Way of the Lighthouses
Do you remember the last time you felt the urge to shout from the mountaintops? When was the last time you felt completely free? If hiking fills you with joy and makes your senses come alive, then you will love the Way of the Lighthouses. It is not just a trail—it is an experience that delights your senses: colorful nature, the smell and taste of the salty sea, the soft touch of sand, and the gentle sound of the ocean breeze. This is the Camino de los Faros, where every moment is pure magic.
- The Way of the Lighthouses and The Camino de Santiago
- All the information about The Lighthouse Way
- Where to start the Way of Lighthouses?
- From Malpica
- Stages of the Way of the Lighthouses
- History of the Camino de los Faros
- Frequently asked questions about the Way of the Lighthouses
- Posts related to the Way of Lighthouses
- Other routes of the Camino de Santiago
The Way of the Lighthouses and The Camino de Santiago
All the information about The Lighthouse Way
Why choose the Way of the Lighthouses?
The Way of the Lighthouses, known in Galician as “O Camiño dos Faros,” is a rugged hiking route connecting the towns of Malpica de Bergantiños and Finisterre, from north to south, in the A Coruña region of the “Costa da Morte” (Coast of Death in English). It operates on two main premises: running as close to the sea, specifically the Atlantic Ocean, and passing by all the lighthouses along the route. A third premise relates to safety, ensuring that the path avoids inaccessible or hazardous coastal stretches.
The Way of the Lighthouses spans 200 kilometers of rugged trails, with the ocean usually on the right, to the west, providing a comforting sound of waves. But it’s not just about the sea; it includes forests, mountains, beaches, and more. Let’s explore this unique trail, which oddly awaits approval as a long-distance footpath (GR).
What to see and do on the French Camino de Santiago?
- Royal Collegiate Church of Roncesvalles
- Romanesque Bridge of Puente La Reina
- Monastery of Santa María la Real in Nájera
- Burgos Cathedral
- Church of San Martín de Frómista
- Cathedral of León
- Episcopal Palace of Astorga
- Templar Castle of Ponferrada
- Ethnographic group of O Cebreiro
- Benedictine Monastery of Samos
- Ruins of the ancient village of Portomarín
- Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Where to start the Way of Lighthouses?
From Malpica
The Camino de los Faros starts in the fishing village of Malpica. Whether you complete the entire route, approximately 200 km over eight stages, or just the first four stages covering about 92 km, your adventure will begin here.
This route is unparalleled and will offer you the constant sound and freshness of the Atlantic Ocean, along with the wildest landscapes in the most mythical area of Galicia, the Costa da Morte.
From Arou
Starting in this small fishing village, you will enter the heart of the Costa da Morte and enjoy walking along its rugged coastline. Here, you will encounter ancient sacred places such as Punta da Barca in Muxía and, of course, the great culmination, which is the end at the Finisterre Lighthouse.
Stages of the Way of the Lighthouses
History of the Camino de los Faros
On Friday, December 7, 2012, six hikers and two dogs went crazy because they came up with the idea of joining Malpica de Bergantiños with Finisterre by walking along the edge of the sea. And they succeeded, they really did. Their goal was to connect both towns in the heart of the “Costa da Morte”, parallel to the ocean and with the lighthouses as a link. They knew it could be done, although they were aware that it would be difficult, but they also knew it would be worth it. And so, on Saturday, January 26, 2013, they reached Cape Finisterre, the ancient Finis Terrae or End of the World known in Roman times, and its mythical lighthouse.
These friends, self-styled “trasnos”, in reference to those little mischievous elves belonging to the Galician mythological culture, with equivalents in other parts of Spain and the world, achieved their goal and set another one: that this way exists and persists, and that many people walk it, always respecting nature to the maximum. In an exercise of generosity and love for the land, they decided to make it known, but for this, the “trasnos” would need to improve the route, which they did on a second trip.
Thus, a collaborative will was added to this project, and through social networks, they were able to convene 23 new “trasnos” to make the first stage, and after this experience, they understood the concern of the first “trasnos” and fell in love with this route. In the following group editions, they completed the rest of the stages, always supported by a warm response from new “trasnos”. We want to do our bit, and we are eager to introduce you to this Camino de los Faros.
Frequently asked questions about the Way of the Lighthouses
The Finisterre Lighthouse consists of a construction with an octagonal tower made of hewn stone that has a height of 17 meters. Its lantern, located 138 meters above sea level, projects its light more than 30 nautical miles away.
The Way of the Lighthouses, in Galician, Camiño dos Faros, has a total of 8 stages in which you walk along the Costa da Morte through 200 km parallel to the sea (almost always).
Each stage is the distance you cover in one day, from the starting point to the end of the walk, where you will spend the night. The stages can vary in distance and difficulty, and it is important to note that they can be adjusted according to your pace and physical condition. Some pilgrims choose to divide certain long or hard stages, or lengthen those that are shorter or easier to walk. It all depends on having a place to sleep.
The Costa de la Muerte, or Costa da Morte in Galician, is one of Galicia’s most striking destinations, steeped in history, nature and legends. This stretch of the Galician coastline, known for its rugged landscape and its connection with ancient shipwrecks, offers a unique natural and cultural richness, ideal for those looking to explore beyond the Camino de Santiago or the Way of the Lighthouses.
- Cape Finisterre: One of the most emblematic points of the Costa de la Muerte, and the final kilometre of the Camino de Santiago for many pilgrims. Here, the cliffs offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic, and its lighthouse is a symbol of pilgrimage and overcoming.
- Cabo Vilán: Famous for its impressive lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in Spain with electric light, surrounded by steep cliffs and unrivalled panoramic views. A perfect place to enjoy the power of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Cabo Touriñán: a simple lighthouse, but located at the westernmost point of Spain in the Iberian Peninsula…
- Carnota Beach: With its more than 7 km of fine sand and crystal clear waters, it is one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in Galicia. It is surrounded by mountains and marshes, which makes it a unique natural environment.
- Muxía and the Virgen de la Barca: This coastal village is known for the sanctuary of the Virgen de la Barca, who according to legend helped the Apostle Santiago on his mission. The views from the cliffs are breathtaking and the place has a mystical air.
- Ézaro Waterfall: One of the few waterfalls in Europe that flows directly into the sea. This natural spectacle is located in the river Xallas and is a must for its unique beauty.
- Dolmen de Dombate: For history lovers, this megalithic monument is one of the most important in Galicia. It dates back more than 4,000 years and is a testimony to the region’s prehistoric past.
The route or the Lighthouse Way has a total length of 200 km, divided in a standard way into 8 stages.
Posts related to the Way of Lighthouses
Other routes of the Camino de Santiago
English Way
From Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela. Delve into the culture of villages of great military, naval and historical importance. 5 Etapas | 125 km
Father Sarmiento Way
The Father Sarmiento Way links Pontevedra to Santiago de Compostela, offering a scenic journey through beautiful landscapes. 6 stages | 142 km
Finisterre and Muxía Way
From Santiago de Compostela to Muxía. A mystical and spiritual journey to the ends of the Earth 5 stages | 120 km
French Way
From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago, trace Charlemagne’s path through the Pyrenees and trek 800 km on the French Way. 33 stages | 768 km
Northern Way
From Santiago de Compostela to Muxía. An unforgettable experience with breathtaking scenery 34 Stages | 820 km
Portuguese Way
Starts in Lisbon and leads to Santiago de Compostela, offering a scenic journey through charming towns, coastal views, and culture. 27 stages | 620 km
Portuguese Way along the coast
From Oporto to Santiago de Compostela. Total 194 km - 8 stages 8 Stages | 194 km
Portuguese Way: spiritual variant
From Pontevedra to Padrón. Total 81 km - 3 stages 3 stages | 81 km
Sanabrian Way
From Granja de Moreruela to Santiago de Compostela. Total 365 km - 13 stages 13 stages | 365 km
Way of the Lighthouses
From Malpica to Finisterre. A 200-kilometer journey along the coast and through the wildest of nature 8 stages | 195 km
