If you are walking the Camino de Santiago, you might consider finishing in Muxía.

This little fishermen town by the seaside is the place I now call home. I decided to move here after spending many years living in different countries and cities. Leaving it all behind meant escaping the busy city life and settling down in a quiet and beautiful place by the seaside. And Muxía was the location I chose because there are many places I love about this town and its surroundings.

Here is my list of favorite things to do in Muxía:

1. Visit the Santuario de la Virgen de la Barca

This is without a doubt the most beautiful place in Muxía. Located at the end of town, right before the open sea, it’s a sanctuary that consists of a church and stones. These, according to the legend, bear magical powers since ancient times. 

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It has been worshiped for centuries and is now venerated by thousands of pilgrims who walk the Xacobeo Way from Santiago to Muxía – Fisterra. Indeed, it is said to be the place where the Virgin arrived in a stone boat to inspire encouragement to the Apostle Santiago.  

2. Take a walk by the seaside

If you fancy a short walk, you can enjoy this wooden walkway close to the seaside that crosses two small beaches where you can enjoy a bath in the bay. Its locals favorite walk, so make sure to greet passers-by and maybe even strike up a conversation with them.

3. Walk to Os Muiños

If you continue on this wooden walkway, along the lighthouse trail, you will find Os Muiños, a small village which owes its name to its mills. They have been restored and are a great spot to stroll around on a Sunday afternoon. 

4. Sunbathe on Lourido’s beach 

One of the most beautiful beaches in the area, Lourido is a well kept secret that won’t stay this way for long. Indeed, a large hotel (Parador) was built in the last years to compensate for the Prestige oil spill of 2002.

5. Hike up Monte Facho

If you fancy a more active approach to your holidays, try hiking up Monte Facho. The word “facho” means torch in Galician and it used to be a lighthouse in roman times. Nowadays, on a clear day, you will have breathtaking views of A Costa da Morte, with Camariñas’ bay, the Sanctuary of A virxe da Barca and Cabo Vilán.

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6. Shop local handicrafts

During Easter and summer time, you can find a local handicraft exhibition by the fish market. Here, you will find not only the traditional encaje de bolillos (traditional lace) but also more modern crafts such as jewelry, knitting and wood carving.

7. Enjoy local festivities

If you visit this small town during summer, you’ll be surprised by the number of local festivities celebrated. 

At the end of July, the fiesta honors the Virgen del Carmen, the Virgin that protects sailors. Boat sirens and bagpipes set the soundtrack for this celebration filled with noise and colors. You can hop along in one of the boats which tour the bay and enjoy a bit of empanada and beer. You will also see a solemn moment when the boat captains throw flowers in the middle of the sea in memory of those lives taken by the sea.

The second weekend of August, the Feria del Mar is an opportunity to meet artisans from the whole region and discover their many talents: jewelry, leather, lace… The whole town dresses up with medieval costumes and food stalls fill the streets with delicious smells.

8.Taste local food 

You cannot leave Galicia without trying its typical food. In Muxia, you will find restaurants such as

• D’Alvaro, which specializes in local fish and meat;
• A furna, with delicious rice dishes;
• Porto, which has a beatufiul terrace and a warm and welcoming bar;
• As Baleas, which offers pizzas and hamburguers
• La Alemana, where you will get free tapas with each drink.

9. Visit one of the last outdoor fish driers in Europe

One of the most curious places in Muxia is the “Secadero de Congrios”. Most of the year, it seems like an abstract sculpture made of wood. In truth, it is an outdoor fish drier where conger is left to dry during the dry months. This drier is one of the last ones in Europe and the sunset is spectacular.

10. Discover local culture

If you want to get to know more about this town, you can check out our Spanish course: