Tuesday 12/05/026
The Camino is behind me, so now it’s time to switch into sightseeing mode. Who needs a lie-in when there are places to explore? Breakfast was at 7:30 sharp, and then it was off to the meeting point for our bus trip to Finisterre. Seven stops in total—here’s how it went.
Stop 1: Ponte Maceria
A 13th-century bridge and waterfall, with a legend attached: this is where St. James supposedly crossed while fleeing Roman soldiers. After his party made it across, the original bridge collapsed. The waterfall has been standing witness ever since. Fun fact: American actor John Malkovich often vacations here, staying at the local manor house. Coaches were pulling in and tourists were converging on the tiny village, but through it all, one old man just kept fishing like nothing was happening.
Stop 2: Muros
We visited the old St. Peter’s Church, mostly destroyed in the 18th century and partially rebuilt in Romanesque style since then. We also grabbed a quick cup of tea—sometimes it’s the small comforts.
Stop 3: Horreo de Carnota in Concela de Carnota
Home to the longest horreo (traditional grain store) in Spain, dating back to 1768. It was owned by the local parish, meaning everyone had to pay taxes to the church. The main crop stored here? Corn brought over from Mexico.
Stop 4: Erazo Waterfall
Tucked into a rocky stretch of the Xallas River, this waterfall sits in an area known as the Costa da Morte—the Death Coast—named for its shipwrecks and fierce storms.
Stop 5: Finisterre – The End of the Earth
This is it: the 0km marker for the extended Camino from Santiago de Compostela. In ancient times, Finisterre was believed to be the westernmost edge of the known world. Its striking lighthouse, built in 1853, still guides sailors through the treacherous, rocky waters of the Death Coast.
Stop 6: Finisterre Town
Lunch was at one of the only restaurants not serving exclusively seafood. Afterwards, we wandered into a little souvenir shop, where the server took forever wrapping everything—and yep, we were late for the bus.
Stop 7: Muxía
The other endpoint of the Camino from Santiago. Its name means "Land of Monks." Local legend says the Virgin Mary arrived here in a stone boat to encourage Saint James in his preaching. Near the church, you’ll find rocks believed to be the boat (Pedra de Abalar) and its sails (Pedra dos Cadrís).
Final stop: Back to Santiago de Compostela
On the walk back to our hotel, we picked up churros and cakes to have with our cup of tea—dinner of champions.
The Camino is behind me, so now it’s time to switch into sightseeing mode. Who needs a lie-in when there are places to explore? Breakfast was at 7:30 sharp, and then it was off to the meeting point for our bus trip to Finisterre. Seven stops in total—here’s how it went.
Stop 1: Ponte Maceria
A 13th-century bridge and waterfall, with a legend attached: this is where St. James supposedly crossed while fleeing Roman soldiers. After his party made it across, the original bridge collapsed. The waterfall has been standing witness ever since. Fun fact: American actor John Malkovich often vacations here, staying at the local manor house. Coaches were pulling in and tourists were converging on the tiny village, but through it all, one old man just kept fishing like nothing was happening.
Stop 2: Muros
We visited the old St. Peter’s Church, mostly destroyed in the 18th century and partially rebuilt in Romanesque style since then. We also grabbed a quick cup of tea—sometimes it’s the small comforts.
Stop 3: Horreo de Carnota in Concela de Carnota
Home to the longest horreo (traditional grain store) in Spain, dating back to 1768. It was owned by the local parish, meaning everyone had to pay taxes to the church. The main crop stored here? Corn brought over from Mexico.
Stop 4: Erazo Waterfall
Tucked into a rocky stretch of the Xallas River, this waterfall sits in an area known as the Costa da Morte—the Death Coast—named for its shipwrecks and fierce storms.
Stop 5: Finisterre – The End of the Earth
This is it: the 0km marker for the extended Camino from Santiago de Compostela. In ancient times, Finisterre was believed to be the westernmost edge of the known world. Its striking lighthouse, built in 1853, still guides sailors through the treacherous, rocky waters of the Death Coast.
Stop 6: Finisterre Town
Lunch was at one of the only restaurants not serving exclusively seafood. Afterwards, we wandered into a little souvenir shop, where the server took forever wrapping everything—and yep, we were late for the bus.
Stop 7: Muxía
The other endpoint of the Camino from Santiago. Its name means "Land of Monks." Local legend says the Virgin Mary arrived here in a stone boat to encourage Saint James in his preaching. Near the church, you’ll find rocks believed to be the boat (Pedra de Abalar) and its sails (Pedra dos Cadrís).
Final stop: Back to Santiago de Compostela
On the walk back to our hotel, we picked up churros and cakes to have with our cup of tea—dinner of champions.
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