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Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • hotel
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

$850USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: CDF

Trip highlights


  • Off the beaten road trails and paths with stunning views of the “Costa da Morte”
  • Stay in welcoming casas Rurales and modern hotels in small fishing villages of Galicia
  • Magnificent sandy beaches
  • Discovering vast and impressive landscapes, which are green and lush throughout the year

The Camiño dos Faros trail was created by four friends with the aim of connecting all the lighthouses of the Costa da Morte along the northwestern Spanish coast between Malpica and Finisterre. Their main objective was to stay as close as possible to the coast, following a series of small footpaths and dirt trails along stunning cliffs and long sandy almost deserted beaches which cannot be reached easily by car. Galician fishermen, specialists in difficult to catch fish, have for centuries used these paths which can at time be quite exposed. This moderately graded walk requires sure-footedness and a head for heights, although our route avoids treacherous sections of the trail with vehicle transfers. The joy of walking this route is the opportunity to swim in small coves uncrowded even in the middle of summer and ascend cliffs to view impressive coastal scenery. Evenings are spent in small fishing villages in welcoming accommodation. The cuisine of the region is exceptional with opportunities to dine in a range of establishments from Michelin star restaurants to a shack by the sea selling freshly grilled fish.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

On arrival in Carballo in the afternoon, settle into your hotel a charming medieval manor dating back to 1672 that has been renovated to a high standard and includes a swimming pool. Carballo de Bergantiños is a small town, genuinely Galician in style and atmosphere, including the mismatched architectural styles of its buildings. Transfers from A Coruna or Santiago airports are available, please ask for details.

Meals:  Nil

After breakfast a transfer will take you to Malpica de Bergantinos a charming fishing port where you will start your walk. You will see the main landscape features of the Camiño dos Faro. Follow gravel and narrow paths, with some very steep sections on the cliffs. You will pass by a beautiful beach, a chapel and can enjoy magnificent views of the Sisargas Islands on the horizon. The stage ends at a coastal hotel located near Barizo. Dinner is not included in the package but a good gastronomic option is As Garzas Restaurant, awarded a Michelin star in 2018 (and important to book well in advance: http://www.asgarzas.com/). Distance: 13.2km/8.2mi, ascent: 430m/1410ft, descent: 420m/1375ft

Meals:  B

This morning you walk to the Faro Nariga, one of the most famous lighthouses of the Costa da Morte. After the lighthouse, continue to the beautiful Playa de Niñons (beach), where you start the return route along gravel roads that bring you past a modern windmill park. Return to your accommodation near Barizo for overnight. Distance 16.7km/10;4mi, ascent/descent: 720m/2360ft Note: There are options to shorten today's walk. 5.5-6hrs/13.4km and ascent/descent 615m if you take the designated shortcut, or you can take a taxi from Niñons back to the hotel (3.5hrs/8.3km, ascent/descent 455m)

Meals:  B

After breakfast a transfer (9.30am) will take you to the tiny hamlet of O Roncudo (to avoid a long stretch of coastal path with a steep slope through an isolated area). From here you can either follow the Camiño along winding footpaths to Cabo O Roncudo (cape) and continue on a 3km tarmac path until you reach the fishermen’s village of O Corme, or take a shortcut to O Corme (which misses the cape and mini lighthouse of O Roncudo). After a coffee break at O Corme you can choose between the long, spectacular Camiño along the coast with some exposed parts, or a shorter and higher route through shady woods before you reach the extensive sand plateau that separates the river mouth of Ponteceso from the Atlantic Ocean. To finish up, a sandy trail leads to the town of Ponteceso. Here a taxi (at 5:30pm) will transfer you to your modern beach hotel in Laxe, where you stay for 2 nights. Low route (following official Camino signs): 17.5km/11mi, ascent: 525m/1722ft, descent: 650m/2132ft High route: 14.4km/9mi, ascent: 325m/1066ft, descent: 450m/1476ft

Meals:  B

A beautiful stretch of coastline and one steep hill separates Laxe from the large sandy Playa de Traba. The dunes have been formed by strong ocean winds and waves creating a wetland with lagoon that is home to a diversity of birds. After a swim or a meal at the only bar-restaurant along the route today, you follow an old coastal ox-trail, that has been literally carved into the granite rock and winds around strange wind-sculptured rock formations. From the harbour of Camelle, a taxi transfer (at 5pm) takes you back to Laxe (because there is no hotel nearby). Distance: 15.3km, ascent/descent 485m/1591ft or shorten: 12.3km/4hrs, ascent/descent 275m/902ft (less exposed, in case of rain or strong winds)

Meals:  B

Our favourite day! An almost mountainous route starts at the village of Arou (morning transfer to Arou included) and takes you first along two small passes before starting to climb the side of Europe’s highest dune. Then truly wild scenery awaits, as you descend and cross a chain of small beaches called Praia do Trece. You finally reach the Cemetery of the English, a symbolic burial site honouring the lives of sailors and passengers that died in three shipwrecks between 1883 and 1893. The last few kilometres are easy as you hike along a gravel road for a while (taking some shortcuts close to the coast at times) before heading into the woods and on to your hotel in Camariñas. Note: for those afraid of heights or on days with strong winds, there is an alternative route (1.7km shorter) starting near Sta Mariña, offering amazing views across the Praia do Trece before you reach the cemetery. Distance 15.5km/9.7mi, ascent 415m/1360ft, descent 375m/1230ft

Meals:  B

Today you will be surprised by the dramatic location of the most imposing lighthouse on the route: the Cabo Vilán, also the first electrified lighthouse of Spain. Here you can stop at the visitors’ centre and café before continuing along the coast, past a modern fish factory and a chapel located on a hilltop above Camariñas. Today's route is relatively short, allowing you to have a longer lunch (we suggest Puerto de Arnelo restaurant in Camariñas). The traditional village architecture has suffered from modernity, but it houses a small museum dedicated to the typical handcrafted lace of the town. Overnight Camariñas. Distance: 12km/7.5mi, ascent 270m/885ft, descent 385m/1263ft

Meals:  B

After breakfast a taxi will take you to Vimianzo (included). From here you can take the bus to either A Coruña or Santiago de Compostela, with its famous cathedral.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts - usually continental style inclusive of breads, cheese, cold meats, tea, coffee & juices.
  • 7 nights in a mix of 2 and 3 star hotels and simple rural hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Digital information pack including maps and guidebook plus navigational app (smartphone required)
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Transfers as described (days 4, 5, 6 & 8)
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Carballo and from Vimianzo
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess Luggage
  • Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
  • Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate  

The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 4 to 7 hours on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. There are a few off-path sections. There are many ups and downs and walking poles are definitely a good idea. Due to the steep walking paths along cliff faces this hike may be unsuitable if you suffer from vertigo. A good level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, three to four times a week for three months prior to your departure. It is also recommended that you do some bush walking, and multi day walks (ie. Saturday and Sunday) in preparation for your trip.


Departure dates

Daily from 10 Apr to 25 Oct

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
Note:
Mid season 13 - 16 Apr, 24 Jun - 21 Jul & 21 Aug - 10 Sep. High season 22 Jul - 20 Aug. Supplement applies.

Want to organise a private group?

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Priceper person from

$850USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single supplement - low seasonUSD$350
  • Single supplement - mid seasonUSD$380
  • Single supplement - high seasonUSD$410
  • Solo traveller supplement - low seasonUSD$500
  • Solo traveller supplement - mid seasonUSD$530
  • Solo traveller supplement - high seasonUSD$560
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

Videos

O Camiño dos Faros (Galicia - Spain) : The Lighthouse Way (EN)
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