Finisterre: how to get there and what to do at the End of the World
Kilometre 0.000, the lighthouse over the Atlantic, and the sunset that closes the Camino for many pilgrims.
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It's not compulsory, but many consider it the real ending
Finisterre (Fisterra in Galician) sits about 90 km west of Santiago de Compostela, on the Costa da Morte. For centuries it was believed to be the westernmost point of continental Europe, the "Finis Terrae" (the end of the earth), and today it remains the symbolic destination of thousands of pilgrims who decide not to stop at the Cathedral.
You can get there by regular bus from Santiago in a little over two hours, or on foot along the Camino to Fisterra-Muxía in 2–3 extra stages. Most people spend the night in the village and climb up to the lighthouse to watch the sunset, a ritual almost as iconic as Compostela itself.
The essentials in Finisterre
Kilometre 0.000
The sign next to the lighthouse marking the official end of the Camino to Fisterra, one of the most photographed spots on the whole Jacobean route.
The Fisterra Lighthouse
Built in 1853 on Monte Facho, about 3 km from the village along a road with views over the Atlantic.
Sunset from the rocks
The most anticipated moment of the day: dozens of pilgrims sit on the rocks beneath the lighthouse to watch the sun sink into the ocean.
The tradition of burning or leaving clothes behind
It used to be common to burn boots or Camino clothes as a symbol of closure; today it's banned due to fire risk, so it's done symbolically, without flames.
The village of Fisterra
A small fishing port with great seafood and fresh fish, ideal for resting a night before heading back or continuing on to Muxía.
The church of Santa María das Areas
A Romanesque-Gothic church in the centre of the village, a traditional stop for pilgrims before climbing up to the lighthouse.
To plan it well
The regular bus is the fastest option
There are several daily departures from the Santiago bus station; the trip takes between 2 and 2h30 depending on stops.
On foot it's 3–4 days round trip
The Camino to Fisterra-Muxía is usually split into 2–3 stages to reach the coast; many pilgrims only walk the outbound leg and take the bus back.
Check the sunset time before heading up to the lighthouse
It varies quite a bit between summer and winter; give yourself extra time, as the best viewpoint gets crowded in high season.
Book accommodation if you're going in summer
The village is small and fills up in high season; it's worth booking ahead if you don't want to depend on the last bus back.
What tends to go wrong
Heading to the lighthouse without checking the last bus back
If you're not sleeping in Fisterra, make sure of the time of the last bus to Santiago before staying to watch the sunset.
Lighting a fire to burn clothes
It's banned due to the risk of wildfire in the area and can carry a fine; the symbolic gesture doesn't need an actual flame.
Thinking Fisterra issues its own Compostela
The Compostela is only issued in Santiago; in Fisterra you can get a different certificate (the Fisterrana) at the tourist office, not the Compostela.
Not booking a bed in high season
The accommodation supply is much smaller than in Santiago; showing up without a booking in July or August can make finding a bed difficult.
Prefer to walk it?
Camino a Fisterra e Muxía
The full walking route from Santiago, in 5 stages faithful to the classic layout.
What to do when you reach Santiago
The Pilgrim's Mass and the hug for the Apostle, before continuing on to the End of the World.
How to get your Compostela
The Compostela is issued in Santiago; in Fisterra you get a different certificate, the Fisterrana.