Finisterre: Lighthouse, Pilgrimage Route and Coast

Coast and Landscape

At Cabo Fisterra, the Faro de Fisterra is considered the westernmost lighthouse in Europe. From the cape, there are impressive views of the open ocean and the Ría de Corcubión. The view also includes the coast of Carnota.

The Faro de Fisterra was built in 1853. It stands at an elevation of 138 m above sea level. Its tower is made of hewn stone blocks. The ground plan is octagonal, and the lantern is polygonal. The dimensions and construction style complement the view of the lighthouse with specific details about its historic construction.

The Costa da Morte is a coastal strip in the province of A Coruña. The municipalities in this coastal strip include, among others, Fisterra, Cee, Muxía and Camariñas.

The semi-urban section of Langosteira has a beach promenade. The Festa da praia takes place at Langosteira every year, around July.

Pilgrimage Route and Trails

The Camino de Fisterra y Muxía pilgrimage route leads from Santiago to Cabo Fisterra. The route also leads to the Santuario de la Virxe da Barca in Muxía. The Fisterra–Muxía section is 118.8 km long and moderately difficult.

The Arredor do Monte do Facho circular route includes a detour of approximately 300 m. This detour leads to the ruins of a former hermitage.

History and Architectural Heritage

Santa María das Areas was built at the end of the 12th or beginning of the 13th century. The building was constructed in the Romanesque style.

On Easter Sunday, the festival and pilgrimage of Santo Cristo are celebrated in front of Santa María das Areas.

Castelo de San Carlos was intended to protect the bay and port of Fisterra. The Ría de Corcubión was also to be protected by the castle. The connection between the bay, port and ria shows that the castle was not oriented toward just a single coastal point.

Construction work on Castelo de San Carlos began between 1755 and 1757. The castle was completed ten years later. This was based on a royal order issued by Charles III.

The Museo de la Pesca is located in Castelo de San Carlos. The museum presents an exhibition about fishing techniques in Galicia.

Other destinations: Teo, Cedeira, Tordoia, Santa Mariña, Basoñas, Guitiriz, Vila Da Area and Coristanco.

Fishing and Local Insights

At the Lonja de Fisterra, visitors can watch the fish auction through a large glass window. A viewing room is available for this purpose.

Visits to the Lonja de Fisterra are possible throughout the year. Prior arrangements with the fishermen’s guild are required. The auction itself takes place daily.

Visitors can watch the auction from a room on the upper floor.

A diverse selection of fish and seafood from small-scale fishing is auctioned. There are also information panels.

For the higher-level travel overview: A Coruña.