STARTING POINT: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
END POINT: FINISTERRE OR FISTERRA
DISTANCE: 89 km
151 km if you take the detour through MUXÍA
The Way to Fisterra and Muxía is an extension of the Way that starts in the city of Santiago de Compostela and reaches Cape Fisterra and Muxía, both municipalities being located on the Costa da Morte (Death Coast). It is a route used as a prolongation of the pilgrimage done by pilgrims, hence its uniqueness, as it is the only one that does not end in the capital city of Galicia.
For the first 59 kilometres it is a single track but once you get to Hospital de Logoso it forks off to Fisterra or Muxía. Then, after visiting Fisterra and Muxía, some pilgrims opt to walk back to Santiago, thus completing a circular route.
The tradition of walking towards Fisterra (meaning “Land’s End”) originated before the onset of the pilgrimage to Santiago, when it was believed that this place was the western end of the then known world, until well back into the Middle Ages.
Since it was documented and recovered by the “Asociación Galega de Amigos do Camiño de Santiago” during the 1990s, the way has experienced great growth and popularity in recent decades.
History
Of all the ways, this is the only one whose end purpose is not to reach the tomb of the Apostle. Quite on the contrary, its starting point is Compostela itself. The very existence of this odd way is the fact that, since medieval times, once pilgrims had finished their pilgrimage, they still wanted to continue a few more days westbound and reach the (known land’s end) end of the known land: Finisterre. Additionally, this area has always been surrounded by a halo of mystery, mythology and symbolism, bound to all kinds of beliefs and rites, all of which has given it an unparalleled appeal.
Reaching the land’s end is such a magnet that, to this day this is the most frequented pilgrimage route, rating second after the French Way, and there are even pilgrimage certificates exclusive to this route issued upon completion. It still is a blessed route, since many people have a great devotion to the Holy Christ of Fisterra and to the Virgen de La Barca in Muxía. Devotion to the Virgen de La Barca (literally, “Our Lady of the Rowing Boat”) comes from the ancient belief that the Virgin came ashore in a stone boat in this remote corner of the land to encourage Saint James in his preaching across the Peninsula.
INFORMATION FOR PILGRIMS IN NAVARRE
In this route we find hostels run by the Xunta (regional government of Galicia) and by local councils, plus privately-run hostels, many of which remain open round the year. There is also plenty of conventional accommodation available, such as hotels and “pensiones”.
As for the climate, it is possible to make the journey at any time of the year since the temperatures are not extreme. However, bear in mind that this is a rainy region and the wind blows on stormy days.
Another peculiarity of this way is that there are two certificates attesting its completion. The “compostela” can only be obtained upon arrival in Santiago, but pilgrims may obtain their “fisterrana” and “muxiana” certificates at the tourist offices and municipal hostels located at the end of this route.