The Route
The Camino Finisterre begins at the steps of Santiago de Compostela’s iconic cathedral and stretches 90km (56 miles) west to the dramatic coastline of Cape Finisterre on the Costa da Morte. Often seen as the ‘final stage’ of the Camino de Santiago routes, the Camino Finisterre offers a peaceful extension to your pilgrimage, leading through quiet countryside, traditional villages, and coastal scenery.
Leaving Santiago, the trail descends into the leafy Sarela valley before climbing steadily through chestnut and eucalyptus groves to reach the hamlet of Augapesada. From here, the route continues through gently rolling farmland and woodland paths, before arriving at the medieval bridge of Ponte Maceira, a picturesque crossing over the Río Tambre on the way to Negreira.
Beyond Negreira, the Camino passes through quiet lanes and open countryside in the Barcala valley, with traditional Galician villages such as Vilaserío and Cornado along the way. A steady ascent across the shoulder of Monte Aro— the summit of which is the highest point of the route at 556 metres (1,824 ft)—offers sweeping views of the surrounding Terra de Xallas and the Castrelo reservoir before descending through Olveiroa, followed by a scenic climb to the historic pilgrim hamlet of Hospital.
At Hospital, the route continues west toward Finisterre, winding through pine-scented moorland and descending toward the coast. The Atlantic Ocean soon appears on the horizon as you approach the town of Cee. From here, the final stretch of the trail follows the coastline, skirting the white sands of Langosteira Beach and passing through the fishing village of Fisterra.
The journey ends at the lighthouse on Cape Finisterre, marked by the “Km 0” milestone—a traditional place for pilgrims to reflect, watch the sun set over the ocean, and bring their Camino to a memorable close.
Terrain Overview
The Camino Finisterre offers a well-balanced mix of terrain, including woodland paths, gravel tracks, quiet country roads, and farm lanes that pass through traditional Galician villages and hamlets. The route is peaceful and largely free from traffic, making for a pleasant and relaxed walking experience. The landscape gently undulates rather than presenting steep climbs. After leaving Santiago, the trail rises and falls through forested river valleys, with a steady ascent below the summit of Monte Aro (556 metres / 1,824 ft), the highest point on the route. From here, the path descends gradually to sea level at the coastal town of Cee, before one final headland crossing leads to Cape Finisterre and the Atlantic Ocean.
The total accumulated ascent is around 1,600 metres, with a similar amount of descent, giving the route a moderate overall profile. Underfoot, walkers will mostly encounter dirt or gravel paths, with some paved rural roads. After rainfall, sections can become muddy, so good footwear with reliable grip is recommended.
Like much of Galicia, the Camino Finisterre is characterised by green landscapes, shaded eucalyptus and oak woodlands, and an Atlantic climate that keeps summer temperatures comfortable, typically ranging from the low to mid-20s °C. Showers are possible throughout the year, so appropriate weather gear is advised. The route is well-marked with yellow arrows and scallop shells, and frequent villages mean walkers can expect regular access to cafés, bars, and rest stops—making this a rewarding and accessible final stage of the Camino.
Elevation Profile
