After visiting the Cathedral of Santiago, there’s another place that captivates everyone who arrives: the Finisterre Lighthouse (or Fisterra, in Galician). Located in the mythical “End of the World”, this corner of the Atlantic is much more than a spectacular postcard. For some pilgrims, it’s the true end of the Camino de Santiago, that moment when one stops walking outward and begins to look inward.
The Finisterre Lighthouse is one of the final destinations of the Camino de Finisterre and Muxía
A bit of history
The Finisterre Lighthouse was built in 1853, in the heart of the Costa da Morte, a coastline sadly known for its numerous shipwrecks, like the one that occurred near the English Cemetery. This lighthouse became an urgent necessity to protect sailors navigating these wild and often treacherous waters.
Its octagonal tower, both sturdy and elegant, rises about 140 meters above sea level. Initially, it operated using an oil lamp, but over time it was modernized. After several renovations, it was electrified with incandescent lamps and began emitting a flash every five seconds, with a range of up to 31 nautical miles (57 km) in clear conditions. A lighthouse with character, just like the landscape surrounding it.
The wild Costa da Morte calls for a solid lighthouse system
But when the fog settled over the cape —which is quite common here— the light wasn’t enough. That’s why in 1889 an annex building was added to support the lighthouse: the Siren, popularly known as “the cow of Fisterra”, a foghorn that emits two powerful sounds every minute, reaching up to 25 nautical miles (46 km). Its distinctive bellow was unmistakable and served to warn ships of the nearby cliffs when the light could no longer be seen.
The architectural ensemble is completed by a third building: the Semaphore. Positioned higher than the lighthouse itself, it was built in 1879 with a specific purpose: to send visual signals to the naval fleet. Today, the entire complex breathes history, sea, and legend. And it still fulfills its mission: to guide, protect, and inspire.
The Camino de Finisterre is considered the “Epilogue” of all Caminos
What makes this lighthouse and Cape Finisterre so captivating?
First of all, the views. There is no sunset like the one in Fisterra. The horizon becomes a slow and silent spectacle, where the sun sinks into the ocean and time seems to stand still. Sitting among the granite rocks, feeling the wind on your face, is an almost mystical experience.
And then there’s the setting: the lighthouse is perched on Monte Facho, surrounded by breathtaking cliffs and steeped in Celtic and Roman legends. It is said that there once was a sun altar here, the Ara Solis, where ancestral rituals were performed. Whether true or not, the place certainly has a powerful energy.
It’s also well equipped with services. Today, the site includes a parking area (be sure to respect bus spots if you don’t want a fine), a small souvenir shop with items related to the Camino and the Costa da Morte, public restrooms, and even a bar-restaurant with ocean views. And if you wish to stay the night, there’s a charming hotel right next to the lighthouse — the perfect place to fall asleep under the stars and wake up to the roar of the Atlantic. The area is also home to commemorative plaques, like the one honoring the visit of Nobel Prize winner Stephen Hawking in 2008.
Pilgrim reflecting at Cape Finisterre during sunset
Pilgrim traditions
Many people arrive here after walking the Camino de Santiago to Finisterre, perhaps as an extension of one of the Jacobean routes that end in Santiago de Compostela. And while the official Camino ends at the Apostle’s tomb, many pilgrims feel the need to go a little further, which is why this route is often called “the Epilogue of the Camino de Santiago”.
This final stretch to Fisterra winds through rural landscapes, peaceful villages, and trails that invite deep reflection. The journey can end at the lighthouse or continue for another day or two to Muxía, where the Sanctuary of A Barca and the crashing waves against the rocks offer yet another powerful and symbolic ending.
In the past, pilgrims would burn a piece of clothing as a sign of renewal, but this practice is now strictly prohibited (for good reason, as it’s a protected natural area). What remains is the sacred act of contemplation. Leaving a stone, writing a reflection, or simply sitting quietly and gazing at the sea. It’s a place for closure — and of course, don’t forget to pick up your Finisterrana, the certificate that proves you made it all the way here.
In addition to the Camino de Santiago, Finisterre is also the final stop of the Camiño dos Faros, a breathtaking route that follows the Costa da Morte from lighthouse to lighthouse. It’s about 200 kilometers of wild coastline, endless beaches, fishing villages, and dramatic cliffs. Lesser known than the Camino, but for many, even more magical.
The Finisterrana, on the right, is the certificate issued for completing the Camino to Finisterre
The Finisterre Lighthouse needs no fireworks or grand speeches. It has what truly special places have: a blend of beauty, history, and emotion. Those who reach this final destination do so tired, fulfilled, and with their eyes full of wonder. And it’s no surprise: getting here feels like conquering an ancient, wild, and luminous land. It doesn’t matter if you arrive on foot, by car, or with your backpack — once you’re here, you’ll understand why so many speak of this place as the end of the world… or the beginning of something new.
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