Finisterre and Muxía

Some pilgrims continue walking after reaching Santiago de Compostela. Often these hardy souls will go another 50+ miles to either Finisterre or Muxia, both on the Atlantic coast. These sites are symbolic ends of the journey. Finisterre (translated "the end of the land") was once considered the edge of the known world in pre-Christian times. Muxia is the site of the Virxe da Barca (translated "the Virgin of the Boat") Church. 

We had never planned on visiting either place. But since we ended up in Santiago early we decided to see them while we had the time. Today we booked a trip with Discover Galicia that visited both Finisterre and Muxia.

The Atlantic coast in northwest Spain, where the region of Galicia is located, is stunningly beautiful. While the water is frigid the beaches are covered in fine white sand. Other places have dramatic rocky shorelines. And everywhere the sea is an amazing aqua blue.

Camino markers in Spain use Cape Finisterre as the reference point for calculating distance. When you have 0 kilometers left to go, you are at he end of the Camino. We visited the 0 marker at Finisterre.  It was a windy day, which is typical for this coastline.

The land juts out into the Atlantic and really feels like the end of the earth.

Many pilgrims leave a small token from their journey. Some symbolically burn it. This lone bronze boot statue felt quite  appropriate here.

Muxia's setting is stunning.

The church is supposedly built on the site where St. James preached and the Virgin Mary appeared in a boat. Inside the church are small model boats given as offerings. These offerings, made by fishermen, were prayers for protection.