Part 5

Galicia: Santiago de Compostela & Fisterra

Day 12 - Road trip to Santiago de Compostela

Time of the year: beginning of June

First stop in the fishermen village San Esteban, a small, peaceful village nestled in the green hills of Asturias. Known for its traditional architecture and serene surroundings, it offers an authentic taste of rural Asturian life away from the crowds.

Second stop in the village Cudillero, famous for its colorful houses cascading down the hillside, vibrant harbor, and rich maritime traditions.

The village streets are narrow and winding, designed to protect against strong coastal winds, creating a labyrinth-like charm.

Fishing has been the heart of Cudillero’s economy for centuries. The harbor bustles with boats bringing in fresh seafood, especially sardines, octopus, and hake.

Mirador Cabo Vidío

Playa del Silencio, this beach is remarkably quiet and peaceful, with no loud crowds or urban noise—just the sound of waves and seabirds, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and contemplation.

The town of Luarca, known as the “White Village of the Green Coast” due to its whitewashed houses and lush surroundings.

Playa de Las Catedrales is famous for its dramatic natural arches, caves, and cliffs sculpted by the sea. Located on the Galician coast (close to Asturias), it’s a must-see for nature lovers and photographers.

It’s a natural monument with strict visitor limits during peak season to preserve its fragile ecosystem and geological wonders. During high season reservations are necessary in order to visit this attraction.

The beach’s full beauty appears at low tide, when you can explore the caves and arches on foot. At high tide, the sea surrounds the rocks, making it look like an enchanted seascape. Checking the schedule of the low tides is recommended since it varies from month to month and from season to season.

Day 13 - Road trip to Fisterra & Mexia & Hiking route in Fisterra

Time of the year: June

Null-Kilometer-Schild – Cabo Fisterra Runde von San Martiño de Abaixo | Wanderung | Komoot

Distance: ca. 16,30 km

Altitude loss / gain: +410 m / -410 m

Lowest point: ca. 0 m

Highest point: ca. 205 m

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Difficulty: 🟦

Parking:

free parking in Fisterra is available

Muxía is a charming fishing village on Galicia’s rugged Costa da Morte (Coast of Death), known for its wild coastline, deep-rooted mythology, and spiritual significance. It’s a place where nature’s power meets cultural tradition.

Muxía lies on the dramatic and often stormy Coast of Death, named for its history of shipwrecks, but also celebrated for its stunning cliffs and wild beaches.

Playa do Rostro is a pristine, nearly 2-kilometer-long beach located in the village of Sardiñeiro, near Fisterra, in the province of A Coruña. This secluded stretch of fine white sand is nestled between the rugged cliffs of Punta do Rostro to the south and Punta Mixirica to the north, offering a tranquil escape into nature.

Fisterra, known historically as Finisterre (from Latin Finis Terrae, meaning “end of the earth”), is a dramatic coastal town famed as one of the final stops on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. It’s celebrated for its rugged cliffs, ocean views, and rich maritime culture. In Roman times, Fisterra was believed to be the westernmost point of the known world, where the sea seemed endless and mysterious.

Many pilgrims continue their journey beyond Santiago de Compostela to Fisterra to witness the sunset over the Atlantic and perform symbolic rituals like burning clothes or boots.