Finisterre Route on St James Way Galicia Spain This Jacobean path is one of the great experiences for lovers of equestrian routes worldwide.  To go on a pilgrimage to Santiago is to meet the religious and historical roots of Europe and travel to the rhythm of the footprint left by the innumerable pilgrims. Nowadays, most pilgrimage to Santiago end in the city of Santiago de Compostela. However, before the discovery of the tomb of St. James, some pilgrims, decided to extend their trip to the the westernmost part of Galicia, by the Atlantic Ocean. This region was until the end of the Middle Ages, the last stronghold of the known world, the western point of continental Europe. Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Santiago de Compostela Airport: Santiago de Compostela Transfer: Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) or Railway station. Riders: Min 4 riders Max 20 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

It might be possible to arrange trips from 4 riders

Transfer and Other Charges:

Transfer included from Santiago airport or train station for 4:00pm on Day 1
Drop off at Santiago airport or train station included after breakfast on the last day of your tour.

During the rides, breakfast is usually served around 8 am so that you can start riding at about 9 am. Along the way, you stop for a small break at 11 am. You then stop for lunch and siesta at about 2pm and start riding again around 4 pm, arriving at the accommodation for 6-6:30 pm.
Dinner is generally served at 8:30 pm.


Sample Itinerary: 6-day Finisterre Route - subject to changes 

--This is only a guideline. the actual itinerary may vary depending on the time of year--

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago de Compostella
Pick up from Santiago and transfer to the city for a quick visit. In the evening you will enjoy a nice welcome dinner.

Day 2: Santiago to Negreira
We leave the historic city behind us and start our trail towards the Ocean, crossing Roman bridges and mountain villages on the way.

Day 3: Negreira to Olveiroa
Today, the scenery will change completely. We come across many pastures, fields and small villages.

Day 4: Olveiroa to Muxia
We will get a first look at the Atlantic Ocean once we reach the fishing village of Muxia, at the end of the day.

Day 5: Muxia to Finisterre
For our last leg, we follow the coast up to Finisterre. In the past, pilgrims that reached this place used to burn their old clothes and purify themselves.

Day 6: Fisterra
After breakfast, transfer from Finisterre to Santiago airport or train station. We should reach Santiago around noon.

The 5-day tour follows the same itinerary, but it does not include the overnight in Muxia. Instead, the trail goes directly to Finisterre from Olveiroa.

Other options to ride the St James Way include:
French Route
Portuguese Route
Northern Route
Sea Route

                                    Santiago de Compostela area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	53	55	59	62	66	73	77	77	74	66	58	54
Average Low Temperature (°F)	40	40	42	44	48	53	56	56	54	50	45	42
Average High Temperature (°C)	12	13	15	17	19	23	25	25	23	19	15	12
Average Low Temperature (°C)	4	5	6	7	9	12	13	14	12	10	7	5
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	15	13	13	13	12	7	4	5	7	13	14	14

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The climate of Galicia is classified as Atlantic, with mild temperatures throughout the year. The north-east of Spain has an average rain fall comparable with that found in the UK and France with four distinct seasons, although with what most would view as an extended summer.

Santiago de Compostela, the capital city, has an average of 129 rainy days and 1,362 millimeters (53.6 in) per year (with just 16 rainy days in the three summer months) and 2,101 sunlight hours per year, with just 6 days with frosts per year. But the colder city of Lugo, to the east, has an average of 1,759 sunlight hours per year, 117 days with precipitations (> 1 mm) totaling 901.54 millimeters (35.5 in), and 40 days with frosts per year.

The more mountainous parts of the provinces of Ourense and Lugo receive significant snowfall during the winter months.

This list is only a basic guideline for you...

TRAVEL
Travel documents and Trip Voucher
Flight tickets
Passport
Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR
English or Western riding attire - whatever you are most comfortable riding long distances in!
Comfortable and worn-in riding boots
A hard hat is not required, but always recommended for safety
Riding gloves
Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
Rain proof coat

PERSONAL CLOTHING
Jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
Comfortable T-Shirts
Jeans
Shorts
Underwear and socks
Pyjamas
Light summer jacket
Trekking boots /comfortable shoes
Swimsuit
Bandana
 
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
Personal Toiletries
Insect protection
Personal medications
Sore cream (for the emergency)
Sewing kit
Handkerchiefs
Adapter for any electric appliances
Camera and enough extras (films, batteries, memory cards etc)
Belt pack
Sun glasses with strap
Sun tan lotion and lip balm
Small bar of soap
Flashlight

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so nights are spent in different locations.

Description
Accommodations will be in small hotels, guesthouses and rural inns along the way - most will have private bathroom facilities.
Free Wi-Fi internet and laundry facilities are available in almost all accommodations on the trail.

Finisterre Route Accommodations Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Santiago
Night 2: Hotel in Negreira
Night 3: Hotel in Olveiroa
Night 4: Hotel in Muxia
Night 5: Hotel in Finisterre

We use one of the following hotels in Santiago de Compostella:
- Option 1: This beautiful hotel is ideally located on a hillside, offering great views over the city. It has a big garden with an outdoor swimming pool and even a small chapel. The rooms are elegantly decorated and all feature air conditioning/heating, a safe, a TV, free Wi-Fi access and an ensuite bathroom.
- Option 2: This modern hotel is offering comfortable and well-designed accommodations, all with air-conditioning, private facilities, a safe box, cable TV, and free WiFi. In addition, the hotel has a small garden with an outdoor swimming pool and a small gym.

Hotel in Negreira
This hotel by the river offers modern accommodation. All rooms feature a TV, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi access. There is a small outdoor pool where guests can relax in the evening.

Hotel in Olveiroa
This charming Inn is housed in a renovated stone house. The rooms are simply decorated but comfortable and they all include air conditioning, Wi-Fi connection and private facilities.

Hotel in Muxia
This seaside hotel has a modern decor. The rooms come equipped with ensuite bathroom, heating, a TV and free Wi-Fi.

Hotel in Finisterre
This small hotel is located just a few meters from the beach. The rooms are spacious, and all feature a TV, heating, a phone and free Wi-Fi.

Room Occupancy
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, the single supplement fee applies.



Meals
All meals are included with this trip and you will have the opportunity to try traditional Galician dishes in local restaurants.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English, Western can be arranged
Horses:		Andalusian, Spanish and Arab/Spanish mix
Pace:		Moderate with some difficult terrain along the way. Some trots and canters. Approx. 6 to 7 riding hours per day. | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate
Weight:		Max 245 lbs
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 20 riders

Horses
We mostly use pure Spanish horses as well as Arabian crosses. All horses have been trained to be quiet and easy-going.

Pace
We typically cover 25-35km in a day (approximately 6-7 hours in the saddle). The hours are broken up by one break in the morning and another for lunch, however we can stop again if necessary. The ride is set at a slow pace, giving you the opportunity to experience the pilgrimage as it first took place in the Middle Ages. There are some opportunities for trotting and cantering.

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:

(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.

Passport Note

Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.



Visas

Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.

Visa Note

Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements 

 

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.