in Duio, asking for the necessary permission for bury St James’ mortal remains. The governor distrusted them so he ordered to put them into jail, but they escaped and went back to Iria Flavia.

About the Finisterre Camino

It is the only way that starts in Santiago. It is not a modern itinerary as many people think. Many recent excavations near to the Ermita de San Guillermo hermitage showed that this is linked with St James and with other old traditions and worships.

In Muxía, such as in Fisterra, many miracles related to St James took place. It also is where St James came after the destruction of Ara Solis to reflect and preach. According to the legend, he was meditating in the rocks, where the sanctuary is currently located, when he saw a boat where Virgin Mary was, she asked him to continue preaching. It is believed that the same boat could be the famous Pedra de Abalar, Pedra dos Cadrís stone, and Timón. It is believed that if you can go under the rock nine times all your back and kidney problems will be cured.

Why choosing the Fisterra-Muxia Way

You can start this way in Santiago and go to Fisterre and then go to Muxía or you can also do the way the other way round, is up to you! It is well indicated. You can find some pilgrims going on the other way, don’t be panic! This is what happens if they choose the opposite option, as we just explained. Once you arrive at Finisterre or Muxía you won’t have problems to orientate yourself. There are lots of pilgrims that decide to visit Costa da Morte.

Stages of the Santiago to Finisterre Way