What is the Camino Finisterre?

The Camino Finisterre is the only Camino route in Spain that does not end in Santiago. It has it’s own route map, way markers and Albergues. But most people walk to Finisterre after completing another route to Santiago.

Finisterre is often referred to as “the edge of the world” (the Latin etymology is Finis Terrea meaning end of the world.) Legend has it that the Romans really did think it was the end of the earth. It is also described as the most Westerly point of Spain, so lands end. Finisterre is also kind of a big deal in Maritime history and in popular culture (having featured in three movies.)

You’ll hear Finisterre also referred to as Fisterre (The Galician translation.) The Cape of Finisterre (literal edge) is around 3km from Fisterre town, which is important to note when booking Albergues and making your walking plans.

How long is the Camino Finisterre?

The Camino Finisterre is the shortest Camino at 90km. It can be walked in 3 days at an average of 30 km per day, or over a long period if you want to walk less than 30km per day.

Who walks the Camino Finisterre?

Walking to Finisterre has some interesting connotations. I’d heard various stories. Including “it’s only the hardcore hippies who walk there”, “everyone goes there to burn their bras/passports/shoes” etc. I also expected that it would be quiet, just a few solitary pilgrims walking on past Santiago and refusing to believe that their Camino was over.

Let me tell you, it is not that! Its mainstream and popular and actually busier than the Norte and Portuguese route combined. I walked it in October, in the pouring rain. But even as I battled against the elements and carried on West, there were other Pilgrims as far as the eye can see. I did spot a few hardcore hippy types, they all looked equally baffled and imagine were thinking “Dude, this has changed” as they saw coach loads of tourists arrive to the Cape.

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Why walk the Camino Finisterre?

1. It extends your Camino experience

2. It’s fun and Finisterre itself is a good place to party and celebrate your achievement

3. There are some incredible walking trails and scenic views – better than many days we walked on the Camino Portuguese

4. You will metaphorically reach the end! For many people, arriving in Finisterre feels more emotional than the arrival into Santiago.

Itinerary for walking the Camino Finisterre

As the Camino Finisterre is 90km long, you could walk it in 3 or 4 days comfortably. Or longer if you prefer. We had 3 days available so chose to walk roughly 30km each day, which worked really well around Albergues and also lunch stops. We also chose to stay an extra day in Finisterre so that we could recoup and walk to Faro Finisterre to enjoy the sunset properly.

Day One: Santiago to A Pena 29km

Highlights: Crossing the bridge in Ponte Maciera. Woody trails on the run up to A Pena are stunning.

Route: It’s quite an up and down day with a large hill just on the run up to A Pena. There are around 13km on trails today, which we love. Some small towns on route to replenish for food and drinks before going on the way.

Food and accommodation: We stayed in a private room in A Pena at Albergue Alto Da Pena. It is a cafe/albergue serving yummy food and drinks and a nice clean and restful plage to stay just a few steps up from the Camino trail.

Day Two: A Pena to Logoso 28km

Highlights: Stunning day of trails. Highlight definitely the couple of kms into Logoso with views of the river, even in the rain. We also had a stray dog escorting us for around 25km.

Route: A few small hills but mostly you are already at high elevation for the entire route. 7kms of trails and the rest “road” but many are quiet. Theres a cafe around 6km into the morning for breakfast if you’ve skipped it at the Albergue. Then a few small cafes along the way.

Food and accommodation: We stayed at Albergue O Logoso and it was great. Bunk beds with curtains for around 13 Euros and enjoyed a 3 course dinner with wine for 14 Euros. Home cooked and delicious.

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Day Three: Logoso to Finisterre 30km

Highlights: Stunning 13km long trail and finding “Finn” the stray dog in the forest 10km from where we last saw him.

Route: 13 to 14km after Logoso is on a trail, it’s absolutely stunning but there is nowhere to get food and water. After that, you drop into the coastal path and the route is mostly flat into Finisterre. Plenty of nice cafes and bars on route for lunch.

Food and Accomodation: Finisterre has a Municpal Albergue that is central to town. We stayed at Albergue La Paz, which is cheap and comfortable. For food, we liked the Menu Del Dia at Rombos restaurant. There are a few late night bars for partying.

Walking to Faro de Finisterre

The end of the land, or the tip of Finisisterre is actually 3km from the centre of town. The Albergues and most hotels are in the town (although one solitary hotel is built at the end of Cape.)

The walk up has a sturdy path, with incredible views of the coast as you meander up. There’s a lovely bar at the top and a few souvenir shops (yes, seriously!)

Our tip – pack a picnic and head up to watch sunset! Don’t be in a rush, take your time up there and enjoy!

How to get from Finisterre to Santiago

You could walk of course! The arrows mostly point you all the way back to Santiago.

Alternatively, book a bus through Monbus.es. They run around 4 to 5 times per day, take 3 hours and cost 7 Euros.

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