Route&Camp

Galicia, Spain

Rías Baixas and Fisterra by motorhome, campervan or caravan: 3, 7 or 15-day route

Wild capes and lighthouses on the Costa da Morte, white beaches, Albariño vineyards and fishing villages in the green estuaries of Galicia.

The stone lighthouse of Cape Fisterra lit up at dusk, with its light shining over the dark blue Atlantic Ocean

How many days do you have?

Rías Baixas and Fisterra in 7 days

Distance≈ 280 km
Stages7
DifficultyEasy to medium
Best timeMay to September

From Santiago de Compostela to the end of the world and then south along the rías: Fisterra, Muros, the dunes of Corrubedo, Albariño country, Combarro and Pontevedra, ending in Vigo and Baiona.

Where is it?

SPAINPORTUGALFRANCEAtlantic OceanMediterranean SeaRías Baixas and FisterraMadridBarcelona

About this route

In south-west Galicia the Atlantic cuts deep into the land in a series of estuaries, the rías, lined with fishing villages, white sandy beaches, mussel rafts and green hills. To the north lies the Costa da Morte, the Coast of Death, with granite capes, lighthouses and Cape Fisterra, once thought to be the end of the world and the final goal of many pilgrims on the Way of Saint James. The food is a big part of the trip: seafood, octopus, Padrón peppers and Albariño white wine. The 3-day version covers Fisterra, Muxía and the Ría de Muros, the 7-day one starts in Santiago and follows the coast to Vigo and Baiona, and the 15-day one adds Padrón, Illa de Arousa, the Morrazo peninsula, A Guarda and Tui on the border with Portugal.

Good main roads, but many coastal and village roads are narrow and winding, and the old fishing villages are tight.

Updated

Weather and temperatures

Averages for Vigo
  • SpringMar–May 9° / 17° Rainy
  • SummerJun–Aug 14° / 24° Little rain
  • AutumnSep–Nov 11° / 19° Rainy
  • WinterDec–Feb 6° / 13° Rainy

Mild Atlantic climate: no extreme heat or cold, but plenty of rain from October to April, which keeps everything green. Summers are pleasant and mostly dry, though mornings can bring sea mist. On the Costa da Morte, around Fisterra and Muxía, it is windier and a little cooler, and storms can be spectacular in winter. The Atlantic is cold for swimming all year, around 17–19 °C in summer.

Typical lows and highs (average night and afternoon temperatures). They change from year to year, so check the forecast before you go.

Route map

Loading map…

Campsites, areas and parking come from OpenStreetMap. They can be incomplete or out of date: check before you go and always follow local signs.

Take this route with you

Rías Baixas and Fisterra in 7 days

Google MapsPart 1: days 1–4Google MapsPart 2: days 4–7 WazeNavigate to the start: Santiago de Compostela WhatsAppShare this route with your travel companions

The TXT file needs an internet connection to collect the campsites and motorhome areas. Google Maps opens the stops in order (long routes are split into parts, because Google Maps allows 10 points per route). Waze only navigates to one place at a time, so each day also has its own Waze button. Routes are a guide, not a fixed plan: in most cases you can also drive them in a different direction and skip stops.

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Day by day

Routes are a guide, not a fixed plan: in most cases you can also drive them in a different direction and skip stops.

Rías Baixas and Fisterra in 7 days

  1. Day1 Santiago de CompostelaArrival day
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Santiago de Compostela
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Santiago de Compostela

      The end of the Way of Saint James and a World Heritage city: a granite old town of arcaded streets around a huge cathedral, where pilgrims arrive every day from all over the world.

      What to see (5)
      • Cathedral The Romanesque cathedral with the Portico of Glory and the botafumeiro, a giant incense burner swung on special days.
      • Praza do Obradoiro The great square in front of the cathedral, where pilgrims celebrate their arrival.
      • Mercado de Abastos The food market, where you can buy seafood and have it cooked at the stalls next door.
      • Old town Granite streets such as Rúa do Franco and Rúa Nova, full of bars, arcades and churches.
      • Alameda park A park with the classic view of the cathedral above the rooftops.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The old town is pedestrian. Use the motorhome area or car parks on the edge and walk in, or take the city bus.

    Waze
  2. Day2 Muxía and Cape Fisterra≈ 115 km · ≈ 2 h 35 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (3)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Cape Fisterra
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Muxía

      A fishing village on the Costa da Morte with a sanctuary built right on the rocks by the ocean, the Virxe da Barca, a place of legend and pilgrimage where the waves crash hard in winter.

      What to see (4)
      • Virxe da Barca sanctuary A church on the rocks by the sea, linked to the legend of the Virgin arriving in a stone boat.
      • Monte Corpiño A short climb above the village for a view over the coast.
      • A Ferida A large stone sculpture remembering the Prestige oil spill of 2002.
      • Cabo Touriñán The westernmost point of mainland Spain, a short drive away.

    • Cape Fisterra

      The Romans thought this granite cape was the end of the world. Pilgrims still walk the last kilometres of the Way here to watch the sun sink into the Atlantic from beside the lighthouse.

      What to see (4)
      • Lighthouse The lighthouse and km 0.000 marker of the Way of Saint James.
      • Sunset One of the most famous sunsets in Spain, over the open Atlantic.
      • Fishing port Fisterra town and its harbour, with seafood restaurants.
      • Langosteira beach A long, sheltered sandy beach at the entrance to the town.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The road to the lighthouse is narrow at the end and the car park is small and busy at sunset. With a large vehicle, park in Fisterra town and walk up (about 3 km).

    Google Maps Waze
  3. Day3 Ézaro, Carnota and Muros≈ 35 km · ≈ 45 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Muros and Noia
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Ézaro waterfall and Carnota

      The Xallas river falls straight into the sea at Ézaro, one of the only waterfalls in Europe to do so. Further south, Carnota has a 7 km beach of white sand and one of the longest hórreos (granaries) in Galicia.

      What to see (4)
      • Ézaro waterfall The waterfall dropping into the sea. On some summer evenings it is lit up and runs at full flow.
      • Mirador do Ézaro A viewpoint high above the waterfall and the Monte Pindo.
      • Carnota beach One of the longest beaches in Galicia, with dunes and marshes.
      • Hórreo de Carnota A granary on stone legs more than 30 m long, beside the church.

    • Muros and Noia

      Muros is a fishing town with an arcaded seafront and narrow stone lanes. Across the ría, Noia has a medieval old town and a church with a cemetery full of carved gravestones.

      What to see (4)
      • Muros old town Arcaded streets and stone houses by the harbour.
      • Pozo Cachón tide mill An old mill powered by the tide.
      • Noia old town The medieval centre, with the Gothic church of Santa María a Nova and its carved gravestones.
      • Monte Louro A mountain at the mouth of the ría with a lagoon and beaches at its feet.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The old town of Muros is very narrow. Park along the seafront at the edge of town and walk in.

    Google Maps Waze
  4. Day4 Castro de Baroña and Corrubedo≈ 25 km · ≈ 35 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Castro de Baroña and Corrubedo
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Castro de Baroña and Corrubedo

      The Castro de Baroña is an Iron Age hill fort on a rocky peninsula above the sea. A little south, the Corrubedo natural park protects a huge moving sand dune, lagoons and wild beaches.

      What to see (4)
      • Castro de Baroña The stone foundations of round houses on a rocky headland above the waves.
      • Corrubedo dune A huge moving sand dune. Admire it from the walkways: it is protected.
      • Lagoons and beaches The Carregal and Vixán lagoons and long wild beaches.
      • Mirador da Curota A high viewpoint over the whole Ría de Arousa.
    Google Maps Waze
  5. Day5 Cambados and O Grove≈ 35 km · ≈ 45 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of O Grove and A Toxa
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Illa de Arousa and Cambados

      Illa de Arousa is an island linked by a bridge, with quiet beaches and a natural park. Cambados, on the mainland, is the capital of Albariño wine, with a stone pazo (manor house) on its main square.

      What to see (4)
      • Illa de Arousa Beaches, cycling paths and the Carreirón natural park.
      • Pazo de Fefiñáns The stone manor and square in the heart of Cambados.
      • Albariño wineries Wine tastings in the vineyards around Cambados.
      • Santa Mariña ruins A roofless Gothic church, now a cemetery.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The old town of Cambados is narrow. Park near the seafront or the Albariño museum and walk in.

    • O Grove and A Toxa

      O Grove is a seafood town on a peninsula, famous for its seafood festival in October. A bridge leads to the island of A Toxa, with a little church covered in scallop shells. Boat trips visit the mussel rafts.

      What to see (4)
      • A Toxa The island with its spa, its seaside paths and the chapel covered in scallop shells.
      • Mussel rafts Boat trips around the floating platforms where mussels are grown, with a tasting on board.
      • Seafood Restaurants along the harbour, and the seafood festival in October.
      • A Lanzada beach A long beach on the open Atlantic, popular with surfers.
    Google Maps Waze
  6. Day6 Combarro and Pontevedra≈ 20 km · ≈ 25 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (2)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Combarro and Pontevedra
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Combarro and Pontevedra

      Combarro is a fishing village of granite houses, stone crosses and hórreos lined up along the shore. Pontevedra, nearby, has one of the most beautiful and pedestrian-friendly old towns in Galicia.

      What to see (4)
      • Hórreos by the sea The row of granaries on the shore, the image of the village.
      • Stone crosses Cruceiros on the lanes and small squares.
      • Pontevedra old town Squares such as Praza da Leña and Praza da Ferrería, and the church of A Peregrina.
      • Museum of Pontevedra Art and archaeology, including Celtic gold jewellery.

      With a motorhome or caravan: Combarro's streets are tiny. Use the car parks above the village. In Pontevedra, park outside the centre: the old town is closed to traffic.

    Google Maps Waze
  7. Day7 Vigo and Baiona≈ 50 km · ≈ 1 h 5 min driving

    • Vigo and the Cíes Islands

      Galicia's biggest city, a busy port with a lively old fishing quarter. From here boats sail to the Cíes Islands, part of a national park, with white beaches and clear water that are among the most beautiful in Spain.

      What to see (4)
      • Cíes Islands A national park with white beaches and paths to lighthouses. Permit and boat ticket needed; book ahead in summer.
      • Old town and A Pedra market The old fishing quarter, where women sell fresh oysters at the stalls.
      • Monte do Castro A park on a hill with views over the city and the ría.
      • Samil beach The city beach, with views of the Cíes.

      With a motorhome or caravan: Vigo is hilly with heavy traffic. Use the motorhome areas or car parks near the port, from where the boats leave for the Cíes.

    • Baiona

      A seaside town where the caravel Pinta arrived in 1493 with the news of Columbus's discovery of America. Walk around the walls of the Monterreal fortress, now a parador.

      What to see (4)
      • Monterreal fortress Walk the walls around the parador, with views over the bay.
      • Pinta replica A replica of the caravel that brought the news of the discovery of America.
      • Virxe da Roca A giant granite statue of the Virgin you can climb inside.
      • Old town Stone streets and seafood restaurants.
    Google Maps Waze

Distances and driving times are approximate, measured between stops. Use the Directions links for the exact road route.

Tips for motorhomes, campervans and caravans

Overnight stays · Rain gear and layers · Cíes Islands permit · Narrow village streets · Eat like a local5

  • Overnight stays

    Camping outside campsites (awning out, chairs, levelling blocks) is not allowed. Many Galician towns have free or cheap motorhome areas, but inside natural parks such as Corrubedo and the Atlantic Islands overnight stays are restricted. Always follow local signs.

  • Rain gear and layers

    Even in summer the weather can change quickly, with mist or showers in the morning and sun in the afternoon. Pack a rain jacket and a warm layer, especially for the Costa da Morte.

  • Cíes Islands permit

    To visit the Cíes Islands you need a free permit from the Xunta de Galicia and a boat ticket from Vigo, Cangas or Baiona. Places are limited in summer, so book a few days ahead.

  • Narrow village streets

    The old fishing villages (Combarro, Muros, Cambados, Muxía) have very narrow streets. Park at the edge, and avoid following the satnav through the old centres.

  • Eat like a local

    Try pulpo á feira (octopus), Padrón peppers, scallops, mussels and Albariño wine. Many villages hold food festivals in summer, such as the Albariño festival in Cambados in August.

Frequently asked questions

5

How many days do you need for the Rías Baixas and Fisterra by motorhome, campervan or caravan?

Three days are enough for Muxía and Cape Fisterra, the Ézaro waterfall and Carnota beach, and the wine town of Cambados with O Grove. With seven days you can start in Santiago de Compostela and follow the coast south to Vigo and Baiona. Fifteen days let you add Padrón, Illa de Arousa, the Morrazo peninsula, the Cíes Islands, A Guarda and Tui at an easy pace.

Where can you sleep with a motorhome, campervan or caravan in the Rías Baixas and on the Costa da Morte?

In campsites, many of them by the beach, and with a motorhome or campervan also in the motorhome areas that many Galician towns have opened, such as Fisterra, Muxía, Muros, Cambados and Baiona. Caravans are usually only accepted in campsites. Camping outside campsites is not allowed, and inside natural parks such as Corrubedo and the Atlantic Islands overnight stays are restricted. The route map shows the campsites, motorhome areas and parking places near every stop.

When is the best time to visit the Rías Baixas and Fisterra?

May to September: long days, mild temperatures and the least rain. July and August are the busiest months, especially around Sanxenxo and O Grove, and the Cíes Islands need a permit and a boat ticket booked ahead. Spring and autumn are quieter and very green, but rainy days are frequent. Many campsites close from October to Easter.

Can you drive the Rías Baixas and Fisterra route in reverse or skip stops?

Yes. The route is a guide, not a fixed plan: you can start in Tui or Vigo and drive north to Fisterra, begin at whichever stop is closest to you, or skip the stops that interest you less. Distances between stops stay the same in both directions.

Are the roads suitable for large motorhomes and caravans?

The main roads and the motorways between Santiago, Pontevedra and Vigo are good. Coastal roads around the rías and on the Costa da Morte are narrower and winding, and the streets of old fishing villages such as Combarro, Muros and Cambados are tight: park at the edge and walk in. The road up to Monte Santa Trega in A Guarda is steep and narrow at the top.

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