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I always use whatever leftover days I have to walk to Finisterre or Muxia. Having that cushion is a great peace of mind, since my return date is set. So if I get to Santiago when planned, I can walk to Muxia and on to Finisterre. Two years ago I only had 3 days so I only made it to Muxia.
A few considerations. There are more buses from Finisterre to Santiago than from Muxia. In fact, I once walked into Finisterre and had to hop on a bus within an hour to get back to Madrid. Not ideal, but it worked since I had used up to many of my "cushion" days.
If you have the flexibility to plan to go to both Finisterre and Muxia, I would highly recommend that. Muxia is one of the best places in the world to sit on the rocks and take it all in, especially as you prepare to transition back to life as we know it. Finisterre and the lighthouse are special, but the town itself if very touristy and I have had more than my fair share of bad meals there. Not the end of the world, of course, and the walk into Finisterre is beautiful along the water. And you will miss that part if you walk from Muxia into Finisterre, you only get the coastal views if you go from Santiago into Finisterre.
I take three days to get to either Muxia or Finisterre, and then one day in between the two. Some people like to spread the first part over four days, and some people like to stop in Lires in between Muxia and Finisterre, so those are your options. I like to walk on day 1 beyond Negreira to Vilaserio. It's 32 km, but Santiago to Negreira is only 20, and I just prefer to go further. Then from Vilaserio to the crazy out there albergue in Dumbria, a little town with wonderful people and an albergue paid for by the owner of the Zara clothing empire (who is from Galicia). I have had a lot of fun in Dumbria, both with other peregrinos and with meeting the townspeople. Next day into Muxia, the camino goes by a very pretty romanesque church (always closed but the exterior is worth a look, great tympanum). And there is a short bit into Muxia by the ocean as well.
I won't be able to get out to the coast this year, but it is a really wonderful way to end the camino, IMO. Buen camino, Laurie
No truer words have ever been spoken!Muxia is one of the best places in the world to sit on the rocks and take it all in, especially as you prepare to transition back to life as we know it.
I always use whatever leftover days I have to walk to Finisterre or Muxia. Having that cushion is a great peace of mind, since my return date is set. So if I get to Santiago when planned, I can walk to Muxia and on to Finisterre. Two years ago I only had 3 days so I only made it to Muxia.
A few considerations. There are more buses from Finisterre to Santiago than from Muxia. In fact, I once walked into Finisterre and had to hop on a bus within an hour to get back to Madrid. Not ideal, but it worked since I had used up to many of my "cushion" days.
If you have the flexibility to plan to go to both Finisterre and Muxia, I would highly recommend that. Muxia is one of the best places in the world to sit on the rocks and take it all in, especially as you prepare to transition back to life as we know it. Finisterre and the lighthouse are special, but the town itself if very touristy and I have had more than my fair share of bad meals there. Not the end of the world, of course, and the walk into Finisterre is beautiful along the water. And you will miss that part if you walk from Muxia into Finisterre, you only get the coastal views if you go from Santiago into Finisterre.
I take three days to get to either Muxia or Finisterre, and then one day in between the two. Some people like to spread the first part over four days, and some people like to stop in Lires in between Muxia and Finisterre, so those are your options. I like to walk on day 1 beyond Negreira to Vilaserio. It's 32 km, but Santiago to Negreira is only 20, and I just prefer to go further. Then from Vilaserio to the crazy out there albergue in Dumbria, a little town with wonderful people and an albergue paid for by the owner of the Zara clothing empire (who is from Galicia). I have had a lot of fun in Dumbria, both with other peregrinos and with meeting the townspeople. Next day into Muxia, the camino goes by a very pretty romanesque church (always closed but the exterior is worth a look, great tympanum). And there is a short bit into Muxia by the ocean as well.
I won't be able to get out to the coast this year, but it is a really wonderful way to end the camino, IMO. Buen camino, Laurie
Good post. Good information.
Just so I follow you...
So, best to walk Santiago to Muxia (of course stopping as needed) and then Muxia to Finisterre?
Or, do Finisterre first and then to Muxia. But since more buses from Finisterre, would have to come back to Finisterre?
Thanks
Good post. Good information.
Just so I follow you...
So, best to walk Santiago to Muxia (of course stopping as needed) and then Muxia to Finisterre?
Or, do Finisterre first and then to Muxia. But since more buses from Finisterre, would have to come back to Finisterre?
Thanks
I would hate to say one way or the other is “best,” because I know people have strong opinions both ways. For me, there are two reasons to end up in Finisterre. First, because it is easier to get back to Santiago. Second, because that last night up at the lighthouse just feels right. Though I have to say, I have been to the lighthouse at least five times, and only had a glorious sunset once, so don’t get your hopes up. Even if there isn’t a pretty sunset, though,there is still the feeling that it is the end.
There are buses from Muxia to Santiago, I can´t remember if there is a change in Cee or not. But don´t worry, it’s easy. And if you have three other friends, a taxi from Muxia to Santiago is not outrageouslly expensive among four. Last time I was there, there was a bus strike, so the albergue Bela Muxia was helping to facilitate groups to get back to Santiago by taxi and I remembered thinking, wow, this is cheap!
Thank you for those details. This is helpful. I now think I will walk to Muxia then to Finisterre. I like how you describe the walk, and it will be easier to catch a bus back to Santiago. I have bussed from Santiago to Finisterre twice. While I never walked it, I feel as though I have spent enough time there that I can arrive, make the ritual stop at the final lighthouse, then head back to Santiago. I am excited to see and spend some time in reflection in Muxia.
If you walk it in three days, is that about 20 miles a day? Not sure if I should plan for four days. I remember the mixed feelings of eagerness to reach my goal but sadness that it's coming to a close. If I plan too many days (as I did last year) I have an extra day for sightseeing that I don't feel like doing because my emotions are all in a mush!! The end is such a strange emotional time and that time needs to be spent the right way. Not sure if that make sense....but thank you again for your response!
Lynne
Or 6 days. After my second Camino I had plenty of extra time, so I took 4 days to walk to Muxia, then split the walk from Muxia to Finisterre into two days, spending the night in Lires, where there is a beautiful beach.Depending on your preparation (and the way you want to approach it) it can be done in 3...4....5....days . ;-D
What RJM said, just to add that it is one day less if you just go to one and not both.4-5 days depending on your walking pace, etc
you can get a bus back to Santiago in Finisterre....trip takes a couple of hours I think
I like your stages can anyone do a similar breakdown if i want to continue onto Finisterre then walk back to Santiago? TY4 days to Muxía allows stages of about 25 km:
Santiago - Negreira 23 km
Negreira - Sta. Marina 22 km
Sta. Marina - Dumbria 25 km
Dumbria - Muxía 25 km
I would say that 4 days to Finisterre is comfortable, then 1 or 2 days to Muxia and Muxia back to Santiago in 3 or 4 days. Distances are Santiago - Finisterre 90 kms, Finisterre - Muxia 30 kms and Muxia to Santiago 85 kms.
The Galacian Information Office (not the Spanish Tourist Office) is an important source of information with a map, list of albergues and distances, bus timetables etc. Their office is at Plaza de Mazarelos, 15, about a 5 minute walk from the cathedral. They are very helpful.
You can get a Credential from the Pilgrims Office, but do not wait in the line for Compostelas, but go to a volunteer helper and explain that all you want is a Credential and he will get you one quickly.
There are 2 bus services per day to and from Muxia and Santiago, one in the morning and one in the afternoon with times depending on which day of the week. The bus company is Hefesl. There are at least 4 bus services every day to and from Finisterre and Santiago with times depending on which day of the week. The name of the bus company Monbus and the Tourist Office will have all the up to date information
Your details are helpful. I would like to end in Muxia now that I have read several responses. I just want to make sure I won't have trouble getting on a bus back to Santiago. Since there are fewer services in one day, I wonder if it's hard to get on a bus. Do you know about this issue?
Thanks again. All of these responses help me with several decisions I am making about this next trip.
Lynne
Calling it a bus station is a bit of an exaggeration.In September of 17,I walked by the bus station in Muxia several times,slightly before the bus leaves in the morning,and never saw more than a few people waiting there.
on your way to Muxia take the coastal path and stop at Playa de Lires.
Mugatu, are you talking about the Camino dos Faros? Have you done that, and if so how was it? On the "normal" camino route between Finisterre and Muxia, there is very little coastal walking. You can take a slight detour out to the beach at Lires, and loop a little way along the coast, but it's not much.
There is a coastal route that starts in A Coruña and ends in Finisterre. This wikilocs track shows the route and you can see how it differs from the "normal" camino between Muxia and Finisterre. This link also has proposed stages and a video. Looks really nice.
Camiño dos Faros, de A Coruña a Fisterra en 10 dies
Camiño dos Faros, de A Coruña a Fisterra en 10 dies Hiking trail in A Coruña, Galicia (España). Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. Consulteu http://www.caminodosfaros.com/ Els tracks de Wikiloc del Camiño dos Faros que hem seguit i a quí estem profundament agraïts són...www.wikiloc.com
For what it's worth - the round trip Santiago - Fisterra - Muxia - Santiago is exactly 200 km and takes 7 days. It involves repeating a stage or 2. An alternative to the long day Fisterra - Muxia is the 2 day Camino dos Faros which sticks to the coast and is very beautiful, involves a lot of uphill and needs a lot of care around Lires to stay on the right track. You can pick up 2 extra certs if you walk to Fisterra and then Muxia or vice versa. Enjoy !Hello,
I am reading many old posts about people's opinions about the Santiago-Finisterre-Muxia route. I have yet to make my choice, but I am more concerned about how many days I should plan in my schedule.
My question is about the number of days needed to walk from Santiago to one or both places.
I am planning my days and would like to walk at least to either Finisterre or Muxia. I can't decide which one would be the best choice. I also have to consider how easy(or difficult) it would be to get a bus back to Santiago. So that may affect my choice
Thanks for you input.
Lynne
From reading previous posts about the route. Most people recommend Finisterre first because the route from Finisterre to Muxia is the highlight of the walk and walking the reverse section does not have the same impact.Good post. Good information.
Just so I follow you...
So, best to walk Santiago to Muxia (of course stopping as needed) and then Muxia to Finisterre?
Or, do Finisterre first and then to Muxia. But since more buses from Finisterre, would have to come back to Finisterre?
Thanks
I wouldn't say that Finisterre to Muxia is the highlight, but there is something special about the first glimpses of the ocean as you walk from Santiago to Finisterre.From reading previous posts about the route. Most people recommend Finisterre first because the route from Finisterre to Muxia is the highlight of the walk and walking the reverse section does not have the same impact.
Hello,
I am reading many old posts about people's opinions about the Santiago-Finisterre-Muxia route. I have yet to make my choice, but I am more concerned about how many days I should plan in my schedule.
My question is about the number of days needed to walk from Santiago to one or both places.
I am planning my days and would like to walk at least to either Finisterre or Muxia. I can't decide which one would be the best choice. I also have to consider how easy(or difficult) it would be to get a bus back to Santiago. So that may affect my choice
Thanks for you input.
Lynne
For what it's worth - the round trip Santiago - Fisterra - Muxia - Santiago is exactly 200 km and takes 7 days. It involves repeating a stage or 2. An alternative to the long day Fisterra - Muxia is the 2 day Camino dos Faros which sticks to the coast and is very beautiful, involves a lot of uphill and needs a lot of care around Lires to stay on the right track. You can pick up 2 extra certs if you walk to Fisterra and then Muxia or vice versa. Enjoy !
The 2 major reason people walk to Finisterre first is because it's much better known and secondly the signs on pillars indicate that direction but not the Dumbria to Muxia direction (unless this has recently been addressed). You're more likely to miss a turn on the Muxia-first version !From reading previous posts about the route. Most people recommend Finisterre first because the route from Finisterre to Muxia is the highlight of the walk and walking the reverse section does not have the same impact.
I agree. I walked that route two years ago, and had no problem with way markings.@woofer , the section from Dumbria to Muxia is well marked now! See my recent journey through this section: click here.
Thank you for all the details! My plan is to walk to Finisterre first and then take stage 7 and 8 from the Camino Dos Faros. One stop at Nemina. But can you, or somebody else here , tell me if there's a place to stay over for a night in Nemina. The next day I will walk to Muxia then. Thanks in front!For what it's worth - the round trip Santiago - Fisterra - Muxia - Santiago is exactly 200 km and takes 7 days. It involves repeating a stage or 2. An alternative to the long day Fisterra - Muxia is the 2 day Camino dos Faros which sticks to the coast and is very beautiful, involves a lot of uphill and needs a lot of care around Lires to stay on the right track. You can pick up 2 extra certs if you walk to Fisterra and then Muxia or vice versa. Enjoy !
I had good meals in Finisterre and enjoyed the townI always use whatever leftover days I have to walk to Finisterre or Muxia. Having that cushion is a great peace of mind, since my return date is set. So if I get to Santiago when planned, I can walk to Muxia and on to Finisterre. Two years ago I only had 3 days so I only made it to Muxia.
A few considerations. There are more buses from Finisterre to Santiago than from Muxia. In fact, I once walked into Finisterre and had to hop on a bus within an hour to get back to Santiago. Not ideal, but it was my only option since I had used up too many of my "cushion" days.
If you have the flexibility to plan to go to both Finisterre and Muxia, I would highly recommend that. Muxia is one of the best places in the world to sit on the rocks and take it all in, especially as you prepare to transition back to life as we know it. Finisterre and the lighthouse are special, but the town itself is very touristy and I have had more than my fair share of bad meals there. Not the end of the world, of course, and the walk into Finisterre is beautiful along the water. And you will miss that part if you walk from Muxia into Finisterre, you only get the coastal views if you go from Santiago into Finisterre.
I take three days to get to either Muxia or Finisterre, and then one day in between the two. Some people like to spread the first part over four days, and some people like to stop in Lires in between Muxia and Finisterre, so those are your options. I like to walk on day 1 beyond Negreira to Vilaserio. It's 32 km, but Santiago to Negreira is only 20, and I just prefer to go further. Then from Vilaserio to the crazy out there albergue in Dumbria, a little town with wonderful people and an albergue paid for by the owner of the Zara clothing empire (who is from Galicia). I have had a lot of fun in Dumbria, both with other peregrinos and with meeting the townspeople. Next day into Muxia, the camino goes by a very pretty romanesque church (always closed but the exterior is worth a look, great tympanum). And there is a short bit into Muxia by the ocean as well.
I won't be able to get out to the coast this year, but it is a really wonderful way to end the camino, IMO. Buen camino, Laurie
I dont think there is. It's very small. The Spanish couple who shared much of that walk with us were booked thru a company who quoted Nemińa as the end of the stage BUT there was a taxi waiting for them which brought them to Lires and was supposed to collect them next morning and bring them back to resume from Nemińa. That's probably what you'll do. In their case the taxi back was cancelled by the company and they walked with us from Lires !Thank you for all the details! My plan is to walk to Finisterre first and then take stage 7 and 8 from the Camino Dos Faros. One stop at Nemina. But can you, or somebody else here , tell me if there's a place to stay over for a night in Nemina. The next day I will walk to Muxia then. Thanks in front!
Sorry, misread your post. You're going the opposite way. Your stop is Lires which will be a tough stage with a lot of ascent. It's worthwhile for the view. Second day is Lires to Muxia and you'll pass through Nemińa witihin 40 mins. Check with locals for the route to Nemina and Dos Faros because the more obvious route is the Camino. It is confusing and marking was not great when we did it !I dont think there is. It's very small. The Spanish couple who shared much of that walk with us were booked thru a company who quoted Nemińa as the end of the stage BUT there was a taxi waiting for them which brought them to Lires and was supposed to collect them next morning and bring them back to resume from Nemińa. That's probably what you'll do. In their case the taxi back was cancelled by the company and they walked with us from Lires !
thnx , woofer!Sorry, misread your post. You're going the opposite way. Your stop is Lires which will be a tough stage with a lot of ascent. It's worthwhile for the view. Second day is Lires to Muxia and you'll pass through Nemińa witihin 40 mins. Check with locals for the route to Nemina and Dos Faros because the more obvious route is the Camino. It is confusing and marking was not great when we did it !
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