Autumn is just around the corner, and what better way to welcome it than by taking a route with your favorite RRAT's on O Camiño dos Faros.
O Camiño dos Faros is one of the most stunning hiking trails in Galicia, spanning approximately 200 kilometers. It offers an unmatched journey along the Atlantic coast.
If you want to enjoy panoramic views of dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and historic lighthouses that have guided sailors for centuries, keep reading!
Discover everything about the Camiño dos Faros
As mentioned earlier, O Camiño dos Faros is a route of about 200 km that starts from Malpica to Fisterra, traversing spectacular landscapes where the sea meets the land.
This route can be divided into 8 stages, each taking about 9 hours. Of course, it all depends on your pace; we’ve calculated it based on a relaxed rhythm with breaks to rest and take photos. The trail runs along the coastline and has a medium difficulty level, as the coasts are quite irregular and steep. But don’t worry—if you’re looking for a higher difficulty, it increases as you progress through the different stages.
Some of the highlights of the route include:
- Varied Landscapes: The route combines steep cliffs, pristine beaches, dunes, rivers, mountains, and forests.
- Iconic Lighthouses: The trail passes several iconic lighthouses, such as the Roncudo Lighthouse, Laxe Lighthouse, and Finisterre Lighthouse.
- Physical Challenge: Although it’s not a technical route, O Camiño dos Faros features steep ascents and descents, so it’s recommended to wear specialized technical footwear for the occasion. We recommend the RRAT’s Y-Gravel or T-Outdoor, as they are ideal for all types of terrain that are not particularly technical.
- Connection with Local Culture: Along the way, you’ll pass through small fishing villages and rural areas, allowing you to experience traditional Galician life.
- History and Legends: The Costa da Morte is rich in history and mythology.
A tour of all the stages of O Camiño dos Faros
As previously mentioned, this route along the coasts of Galicia totals about 200 km, divided into 8 stages. So, if you want to go for just one day, you can choose the stage that suits you best and enjoy some dreamlike landscapes.
Before discussing the eight stages, we’d like to remind you that it’s essential to wear suitable footwear for the occasion. In this case, the RRAT team recommends the RRAT’s Y-Gravel, T-Outdoor, or Y-Mountain hiking sandals.
If you plan to complete the entire route, we recommend the RRAT’s Y-Mountain, as the difficulty will increase as you progress through the stages, making it crucial to be well-equipped from the start.
On the other hand, if you only plan to tackle one stage, we recommend the RRAT’s Y-Gravel or T-Outdoor for those with a medium difficulty level.
Stage 1: Malpica - Niñóns
The first stage of O Camiño dos Faros begins in the fishing village of Malpica, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic right from the start. Over the 21 kilometers of this journey, walkers follow cliffs, secluded beaches, and lush forests. The route passes iconic places such as Seaia Beach and the stunning Cape San Adrián, from where you can see the Sisargas Archipelago, one of the most emblematic points of the Costa da Morte.
The stage features varied terrain with rocky sections and coastal paths, making it a moderate challenge for hikers. Upon reaching Niñóns, the contrast between the wild maritime landscape and the tranquility of this small village provides the perfect ending to a day full of adventure and nature.
Stage 2: Niñóns - Ponteceso
The second stage of O Camiño dos Faros, covering a distance of 27 kilometers, takes hikers from the quiet Niñóns beach to the village of Ponteceso. This section stands out for its wild beauty, combining steep cliffs, hidden coves, and extensive forested areas. One of the most memorable points is the passage through Monte Branco, an impressive set of dunes with panoramic views over the Corme and Laxe estuary.
Throughout the journey, you’ll also pass through pristine beaches such as A Barda and Osmo, perfect spots to enjoy the serenity of the Galician coast. Arriving in Ponteceso marks the end of this day, with the Anllóns River winding through the landscape, and it is the birthplace of the renowned poet Eduardo Pondal, author of the Galician anthem.
Stage 3: Ponteceso - Laxe
The third stage of O Camiño dos Faros, spanning about 25 kilometers, connects Ponteceso with the charming village of Laxe. The trail follows the course of the Anllóns River and its marshes, an area of great ecological value where migratory birds are often observed. After leaving behind this tranquil landscape, the route takes hikers through forests and stunning beaches, such as Balarés Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and mining history.
One of the most spectacular moments of the stage is the ascent to Monte da Insua, from where you can enjoy a privileged view of the coast and the imposing Laxe Lighthouse, guiding sailors in the area. The day concludes in the picturesque port of Laxe, a perfect place to relax after a day of deep connection with nature.
Stage 4: Laxe - Arou
The fourth stage of O Camiño dos Faros, measuring 17 kilometers, offers a short but spectacular route between Laxe and the small village of Arou. Starting at the port of Laxe, the trail progresses along impressive cliffs, secluded beaches, and wind- and sea-carved rock formations. A highlight is Soesto Beach, a place of great wild beauty, perfect for a break along the way.
Along the coast, hikers discover small hidden coves and remnants of ancient shipwrecks, which serve as reminders of the ocean's power in this region known as the Costa da Morte. After skirting Punta do Cabalo and Monte da Traba, you arrive in Arou, a small fishing village where life seems to stand still, offering a peaceful and picturesque refuge at the end of the day.
Stage 5: Arou - Camariñas
The fifth stage of O Camiño dos Faros, covering 23 kilometers, takes hikers from the village of Arou to the historic town of Camariñas. This stretch of the trail follows the coastline and is characterized by the constant presence of the sea, offering spectacular views of steep cliffs and hidden coves. As you progress, you'll pass iconic places such as the Cemetery of the English, a testament to the tragic shipwrecks that have occurred in these waters.
One of the most iconic points of this stage is Vilán Lighthouse, an imposing light tower that has guided sailors for centuries. From here, the panoramic views of the Costa da Morte are breathtaking. The stage concludes in Camariñas, a fishing village famous for its bobbin lace tradition, where hikers can enjoy local hospitality and delicious cuisine.
Stage 6: Camariñas - Muxía
The sixth stage of O Camiño dos Faros, spanning 32 kilometers, connects the fishing villages of Camariñas and Muxía, traversing some of the most striking landscapes of the Costa da Morte. After leaving Camariñas, the trail heads toward Cabo Vilán Lighthouse, one of the most iconic lighthouses in Galicia, before entering areas of rugged coastline and secluded beaches.
The route passes by the beautiful Trece Beach and the Ensenada de Lourido, where the wild nature and the Atlantic merge in a setting of great beauty. As you approach Muxía, a place rich in history and spirituality, the landscape changes, highlighting the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Boat, a pilgrimage site linked to maritime legends.
This long but spectacular stage concludes at the port of Muxía, a perfect destination for reflection after a day filled with nature and the sea.
Stage 7: Muxía - Nemiña
The seventh stage of O Camiño dos Faros, covering 24 kilometers, takes hikers from Muxía to Nemiña Beach, on a route where wild nature and tranquility prevail. Starting from Muxía, the trail heads toward Punta Lourido, offering stunning views of the sea and the small cliffs that characterize this part of the Costa da Morte.
The path traverses forests and rural areas, passing through places like the village of Merexo and the Ría de Lires, a perfect spot for a break and birdwatching. As you approach Nemiña, the landscape opens up, revealing the expansive Nemiña Beach, highly appreciated by surfers and one of the quietest corners of the route. The end of the stage is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the serenity of the surroundings.
Stage 8: Nemiña - Cabo Finisterre
The eighth and final stage of O Camiño dos Faros, spanning 26 kilometers, takes hikers from the tranquil Nemiña Beach to the mythical Cape Finisterre, known as "the end of the world" in ancient times. The route begins by hugging the coastline, offering spectacular views of the Nemiña cove and Cape de la Nave. Along the way, the landscape alternates between beaches, such as O Rostro, and dramatic cliffs, always with the Atlantic as a companion.
Once you reach Finisterre Lighthouse, the final destination of the trail, pilgrims are welcomed with an unmatched panoramic view of the ocean—a place that symbolizes the end of the land and the beginning of new adventures. This spot is perfect for reflecting on the journey completed and enjoying a sunset that will be etched in memory. Finisterre is undoubtedly the crowning jewel of this trek along the Costa da Morte.