Finisterre, Muxía & Cabo Vilán: Boat Cruise, Lighthouses & Galician Food

Summary

Galicia’s wild coast by boat with lighthouses, villages and empanadas

You’ll stand at windswept lighthouses along Galicia’s Costa da Morte, taste homemade empanadas on a boat cruise from Finisterre, and hear local legends in Muxía—all with time to wander small villages and share laughs over vermouth. It’s not just scenery; it’s stories and salt on your skin.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what the edge of the world feels like? I did—until I found myself somewhere between Carnota’s endless beach and the stubborn wind at Finisterre lighthouse, clutching my jacket while our guide Marta pointed out the “0 km” stone. She said pilgrims end their Camino here, burning old socks or just staring at the Atlantic. The air smelled salty and faintly sweet, maybe from someone’s empanada nearby. I’d never seen light quite like that—sort of silvery but also sharp. We’d left Santiago early and already it felt like another planet.

The boat cruise from Finisterre port was next. Honestly, I thought it might be touristy, but then we were out on the water with a bunch of locals chatting in Gallego (I caught maybe three words). They passed around homemade empanadas—tuna and something else I still can’t name—and poured little glasses of vermouth. Someone laughed when I tried to say “saúde.” The lighthouse looked even lonelier from the sea. There was this weird hush except for gulls and an engine hum. Didn’t expect to feel so small out there.

Afterwards we wandered through Finisterre town—Marta nudged us toward a bakery for almond cake but I got distracted by a fisherman mending nets in front of his blue house. Later, in Muxía, waves crashed so hard near the Virxe da Barca Sanctuary you could taste salt just standing there. Our guide told us about ancient legends—stones that move if you’re lucky (mine didn’t budge). The last stop was Cabo Vilán lighthouse; inside its museum, you could almost hear old shipwreck stories echoing off the stone walls. Or maybe that was just my imagination running wild after so much sea air.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit lighthouses and coastal villages

• Admire views over Carnota beach and mountains
• Visit Finisterre lighthouse and 0 km stone
• Take boat cruise from Finisterre port
• Enjoy local food and drinks on boat
• Explore town of Finisterre with guide
• Visit Virxe da Barca Sanctuary near Muxia lighthouse
• See Cabo Vilan lighthouse and museum

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Santiago to Finisterre?

The tour is a full-day excursion departing from Santiago de Compostela with multiple stops along the Costa da Morte.

Is lunch included on the Finisterre boat cruise?

Yes, homemade Galician empanadas and drinks like wine, vermouth, water and soft drinks are included during the boat cruise.

Are entrance fees covered for Cabo Vilán lighthouse museum?

Entrance to the Cabo Vilán Museum is included when it is open to the public.

Is pickup available for this tour?

The tour includes private transportation with pickup in Santiago de Compostela.

Is this day trip suitable for children or infants?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infant seats are available upon request made 24 hours before travel.

Can vegetarians find food options during free time in Finisterre?

Yes, there are restaurants offering vegetarian options as well as local food or fast-food choices during your free time in Finisterre.

What language do guides speak on this tour?

The guides speak Spanish and often English; you may also hear Gallego spoken among locals during the trip.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Santiago de Compostela, all entry fees (including Cabo Vilán Museum when open), travel insurance, and a scenic boat cruise from Finisterre port with homemade Galician empanadas plus wine, vermouth or soft drinks served on board. There’s also plenty of free time in coastal villages to try more local food before heading back in an air-conditioned vehicle.