Finisterre, or Cape Finisterre, is the westernmost point of Spain. It is in the A Coruna province in the region of Galicia.
Explore Finisterre
Finisterre, which means end of the earth, is the most westerly town in Spain and is the final point of the Way of Saint James, though many pilgrims finish at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. It is 90 km from Santiago de Compostela.
For tourists Cape Finisterre has steep cliffs dropping down to the ocean and has some lovely beaches. These include Arnela, Mar de Fora, Riveira, and Corbeiro.
Cape Finisterre is reputed to have a particularly beautiful sunset. From high up next to the lighthouse you have beautiful views over the rocks below and out to sea. The lighthouse is a pleasant stroll from the town of Finisterre.
You might be surprised to see people burning clothing as you walk towards the lighthouse. This is a tradition for people who have reached the end of the Camino de Compostela. It is a symbolic gesture of thanks for a safe completion of the pilgrimage.
The town itself is not really a tourist destination, it is a working fishing town. Its popularity is mainly due to its position at the end of the Pilgrim Way, and the "end" of Spain. However it has a fairly pleasant harbour and some really excellent fish restaurants. Grilled sardines and grilled squid are two of Finisterre's specialities.
After lunch at one of the fish restaurants head up the hill to the ruined castle. The ruin is not particularly interesting but gives good views over the coast and along the Ria de Corcubian.
Places to visit near to Finisterre
The beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela is a must for anyone visiting Galicia and for anyone traveling the Pilgrims Way. Santiago de Compostela is 89 kilometers from Finisterre and so a 3 hour bus ride or 3 to 5 days walking if you are following the pilgrimage.
South of Finisterre is Pontevedra located on the beautiful Ria de Pontevedra and near to here Combarro is interesting for its horreos which are unusual grain stores on stilts all along the water front.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Galicia guide.
Find Finisterre (or elsewhere) hotels
Reserve excursions near Finisterre
Map of Finisterre and places to visit
Finisterre places to visit
Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela is considered one of the most beautiful of all the cities in Spain. The cathedral of Santiago is said to hold the shrine of St James the Apostle.
Santiago de Compostela guide
Pontevedra
Pontevedra is a lovely town with cobbled alleys, colonnaded squares, masses of flowers and even a very welcoming night out in one of the tapas bars.
Pontevedra guide
Combarro
Combarro is famous for its large collection of horreos (grain silos) lining the waterfront.
Combarro guide
A Coruna
A Coruna has a busy port and one of Europe's oldest working lighthouses, the Torre de Hercules.
A Coruna guide