EXCURSION TO FINISTERRE + DEATH COAST
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The best excursion of all: the excursion to finisterre + death coast
In Galicia there are many things to see: cities, charming towns, wild beaches, natural parks, lighthouses, hot springs.
You’re not sure where to start? It’s easy. Below, we present one of the most famous and typical tourist itineraries in Galicia: Finisterre + Death Coast.
It is an itinerary that includes stages of the Camino de Santiago and the final destination of the Camino, Finisterre. It is a route that allows you to admire the nature of Galicia and discover curiosities about the Camino de Santiago, its history and traditions.
1. PONTE MACEIRA, the surprise stop of the excursion to finisterre
Ponte Maceira is a town that is located a few kilometers from Santiago de Compostela and it is a stage of the Camino De Santiago that leads to Finisterre.
What to see in Ponte Maceira?
To Ponte Vella
Watermills
Manor of Baladron
A Ponte Vella It is the bridge over the Tambre River, which divides the municipalities of Negreira and Ames. On both banks there are buildings related to the old Camino Real, which is part of the section of the Camino de Santiago that reaches the Coast of Death. Since the Middle Ages, this bridge has allowed the river to be crossed in the direction of the Atlantic.
The bridge was built with the aim of allowing communication between Santiago and the lands north of the Tambre.
Ponte Maceira has three watermills,that can be visited inside and thus feel the force of the current of water from the river Tambre.
The Pazo de Baladrón, a huge construction covered with vegetation. It is a private palace that can be seen from the bridge.
2. SANCTUARY OF THE VIRGIN OF THE BARCA
In Muxia, in full Death Coast,is found the Sanctuary of the Virxe da Barca, object of worship and veneration for the thousands of pilgrims who travel the Xacobeo Way from Santiago to Muxía – Fisterra. In addition, more and more pilgrims arrive in Muxía along the Camino de la Costa or the Camino Real.
In the Sanctuary you can see the image of the Virgin, considered a defender of the sailors.
Next to the Sanctuary are the stones of the miracle that, according to legend, are part of the stone boat in which the Virgin arrived to appear to the Apostle Santiago.
In September of each year the pilgrimage of A Barca de Muxía, an ancient cult celebration that is recognized as of National Tourist Interest and that attracts thousands of visitors every year
Read also :14 ISLANDS TO VISIT IN GALICIA
3. CABO FINISTERRE : the best of the excursion to finisterre
Fisterra, as it is known in the Galician language, is located in the death coast and it is one of the westernmost points in Europe, which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean and from which you can only see the sea.
Finisterre is fascinating for its legends, history, traditions and magic.
Until just over 500 years ago, Finisterre was considered the end of the world (the Finis Terrae of the Romans) because the earth was thought to be flat.
Most of the pilgrims finish the Camino in the cathedral of Santiago. But, in most historians they affirm that the Camino de Santiago ends in Fisterra, precisely at the milestone marked with kilometer zero on Mount Finisterre.
According to tradition, the pilgrims, after visiting the church of Nuestra Señora de las Arenas, where the Santo Cristo de Fisterra, burning their clothes, bathing in the sea and eating a scallop shell, they will be able to return to their places of origin as “new people” after being “born again”
It should be noted that in the cape area it is forbidden to make a fire to avoid fires.
Read also : HIKING IN A CORUÑA
4. FISTERRA LIGHTHOUSE
Finisterre lighthouse is 3 kilometers from the town. It is the important lighthouse of the Costa da Morte because since 1868 it guides sailors and fishermen through these waters.
The Praza da República Arxentina, which precedes the Lighthouse, houses the historic marker that indicates “km. 0.00” considered as the end point of the Finisterre road.
5. EZARO WATERFALL
The Death Coasthas the only waterfall in Europe that flows into the sea, the Ezaro waterfall.
The waterfall can be every day of the year. However, in summer you can enjoy a night lighting show and music that make the waterfall even more special.
Going up to the Ézaro viewpoint, a platform on Mount Pindo, you will enjoy extraordinary views of all of Ézaro, with the ocean in the background and the entrance of the waterfall and you can also see up to Cabo Finisterre.
6. LIRA HÓRREO
The municipality of Carnota has two of the longest and largest hórreos in Galicia, Santa Comba de Carnota and Santa María de Lira.
Being dark and airy places, its use was for grain storage and drying.
The Lira granary was built between 1779 and 1814 and is the second largest granary of Galicia. It is supported by 22 pairs of feet and has a length that reaches 36 m, due to the little more than 34 of the Santa Comba.
The hórreo is part of a group formed by the parish church of Santa María de Lira, the rectory and a large dovecote, which in its antiquity was painted white
In addition, the environment where it is located offers magnificent views of the Death Coast.
7. WALLS: last stop on the excursion to finisterre
Muros is a town located in the Rías Baixas, about 70 kilometers from Santiago de Compostela.
It is a seafaring town that is dedicated to fishing and sightseeing.
All year round and especially during the summer season it receives a large number of tourists who want to enjoy its spectacular beaches, natural spaces and gastronomy.