While Santiago de Compostela is the place to reach on all Caminos de Santiago, the alleged final resting place of St James, many Pilgrims choose to end their journey at Cape Finisterre, which was once believed to be the end of the world.
Cape Finisterre is located on the Atlantic Coast, around 90 kilometres from Santiago de Compostela.
Indeed, the official 0km Pilgrim stone is located at Finisterre.
Finisterre is at the end of an ancient spiritual route taken by pilgrims long before the Catholic Church claimed the Camino de Santiago routes as their own.
Many Pilgrims choose to walk to Finisterre to witness the stunning sunsets at what was known as the end of the world in ancient times.
Which is how Cape Finisterre came to be named – from the Latin word “Finis Terrae”.
If you decide to walk the Camino de Finisterre, it will take you approximately three days from Santiago. You will pass through the towns of Negreira and Abeleiroas and many other small villages along the way.
Tradition has it that upon reaching Cape Finisterre, you should burn your clothes as a sign of purification. While there are signs prohibiting fires, many pilgrims choose to set fire to small symbolic bundles of material as a token gesture, to mark the end of a journey of a lifetime.
It is a beautiful way to end your Camino!
If you plan to walk the Camino de Santiago and need a little helping hand preparing for your journey, why not let me take care of the mundane, leaving you to enjoy the magic? I offer Camino Itinerary Planning on all Camino de Santiago routes.
Want to learn more about the Camino de Santiago? Check out my book, A Wild Woman’s Guide To The Camino de Santiago. I share everything you need to know before you begin your Camino. Read at A Wild Woman’s Guide To The Camino De Santiago or click the link below.
(c) Samantha Wilson 2019. All Rights Reserved.
Photo Credit Suheylen on Instagram
