Discovering the last stretch from Santiago to Fisterra
After covering kilometres of trails on the stages from Santiago de Compostela to FisterraAfter crossing charming villages and sharing experiences with pilgrims from all over the world, arriving in Santiago de Compostela marks the official end of the Camino de Santiago. However, for those looking for an exciting and symbolic epilogue, the journey can continue west towards the mythical Finisterre, the "end of the world" for the ancient pilgrims.
The Camino from Santiago to Finisterre offers a final stretch that invites reflection, contemplation and connection with nature. This extension of the Camino, known as the Camino de Finisterre or the Way to Fisterra, stretches for approximately 90 additional kilometres from the majestic Cathedral of Santiago to the impressive cape of Finisterre, where the Atlantic Ocean stretches as far as the eye can see.
Starting from the bustling Plaza del Obradoiro in Santiago, pilgrims venture once again on the Camino, but this time with a different purpose. Yellow signs and scallop shells still mark the way, but the landscape changes as they move away from the city and into the Galician countryside. The roads wind through lush forests, rolling fields and rural villages, offering views that invite contemplation and moments of serenity.
As pilgrims make their way to Fisterra, emotions can be complex. Some experience a sense of liberation and renewal, while others may feel a kind of nostalgia for the end of their main pilgrimage. However, all share the feeling of being on a personal journey, both physical and spiritual.
Here are the four stages that make up this route from Santiago from Compostela to Fisterra:
Stage from Santiago de Compostela to Negreira (20.6 km)
This first stage, 20.6 km long, starts from the Obradoiro square, taking the route along the rúa das Hortas following the arrows in the direction of Negreira. We continue until we reach the carballeira de San Lourenzo, nowadays converted into a manor house. There we find the first milestone indicating the distances to Fisterra and Muxía.
After a steep descent, we cross Ponte Sarela, which will take us to a forest track, leading to Sarela de Abaixo. From here we can enjoy an impressive view of Santiago de Compostela.
At milestone 86.722 we turn right to resume the route along a path under eucalyptus trees that ends in the parish of Santa María de Figueiras. We continue on asphalt until we reach Carballal, where at the exit there is a good stretch of ascent. We will reach the medieval bridge over the river Roxos to reach Alto do Vento, where there is a bar-restaurant for a stop. We turn right and continue along the road to Augapesada, where we take a cobbled street.
We continue down to Ponte Maceira, which has been considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Its medieval bridge is particularly interesting. From there we continue towards Barca and A Chancela, to continue straight on to Negreira, which marks the end of the stage.
Stage from Negreira to Ponte Olveiroa (33.6 km)
This is the main stage, 33.6 km long. The route runs through a rural environment with gentle slopes. We leave Negreira along the main street and turn left towards Pazo de Cotón, where we reach a bridge over the river Barcala that will take us to Olveiroa. Fork: there is a path that leads to the shoulder of a dangerous road.
There is another variant that avoids the road and goes through a beautiful forest, this option is the most recommended. The two paths join after 3km in the village of Zas. We continue along the old Camino Real and arrive at A Pena, where we will once again find two detours.
The official route continues on the left and has a dangerous stretch of asphalt. It is better to take the one on the right, which follows dirt tracks until Vilaserío, where the two routes meet. There you will find shelters and a bar where you can make a stop.
We continue through O Cornado, As Maroñas and Santa Mariña, where we leave through small villages with farms. At Vilar de Castro we will see a turn-off to Picota, with green arrows. Following the signs we will start a climb to Aro mountain, where there is a viewpoint and beautiful views. We descend to Porteliñas until we reach Abeleiroas.
After passing through fields and meadows we will reach Ponte Olveiroa, where we will cross the bridge over the river Xallas and reach the end of the stage.
Stage from Ponte Olveiroa to Cee (20 km)
The third and shortest stage, 18 km long. This stage passes through landscapes with beautiful views until we reach Cee. We leave Olveiroa along the road, taking a path on the left that takes us to the coast. There is a climb to the Alto do Sino, in the direction of a wind farm.
We will go down and arrive at the village of Logoso, we will follow a dirt road to Hospital that will take us to a factory. At this roundabout there is a fork with two milestones: the Way to Fisterra and the Way to Muxía.
In our case we turn left towards Cee. We cross the road and take a dirt track up to the cruceiro da Armada. From this point we will have spectacular views of the coast. We continue down to O s Camiños Chans, where we reach the end of the stage: Cee.
Stage from Cee to Fisterra (16 km)
A 16km stage in which we reach Fisterra, the end of the world. It is a beautiful stage in which we will pass through trails and beautiful beaches. We leave from the Market Square, along the promenade. We arrive to Corcubión and we access to its old town. From there we will follow the arrows until we get to a big yellow arrow that takes us to a path through the mountain. We will continue walking until we reach Estorde, with a beautiful beach, and we continue bordering it until we reach a steep descent.
We continue along Sardiñeiro de Abaixo to reach a road that goes up on the right hand side. This road takes us through woods with a breathtaking view of Finisterre. We arrive at Langosteira beach, with a large sandy area, and continue to the San Roque neighbourhood, where we finally arrive at our destination: Fisterra.
Going Deeper into the Journey: From Santiago de Compostela to Fisterra
The stages Camino de Santiago French need not end at the majestic Cathedral of Santiago. For pilgrims looking to extend their physical and spiritual journey, the stretch to Fisterra offers a unique opportunity for further exploration. This westward route, known as the Camino de Finisterre, continues the narrative of self-exploration and discovery.
Walking from historic Santiago from Compostela to the symbolic "end of the world" at Fisterra is a metaphor for the continuous journey of life, where each step reinforces introspection and connection with nature.
This segment invites pilgrims to meditate on the experiences lived and lessons learned along the way, while facing the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean that marks the traditional end of a millenary journey.
Conclusions
Ultimately, the epilogue of the Camino de Santiago from Santiago to Finisterre is more than a physical extension of the journey. It is an inner journey that invites pilgrims to reflect on what they have experienced, what they have learned and how they wish to carry that experience forward in their daily lives.
