What to see and do in Muxía

Muxía is the final destination of the Camino de Santiago, the epilogue known as "the Way to the End of the World", on the Galician Costa da Morte (A Coruña). This coastal town holds legends of deep religious symbolism along the Route to Finisterre and Muxía: the Sanctuary of Virxe da Barca with its legendary rocks, the Río Negro trail past restored watermills, and the natural pools of the Caldeiras de O Castro.

Good gastronomy, sea, beach and heritage are the main attractions of this small coastal town. What more could you ask for to enjoy a weekend or a few days of rest after doing the Camino de Santiago or the Route of the Lighthouses? In this article we tell you everything you need to know to plan a getaway to this sanctuary on the Costa da Morte.

A little history

Muxía is the last episode of the route that goes from Santiago de Compostela to Fisterra and then Muxía. More and more people are embarking on this last stretch, known as the epilogue of the Camino, because of its spiritual significance and renewal.

Why do people go on pilgrimage to Muxía? Legend has it that the Virgin Mary travelled to Hispania after learning that the apostle James was preaching there. On her journey by sea, the boat of the Virgin arrived at the coast of Muxía. It is for this reason that the Santuario da Barca exists on the Muxian coast.

Pilgrims who finish their journey in Muxía obtain a specific certification known as "Muxiana", which is issued at the Tourist Office by the town council.

Would you like to walk this part of the Camino with your accommodation booked for every stage? These organised trips pass through Muxía: Way to Finisterre and Muxia and Camino to Finisterre and Muxía (A Picota) - 116 km.

Sanctuary of Virxe da Barca

This sanctuary is located on the rocky coast of the village. Its location and its mysticism are two of its main characteristics. This position, so close to the roughness of the Atlantic, has caused damage over time, and the temple has had to be rebuilt on more than one occasion. It is very loved and venerated by the Galician faithful, who celebrate its pilgrimage every September. The legend about the arrival of the Virgin at this point has given the surrounding coastal rocks a special mystical meaning:

Pedra de Os Cadrís

This rock is said to have healing properties. If you pass under it 9 times, you will be cured and free from kidney-related diseases and back pain. This rock also symbolises the sail of the boat that carried the Virgin.

Pedra do Timón

Its shape is said to be reminiscent of the rudder that may have been part of the Virgin's boat.

Pedra dos Namorados

This is a rock loaded with love, as it is the point where lovers supposedly swore eternal love to each other.

Pedra de Abalar

One of the most important symbols in religious mysticism. Legend has it that whoever manages to move the stone is free from sin.

More Religious Heritage

Apart from the Virxe da Barca Sanctuary, Muxía has several other religious monuments, mainly the Romanesque temples of Santa María de Morquintián, Santa María, Santa Leocadia de Frixe, San Xiao de Moraime, San Martiño de Ozón, and San Cristovo de Nemiña. In addition, there are 12 other chapels and churches in the area.

Paseo del río Negro

On this riverside path located in Os Muíños (Moraime parish), you can enjoy the typical architecture of seventeen restored mills. The walk ends directly at the mouth of the river on the coast, at Areamaior beach.

Museum of Volunteering

Muxía was one of the places that suffered most from the Prestige oil spill disaster. This museum commemorates the work of the volunteers who helped clean the coast. It uses a photographic narrative to document the entire process of that tragedy.

Caldeiras de O Castro

One of the most outstanding tourist spots in Muxía. Here, the river forms a waterfall and several natural pools in a beautiful setting. There is a 15-kilometre hiking route through the surroundings, which also features the Santo Outel chapel and a picnic area.

Viewpoint of Monte Facho Lourido

Considered one of the best viewpoints in Muxía, it offers spectacular panoramic views of the entire coast and the village.

Cape Touriñán

While many believe that Fisterra is the westernmost point of Galicia, Cape Touriñán is the true westernmost point of the Spanish mainland, where the land reaches furthest into the Atlantic Ocean.