Camiño dos Faros (The Lighthouse Way)

Malpica is a prominent traditional fishing community in Galicia and an ideal place to relax, soak up the seaside atmosphere and sample local seafood dishes before starting your walking adventure the next morning.

The Camiño dos Faros starts at the smallest, but not least important, lighthouse in the port of Malpica This first stage features many ups and downs and rugged coastal trails. Highlights include the many quiet beaches along the way, stunning views of the Sisargas Islands and discovering the Punta Nariga Lighthouse.

Your second walking stage presents a nice contrast of coastal features from secluded coves to beaches and long cliffs and the lovely Lighthouse of Cabo Roncudo, another landmark of this unique walking trail. Continue along the estuary as far as the fishing port of Corme and ascend a forest track to panoramic Monte Facho. The mouth of the river Anllons awaits as does Barra beach and a boardwalk leading to Ponteceso.

Set off from the Anllóns Estuary and continue inland towards the important archaelogical sites of Dombate Dolmen, an ancient burial site, and Castro A Cibda, an ancient settlement. Ascend to the panoramic Monte Castelo de Lourido, the highest point along the entire Camiño dos Faros. From there, descend to the gorgeous beach-lined coast of Cabana and then to Punta do Cabalo and onwards to Laxe.

A shorter stage today. From Monte da Insua and the Lighhouse of Laxe, enjoy some wonderful cliff hiking until you summit the hill of O Peñón, where you will also get a lovely view of Soesto beach. Walk as far as Traba Beach and see its lake teeming with life. The final section skirts a stunning rocky landscape to the village of Camelle, where you can visit the impressive open-air Museum of Man. Onwards you go, along short paths to the village of Arou.

Leave Arou and walk towards the viewpoint in Loberias. Pass a series of small coves before reaching the small port of Santa Mariña. Head towards Trece Beach, Point Boi and the Cemetary of the English, resting place for the English sailors who lost their lives along this coast, until you get to symbolic Cabo Vilán lighthouse. Descend the coast as far as the fishing village of  Camariñas.

This might be the longest stage of the entire Lighthouse Way, but, don’t worry, it is also the flattest. Trace the shore of the entire Camariñas Estuary, passing quiet hamlets and forests as you go along. Follow the course of the  Porto river to its mouth and, amid the crashing of the Atlantic, walk past the unspoilt village of Merexo and the deserted mills of Os Muinos before reaching Muxia harbour.

This is the hardest stage in the whole Camino dos Faros and you will need to take your time as you hike up several climbs before descending to Moreira Beach. A dirt track across a  a more rural part of the coast will lead you to  Touriñán lighthouse and, after that, the huge beach at Nemiña. Walk along a country road as far as the village of Lires.

Your last day follows the path of the River Lires and the jagged coastline. Pass several beautiful cliffs as you make your way to the long, sandy stretch of Rostro Beach. From the summit of Veladoiro you’ll be able to see Finisterre in the distance. Head towards this legendary spot marking the culmination of your Camino dos Faros adventure.

Enjoy a much-deserved free day in the town of Cee, an active fishing community where it is possible to soak up the traditional Galician atmosphere and sample more fresh seafood dishes.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your transfer to the airport.

See you next time!