The Costa da Morte, in western A Coruña, is Galicia at its wildest and most evocative: a rugged coast of cliffs, legendary lighthouses, vast beaches and breathtaking sunsets over the Atlantic. Its name comes from the many shipwrecks in its history, and it has a special magnetism. It's a dream destination for a motorhome, away from the crowds. Here's the guide.
The legendary lighthouses
- Cabo Fisterra Lighthouse: the "end of the world" for the Romans and the finishing point of the Camino de Santiago, with mythical sunsets.
- Cabo Vilán: one of the most spectacular lighthouses, on vertigo-inducing cliffs.
- Cabo Touriñán, the westernmost point of mainland Spain.
A route of lighthouses facing the ocean (links with the lighthouse route).
Wild beaches
Vast, often solitary beaches: Carnota (the longest in Galicia), Traba, the Camariñas and Muxía area. Sand, dunes and rough sea; not always suitable for swimming (currents), but spectacular to walk along.
Villages and legends
Muxía and its sanctuary by the sea (a literary setting), Camariñas and its bobbin lace, Corcubión, Laxe... charming fishing villages with plenty of history and legend. And exceptional seafood cuisine (barnacles, shellfish).
Practical tips
- Any season has its charm; the Atlantic climate rules (pack for rain).
- Watch out for wind at the headlands (see the awning).
- Get up early or stay for sunset at the lighthouses: the best moment.
- Use aires and respect the coast's regulated overnight parking (see aires).
In summary
The Costa da Morte is Galicia at its wildest: legendary lighthouses, vast beaches and sunsets at the edge of the world. The step you can take today: plan a lighthouse route (Fisterra, Cabo Vilán, Touriñán) and stay to watch the sunset at one of them; combine it with the beaches and fishing villages, and prepare for the Atlantic climate. Combine it with the routes through Galicia.