The Galician coast is one of those places that leaves a lasting impression. A land where the sea sets the pace, landscapes change at every step, and nature reveals itself in its purest form. From peaceful beaches to endless cliffs, Galicia offers a perfect combination of adventure, calm, and authenticity, ideal for those seeking to disconnect and reconnect with themselves.
Along its coastline, Galicia hides some of the most spectacular coastal routes in northern Spain, many of them linked to the Camino de Santiago. Thanks to this guide, you will be able to explore the region from end to end through the best routes to walk the Camino de Santiago along the Galician coast, designed for travellers who wish to enjoy the sea, nature, and local culture at an unhurried pace.
From the Rías Baixas to the Mariña Lucense, passing through the legendary Costa da Morte and the province of A Coruña, this journey will take you through some of the most beautiful and moving places along the Galician coastline. Get ready to discover what to see, what to do, and why these routes turn any trip into an unforgettable experience.
What are the best routes along the Galician coast?
The routes along the Galician coast are a perfect option both for those walking the Camino de Santiago and for travellers looking for a different kind of journey, in direct contact with the ocean. They can be done on foot, by bicycle, or by car, and they combine natural landscapes, charming villages, outstanding gastronomy, and a deep sense of freedom.
Below, we present some of the best coastal routes in Galicia and the reasons why they have become favourites among both national and international travellers.
Rías Baixas Route
The Rías Baixas Route is synonymous with fine sandy beaches, calm waters, and lively fishing villages. This itinerary runs through locations in the province of Pontevedra such as Combarro, O Grove, and A Toxa, known for their fishing traditions, their seaside granaries, and their exquisite gastronomy.
In addition to strolling through their historic centres and enjoying seafood and Albariño wines, this route connects with historic itineraries such as the Padre Sarmiento Route, an ancient Jacobean path that follows the coastline. Spa resorts, beaches, and unforgettable sunsets make this area an ideal destination to relax and let yourself go.
Beach in the Rías Baixas
Route along the Costa da Morte
The Costa da Morte is one of the most striking and authentic areas of Galicia. Its imposing cliffs, shaped over centuries by the force of the Atlantic Ocean, create landscapes of wild beauty that are hard to forget. This route should not be confused with the Camino de los Faros, although both share spectacular scenery.
Among its must-see stops is Finisterre and its lighthouse, considered for centuries the “end of the world”, a place filled with symbolism and emotion. Also noteworthy is Cabo Vilán, one of the most emblematic lighthouses on the Galician coast, and the impressive Ézaro waterfall, where the Xallas River flows directly into the sea — a unique phenomenon in Europe.
Cabo Vilán Lighthouse
Route through A Coruña
The province of A Coruña offers a perfect combination of sea, nature, and historical heritage. In areas such as Ortigueira, you can enjoy beaches open to the Cantabrian Sea and go hiking to the impressive Loiba cliffs, famous for being home to one of the benches with the best views in the world.
From there, the route continues to Estaca de Bares, a symbolic enclave marking the boundary between the Cantabrian Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. An experience that conveys a sense of vastness that is difficult to describe.
The route would not be complete without a visit to the city of A Coruña, where the seafront promenade, the historic old town, and the Tower of Hercules —the oldest Roman lighthouse still in operation in the world— are essential stops.
Tower of Hercules
Route through the Mariña Lucense
The Mariña Lucense is one of the great hidden treasures of the Galician coast. A green, peaceful region bathed by the Cantabrian Sea that invites slow travel. Towns such as Ribadeo, Burela, and Viveiro preserve their seafaring spirit and offer a perfect balance between nature and local life.
This area is ideal for those seeking less crowded routes, enjoying traditional gastronomy, and exploring unique natural landscapes such as wild beaches and cliffs, very close to the route of the Camino del Norte.
Breakwater in the Mariña Lucense
The Galician coast: a journey you can feel
Travelling along the Galician coast is much more than sightseeing: it is letting yourself be carried away by the sound of the sea, discovering villages with soul, and walking routes that connect nature, history, and spirituality. Whether as part of the Camino de Santiago or as an independent journey, these routes offer a deep, authentic, and transformative experience.
If you are looking for a destination where every stage makes sense and every landscape tells a story, the Galician coast awaits you with open arms.
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