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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.
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12kg of CO2-e PP per day
(87kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrival in A Coruña
Arrive A Coruna, if you arrive early, take a stroll through the old town and along the seafront promenade. You can visit the Tower of Hercules, located on the headland.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Morning transfer Malpica and walk to seaside Barizo (5hrs)
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 the 1 Michelin Star, As Garzas Restaurant, must be booked in advance. Distance: 13.2km/8.2mi, ascent: 430m/1410ft, descent: 420m/1375ft
Meals: B
Day 3
Loop walk via Faro Nariga and Niñons beach (7hrs), options to shorten
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)
Day 4
Transfer to Roncudo, walk to Ponteceso (6.5hrs or 4.5hrs), transfer to Laxe
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
Day 5
Walk the coastal trail to Camelle harbour (5.5hrs), transfer to Laxe
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)
Day 6
A hilly walk from Arou to Camariñas (6.5hrs)
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
Day 7
Loop walk to Cabo Vilan lighthouse (4hrs)
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
Day 8
Trip concludes
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.
What's included
What's not included
The route follows mixed terrain of gravel paths, forest tracks, sandy beaches and trails. Walking into and out of villages or towns there will be some road walking.
GRADE 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 (i.e. Saturday and Sunday) in preparation for your trip.
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Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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