At the far western edge of the Galician coast, where granite cliffs drop steeply into the Atlantic, the Cape Finisterre Lighthouse stands as one of Spain's most symbolically powerful landmarks. Its name comes from the Latin "finis terrae" meaning "end of the earth," and for centuries, the Romans believed this was the westernmost point of the known world. Today, it remains the traditional final destination for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago, who continue beyond Santiago de Compostela to reach this dramatic spot.
A Place of Ancient Significance
Long before the current lighthouse was built, Cape Finisterre held deep spiritual meaning. Pre-Roman Celtic peoples regarded the cape as a sacred place where the sun died each evening as it sank into the ocean. Archaeological evidence, including the remains of a Roman altar dedicated to the sun god, suggests that ritual fire-watching took place here for thousands of years before any formal navigation light was established.
The original lighthouse at Finisterre was constructed in 1853, designed to address the high number of shipwrecks along what locals call the Costa da Morte, the "Coast of Death." This stretch of Galician shoreline is notorious for its fog, strong currents and submerged rocks, which have claimed hundreds of vessels over the centuries. The lighthouse was upgraded and modernised over the following decades, and the current optical apparatus has a range of over 23 nautical miles.
The Camino de Santiago Connection
While Santiago de Compostela is the official endpoint of the Camino pilgrimage, a growing number of walkers extend their journey by an additional three to four days to reach Cape Finisterre. This extension, known as the Camino Finisterre, covers approximately 90 kilometres through rolling Galician countryside, small fishing villages and dense eucalyptus forests.
The tradition of walking to Finisterre predates the Christian pilgrimage. Medieval pilgrims, blending pagan and Christian customs, would burn an item of their clothing at the cape and collect a scallop shell from the beach as proof of their journey. Today, many modern pilgrims continue this ritual, and it is common to see a small fire burning near the lighthouse at sunset as walkers complete their journey.
A special "Fisterrana" certificate is available at the Finisterre municipal albergue for pilgrims who have walked from Santiago. This document, while not officially part of the Camino credentialing system, has become a treasured souvenir for those who make the additional effort.
For centuries, pilgrims have walked to this point, drawn by the powerful combination of natural beauty and the symbolic weight of reaching the place where the land ends and the vast Atlantic begins.
What to Experience at the Cape
The lighthouse itself sits on the tip of the cape at an elevation of about 143 metres above sea level. The surrounding area offers several worthwhile experiences:
- Sunset viewing: The sunsets at Finisterre are legendary. As the sun drops below the Atlantic horizon, the sky often turns vivid shades of orange and red, creating an unforgettable spectacle. Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset to find a good viewing spot on the rocks near the lighthouse.
- The 0.0 km marker: A stone marker at the cape indicates "Km 0.0" of the Camino, symbolising both the end and the beginning of a spiritual journey. It is one of the most photographed spots along the entire pilgrimage route.
- Monte do Facho: The peak above the lighthouse, at 238 metres, offers even broader views and is the site of ancient Celtic sun-worship rituals. A short trail leads to the summit.
- Praia do Mar de Fora: This wild, beautiful beach below the cape is perfect for a refreshing walk. The water is cold year-round, but the scenery is spectacular.
Visitor Information
Getting There and Practical Advice
The town of Fisterra (the Galician spelling of Finisterre) is reachable by bus from Santiago de Compostela, with several daily services taking approximately two hours. Driving from Santiago takes about 90 minutes along the AC-445 coastal road, a scenic route that passes through small Galician villages and offers occasional glimpses of the rugged Atlantic shore.
From Fisterra town centre, the lighthouse is a pleasant 3-kilometre walk along a paved road that gradually climbs to the tip of the cape. Alternatively, you can drive and park near the lighthouse, though spaces are limited during peak season. The walk is recommended as it builds anticipation and offers changing views of the coastline.
Fisterra itself is a working fishing town with a handful of simple but good restaurants serving the catch of the day. Try the local pulpo a feira (Galician-style octopus) or percebes (goose barnacles), a rare and prized delicacy harvested from the dangerous rocks below the cape. For more details about walking the Camino extension, the Wikipedia Camino de Santiago page provides comprehensive route information.
Combining a visit to Cape Finisterre with the Tower of Hercules in A Coruna (about 1.5 hours north by car) makes for an excellent Galician lighthouse road trip. Those heading south may also wish to explore the very different landscape around the Chipiona Lighthouse on the Atlantic coast of Andalusia.
