Cape Finisterre (Cabo Finisterre)
Discover beautiful beaches and dramatic cliffs during a visit to Cape Finisterre. This peninsula in Galicia is both the westernmost point in Spain and the final destination for pilgrims traveling the Way of St. James. It’s about 55 miles (89 kilometers west of Santiago de Compostela. Most travelers come here on religious pilgrimages and for swimming and sunbathing.
The basics
Several quaint fishing villages line Cape Finisterre along with excellent beaches including O Rostro, Arnela, Mar de Fora, Langosteira, Riveira, and Corbeiro. Visit the lighthouse for panoramic views and keep an eye out for landmarks of both maritime and religious nature. Many pilgrims walk from Santiago de Compostela, but bus service is also available (the journey takes about 90 minutes).
Things to know before you go
- Cape Finisterre is a must-see attraction for religious travelers and beach lovers.
- Bring your camera; the rocky cliffs and beaches provide striking photo opportunities.
- The peninsula is largely accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, but certain landmarks and beaches aren’t accessible.
- This shoreline earned the nickname La Costa Morte or the Coast of Death for numerous shipwrecks that occurred here.
How to get there
Travelers reach the peninsula of Cape Finisterre in several ways. Many pilgrims arrive on foot, after completing the Way of St. James. Public transportation is also available; a bus offers daily connections to and from Santiago de Compostela. Parking is also available and many visitors arrive by car.
Trip ideas
When to get there
Travelers seeking sun and sand often visit Cape Finisterre during the summer months. The summer also coincides with the largest number of pilgrims walking the Way of St. James. Avoid the crowds by planning a trip during the shoulder season including the spring and fall months.
Cultural Traditions
Cape Finisterre is the terminus of a major Catholic pilgrimage, and many traditions have survived over centuries. At the lighthouse, visitors can burn boots or clothes in the steel bowls set up for this purpose, participating in a ritual that dates all the way back to the middle ages.
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