I had the pleasure twice in my life of going to Cape Finisterre, both times at the end of the Camino after walking to Santiago. It was a pleasure to be back in the country side again after being in a city, and to see the sea once again. I grew up in Scotland and the sea is never far away, being beside it brings peace to my soul for some reason.
In Finisterre I met other pilgrims from along the way. There was a calmness about the town and the pilgrims. After so much time away from home, after their big adventure away from their lives, people appeared to be contemplating the return to it “all” – me also. What was next, just go home and everything would be the same as it was before? Nothing is ever the same as it was before, I knew this, but also felt that there had been some bigger shift in me and I had no idea how this would fit into my daily life.
I am not a religious person, however I do not ignore things only because they are said or written by religious people. (Religious people can also be spiritual!) I read a small booklet that I had pick up in an albergue written by an American priest. One of the questions he aimed to answer was “How do I take the Camino now into my life?”
That question played in my mind – with no answer. While on the Camino direction is easy, we follow the yellow arrows. Once home, good direction is harder as life pulls me in various directions and offers me many options. However, I have discovered the solution – balance. The answer has been easier than the implementing of it. As it is said “it is the journey that counts” yes it is.
There is one albergue in Finisterre, you can only stay in it if you have walked to Finisterre. There are lots of small pensions though. Getting somewhere to stay is easy, the helper in the albergue will point you in the right direction.
It is said that there are three things to do when you get the Finisterre.
- Bath in the sea – it’s not that cold, I did it naked.
- Burn something at the lighthouse. There are steel bowls set up for this.
- Watch the sun set from the rocks beside lighthouse. This is an incredible experience. I am not a person that is easily moved or thinks much about spiritual experiences – however…
A bus runs from Santiago to Finisterre, not very often about twice per day, same on the way back. It takes about one and a half hours.
What to Do in Finisterre
Here are some things to see and do in Finisterre:
- Watch the Sunset at Cape Finisterre: Cape Finisterre is the westernmost point of mainland Spain and is renowned for its stunning sunsets. You can watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean from the lighthouse or the nearby beach.
- Walk the Camino de Santiago: The Camino de Santiago is a famous pilgrimage route that ends in Finisterre. Even if you don’t complete the entire journey, you can walk a part of the route and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Visit the Finisterre Lighthouse: The Finisterre Lighthouse is located on the Cape Finisterre and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. It’s one of the most important lighthouses in Spain.
- Explore the Port of Finisterre: The Port of Finisterre is a picturesque fishing port with colorful boats and charming restaurants serving fresh seafood.
- Visit the Virxe da Barca Sanctuary: The Virxe da Barca Sanctuary is a beautiful church located in the heart of Finisterre. It’s believed to be one of the most sacred places on the Camino de Santiago.
- Relax on the Beaches: Finisterre has several beautiful beaches, including Langosteira, Mar de Fora, and Corbeiro Beach. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the stunning coastal scenery.
- Try the Local Cuisine: Galician cuisine is famous for its fresh seafood and delicious wines. In Finisterre, you can try the local dishes such as octopus, mussels, and scallops, as well as the famous Galician Albariño wine.
Overall, Finisterre is a beautiful and historic town with plenty to see and do. It’s a perfect destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and foodies alike.