Muxia Spain is the final destination of an extension to the Camino de Santiago. Here are a few things to do in Muxia, Spain;
- Camino de Santiago – Km 0
- O Corpino Viewpoint
- Virgin of the Boat Shrine
- Sacred Stones
- Beaches
- Seafood
- Street Art
- Colorful Houses
- Sunset and Sunrise Locations
- Finisterra or Muxia?
Wherever you choose to stay in Muxia Spain, accommodation is plentiful as well as excellent value.
Camino de Santiago – Km 0
The main reason people visit Muxia is to walk the extension to the Camino de Santiago. After pilgrims reach Santiago, they can extend their walk an extra 90 km to Muxia. In Muxia you’ll find the famous km 0 marker which is an iconic photo spot and monument for any pilgrim.
O Corpino Viewpoint
O Corpino Viewpoint / Mirador offers the best panoramic views over Muxia. The cross marks the highest point of the hill. However, it’s not quite as impressive as the Christ the Redeemer which is visible over both Rio, Brazil and Lisbon, Portugal. Nonetheless, the views over the town and surrounding rough seas are worth the small climb to the top.
Virgin of the Boat Shrine
Did you know the Virgin Mary has been to Muxia, Spain? As a matter of fact, it’s rumored she visit Galicia to support Santiago promote Christianity in the country. Legend claims the Virgin Mary arrived in a stone boat from the Holy Land. The stone boat is still visible today and you can visit and even climb it. What’s more, if you crawl under the boat 9 times it’s said to have healing powers. Moreover, a church has been built adjacent to the boat and features a stunning interior. Lastly, read about more Virgin Mary tourism spots around the world here.
Boat of the Virgin Mary Sanctuary
Adjacent to the boat of the Virgin Mary is a sanctuary. If you believe that Virgin Mary arrived here by boat 2000 years ago then this is a good place to pay your respect. In contrast, if you do not believe that the stone boat outside came from the desert of the Holy Land, you can still visit the sanctuary for a look around and a sit down.
Sacred Stones
Obviously the most sacred stones in Muxia are parts of the ancient stone boat. These are known as the ‘Pedra de Abalar’, ‘Pedra de O Timon’ and the ‘Pedra de os Cadris’. In addition to the boat, you’ll find several other picturesque stone formations which make for wonderful Muxia photography. Finally, visit at sunrise and you’ll likely have the whole peninsula to yourself (besides a few fishermen in search of fresh octopus of course!).
The Wound Monument
Perhaps the most striking monument in Muxia Spain is ‘The Wound’. The Prestige oil spill occured in 2002. As a result, almost 18 million gallons of oil spilled into the Atlantic. Not only did this spill affect the Spanish coast but also the Portuguese and French coasts. The cost on wildlife and sea life was unprecedented. For this reason, the Wound monument is a reminder of this man made disaster.
Beaches
If you come to Spain in search of both quiet as well as picturesque beaches then Muxia is a good choice. There are several paradise beaches within walking distance of the center. What’s more, if you have a car or bike then you can drive a few kilometers and find even more secluded spots. As a result, it’s not uncommon to have a whole beach to yourself in this part of Spain.
Seafood
I mentioned earlier the fishermen in search of fresh octopus. Fresh octopus is the famous food of Galicia. For this reason, you’ll see several octopus and seafood restaurants alongside the harbor.
Street Art
The Brotherhood of Muxia Fisherman’s building is adjacent to the harbor. This building is decorated with local sea life inspired street art. As a matter of fact, some of the street art refers to the infamous Prestige oil spill which affected the waters surrounding Muxia. Instagram photography lovers can pose for worthy pictures in front of this street art. Furthermore, throughout the village you’ll find more unique street art.
Colorful Houses
Colorful houses line the streets of Muxia. As a result you’ll be in a brighter mood as your discover the streets.
Sunset and Sunrise Locations
I visited Muxia peninsula at both sunrise and sunset. But which time of day is best? Of course, it depends on how colorful the sun is when you visit. One thing I can guarantee is that when you visit at sunrise it’s unlikely there’ll be any other tourists. As a result, sunrise is the best time to photograph the majority of monuments in Muxia Spain.
Finisterra or Muxia?
It’s likely that you’ll reach Muxia by either bus or walking from Santiago de Compostela. When heading west from Santiago, you have 2 main options to choose from, Muxia or Finisterre. So why choose Muxia? Firstly, there are far less tourists in Muxia. Secondly, the final walk to Muxia is both more peaceful and beautiful that the final walk to Finisterra. Lastly, Muxia is where the Virgin Mary visited therefore if it’s Mary’s choice then it must be a good one!
What’s the Difference between the 2 Routes?
Firstly, the route to Muxia is much quieter than the route to Finisterra. As a result, if you’re looking for a quiet walk then Muxia is your choice. Moreover, the final destination of Muxia is also much quieter and peaceful than Finisterra.
Walk from Muxia to Finisterra
So you decided on the walk to Muxia after all. But what have you missed in Finisterra? Don’t worry, there’s another coastal walk from Muxia to Finisterra. Like the walk to Muxia, this walk is also peaceful with only a few other pilgrims. It’s a 28.5 kilometer walk and the main draw of Finisterra is the Romans believed it was the end of the world. Lastly, there’s also a km 0 in Finisterra
How to get from Muxia to Santiago by Bus
There are 2 daily buses between Muxia and Santiago. Usually, one leaves early morning and the other early afternoon. The journey time is just over an hour and the bus stops at both Santiago train and bus stations. Alternatively, there are daily buses to Finisterra and A Coruna.
Check out other northern Spanish cities, Comillas and Santander. Heading south into Portugal, don’t miss Tomar, Ponte de Lima and of course, Porto.
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