The lighthouse at Cabo Vilán: It is the first electric lighthouse in Spain. (Photo: © Susanne Freitag)
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November 2025
At the end of the Camino de Santiago, the adventure begins: Galicia offers quiet monasteries, wild coasts and vibrant traditions.
Gallego is primarily known for the Pilgrimage routes of the Way of St. James, at whose official end the Capital Santiago de Compostela It receives around 500.000 pilgrims a year. Their destination is the tomb of St. James in the majestic Romanesque cathedral in the heart of the historic old town. The melodious chimes can be heard from afar, and those who wish can enjoy panoramic views from the cathedral's rooftops, stretching far beyond the city. Obradoiro Square The west facade of the cathedral leads to Rua do Franco out of the old town. It is not only a lively shopping street, but also a backdrop for a special version of the well-known off-road race "Paris-Dakar Rally"This route begins at the Paris bar at the top and ends at the Dakar restaurant at the bottom of the street – on foot, of course. The challenge lies in navigating the spaces in between, around 30 bars To enjoy a glass of Ribeiro wine and a portion of tapas without taking a shortcut or collapsing.
Those who successfully complete the rally are not easily deterred – least of all by the The roaring Atlantic Ocean on the wild north coast of Galicia. About an hour and a half's drive from the capital lies the charming Fishing village Cariño at the western entrance to the Ría de Ortigueira bay. Above it rises the Serra da Capelada mountain range, which drops off to the sea in a dramatic cliff face. From there they offer Carmen and her husband with their company MardOrtegal various Boat tours on. "We sell Experiences, moments and memories"Accompanied by idyllic scenery," she explains. Depending on the weather, the trip can turn into a real adventure: the boat rocks violently, and often the only thing that helps against the queasy feeling in your stomach is gazing at the horizon. Nevertheless, the excursion to the highest cliffs of Western Europe and for Cape Ortegal, where the Cantabrian Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet. The Aguillones, three rocks that look like teeth and are located just a few meters from the cape, and the Teixidelo beachThe world's only black, non-volcanic sand beach more than compensates for the rough seas. With a bit of luck, you might even be accompanied by dolphins, which occasionally appear in front of and alongside the boat.
The route from Cariño to Santo André de Teixido pilgrimage site leads across the impressive mountain massif of the Capelada MountainsDriving slowly is the top priority here. On some days, it's obstructive. dense fog the view, so that the roaming Galaicos horses They are barely visible on both sides of the road. Although the animals roam freely, they are not wild horses, but belong to the inhabitants of the surrounding villages. Once a year, the Rapa das Bestas instead, a centuries-old, but controversial customThe villagers drive the horses into an arena, clip their manes and tails, and mark them. Animal rights activists strongly criticize the practice. The capture causes the horses great stress, especially when mares and foals are separated. Furthermore, many young stallions are later sold for the meat market.
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From the Serra da Capelada, the path leads into the Fragas do Eume Nature Park, east of Pontedeume. The park is one of the best examples of the Preservation of the native forest and with 103 bird species and 41 mammal species one of the most biodiverse regions in SpainThe dense oak forests provide eight designated hiking trails, including a tour along the Eume River to the Ruins of the Caaveiro Monastery Deep in the forest. Originally founded by Benedictine monks, later taken over by Augustinian monks, the monastery has shaped the spiritual history of the region for over ten centuries. Today it is a fascinating A place of peace, history and natureAfter a short descent, you reach the gurgling pools of the river, where the Eume springs bubble up from moss-covered rocks. It's worth pausing here to enjoy the peace and beauty of the forest – a true gem. A hidden gem for nature lovers and hikers.
Back at the Coast in A Coruña pulls it striking white house front with the glazed balconies on the Avenida Marina The visitors are captivated. Because of them, the city bears the nickname "The Crystal City"(the city of glass)." remarkable Architecture in the Fishermen's Quarter "The fish shop"It dates back to the 1870s and 1880s. The glass balconies originally served as protection from the rain and provided light, ventilation, and a balanced climate. Today, the Avenida is part of the 13 kilometer long beach promenade and the first port of call for tourists disembarking at the opposite cruise terminals. Somewhere along the promenade there is also Amancio Ortega, one of the richest men in the world and founder of the fashion label Zara, a residence.
Its name is the "Death Coast"(Death Coast) not without reason: Huge waves, treacherous currents and unpredictable weather make it a one of the most dangerous stretches of coastline in EuropeAround a thousand ships are believed to have sunk here in recent centuries. The coastline stretches from Malpica to Cape Fisterra, which people in the Middle Ages believed to be the end of the world. The Faro de Fisterra lighthouse still guides the way through the dangerous waters and marks the actual end of the Camino de Santiago. A dark chapter was written into the history of this region in 2002 when the tanker "Prestige" ran aground off the coast. The subsequent oil spill cost the lives of 115.000 seabirds. A Memorial near the pilgrimage church A Virxe da Barca in Muxía It commemorates the tragedy. The church itself attracts not only pilgrims – the three large stone slabs in front of the church will healing powers and a special energy rumored. Just a few steps away, the building opened in 2020 blends in. Muxia Parador terraced into the coastal landscape – part of the Reparations after the disaster and Symbol for sustainable regional development.
Where the surf meets rugged rocks, the "Percebeiros", Collectors of barnacles, which cost up to 200 euros per kilo. But the price is high in two senses: The The work is life-threatening and only possible at low tide.A detour to the opposite side of the bay is also worthwhile. Spain's first electric lighthouse at Cabo VilánThe route there leads from fishing town of Camariñas The path winds through pine forests and offers spectacular views of the rugged coastline. The lighthouse itself appears to grow almost organically from the granite rock. Off the cape, the British torpedo cruiser Serpent sank in 1890 en route to Sierra Leone. The sailors who perished were buried in the Cementerio de los Ingleses (English Cemetery) a few kilometers away.
Halfway there from Muxia to Carnota The Costa da Morte holds another highlight in store. The narrow path at the entrance to Baroña leads to... Castro de Barona – a settlement dating back to the 1st century BC, which was considered one of the best-preserved prehistoric sites on the Iberian Peninsula The foundations of the round houses are still clearly visible today. Situated directly on the rocky coast, the site once served as a refuge for Gallic tribes during times of conflict with other peoples and the Romans. Just a few steps away, the white sandy beach of Baroña invites you to take a refreshing dip.DHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!
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