Costa da Morte: Galicia’s coast of shipwrecks
From Santiago to Galicia’s wildest coast: granaries, a waterfall into the sea, Cape Finisterre, Muxía and the lighthouse of Cabo Vilán.
- Distance
- 210 km (130 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 54 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 9
- Countries
- Spain
- Updated
- August 1, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 210 km (130 mi) with 9 stops, from Santiago de Compostela to A Coruña. About 2 h 54 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Spain · More road trips from Santiago de Compostela
Route description
From Santiago de Compostela take the AC-543 south-west to Noia and then the AC-550 along the north shore of the Ría de Muros e Noia to Muros, about 65 km. Muros has an arcaded old town of granite houses around its harbour. The Costa da Morte, the coast of death, is named for the many ships wrecked on its reefs, and the sea here is colder and rougher than on the Rías Baixas.
Continue north on the AC-550 to Carnota, where the huge stone granary stands beside the church and a 7 km beach runs below. The rounded granite of Monte Pindo rises behind the coast. At Ézaro, the Xallas river falls straight into the sea; the waterfall is fullest in winter and spring, and on some summer evenings it is lit up. A steep road climbs to the Ézaro viewpoint above the bay.
The road goes on through Cee and Corcubión to Fisterra and the lighthouse on Cape Finisterre, the end point for many Camino pilgrims. Sunset at the cape is crowded; parking at the lighthouse is limited, so large vans should use the lower car park. From Fisterra a quiet road north leads to Muxía, where the sanctuary of A Virxe da Barca stands on smooth rocks at the edge of the ocean.
From Muxía drive round the Ría de Camariñas to Camariñas, known for its bobbin lace, and out to the lighthouse at Cabo Vilán. The coast road there passes the English cemetery, where the crew of HMS Serpent were buried after it sank in 1890. The drive back east through Laxe, Malpica and Carballo to A Coruña is about 100 km. Many roads here are narrow but paved and quiet.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Santiago de Compostela
Spain - 254 km
Muros
Spain - 37 km
Hórreo de Carnota
HistoryCarnota, SpainOne of the longest traditional Galician granaries, about 35 m of granite on stilts next to the parish church, built in the 18th century. Carnota’s 7 km beach and dune marsh are just below.
- 413 km
Ézaro waterfall
NatureDumbría, SpainThe Xallas river drops about 40 m over granite straight into the sea bay, one of the few European rivers to end in a waterfall. Flow depends on the dam upstream; the viewing boardwalk and car park are free.
- 514 km
Fisterra
Spain - 628 km
Muxía
Spain - 71 km
Sanctuary of A Virxe da Barca
HistoryMuxía, SpainA baroque church on wave-polished rocks at the tip of Muxía, a traditional end point for Camino pilgrims. Climb the Monte Corpiño behind it for the view, and keep off the rocks in heavy swell.
- 87 km
Cabo Vilán lighthouse
ViewsCamariñas, SpainA tall lighthouse on a rocky spur, built in 1896 as the first electric lighthouse in Spain, with a small maritime exhibition. The coast road from Camariñas passes the English cemetery from an 1890 shipwreck.
- 986 km
A Coruña
Spain
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Santiago de Compostela → Ézaro waterfall · 74 km · 1 h 02 minOn the way: Muros, Hórreo de Carnota.Overnight nearby, for example: Cámping Ruta Finisterre (9 km); Cámping da Vouga (17 km).
- Day 2: Ézaro waterfall → Cabo Vilán lighthouse · 50 km · 0 h 41 minOn the way: Fisterra, Muxía, Sanctuary of A Virxe da Barca.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Lago Mar (7 km); Camping O'Paraíso (7 km).
- Day 3: Cabo Vilán lighthouse → A Coruña · 86 km · 1 h 11 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Velo Mar (10 km); Camping Balcobo (11 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Costa da Morte: Galicia’s coast of shipwrecks?
3-day road trip of about 210 km (130 mi) with 9 stops, from Santiago de Compostela to A Coruña. About 2 h 54 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Costa da Morte: Galicia’s coast of shipwrecks?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 54 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Costa da Morte: Galicia’s coast of shipwrecks start and end?
It starts in Santiago de Compostela and ends in A Coruña.
Which countries does Costa da Morte: Galicia’s coast of shipwrecks pass through?
Spain.
Where can you camp along Costa da Morte: Galicia’s coast of shipwrecks?
OpenStreetMap lists 81 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Cámping As Cancelas, Camper Park Amencer Santiago and Cámping da Vouga.
When is the best time for Costa da Morte: Galicia’s coast of shipwrecks?
The most pleasant months are usually May–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
