Is this Spain's most dramatic coastline? The ultimate road trip along the Galicia Coast of Death
- Peregryn travel writers
- May 7
- 6 min read
It’s long been regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous coastlines. Historically, these shores have been characterized by shipwrecks and stormy waters, claiming countless lives of the sailors who passed beneath the jagged cliffs. It was thought to be the end of the world, with no land in sight beyond these wild seas.
One of the most exhilarating things to do in Galicia is take a road trip and explore this 75-mile-long stretch of coastline from Fisterra in the south towards Multiplica in the north – a cornucopia of capes, rocky cliffs, white-sand beaches and secluded coves.
Renowned among Spaniards for its verdant, bucolic beauty, Galica offers a respite from Spain’s more arid landscapes. Fringed by the Atlantic in the northwest of Spain, its three coastlines are ripe for exploration, and none more so than the Coast of Death, or ‘La Costa da Morte’ as it is known in the local Galego language.
So, how could something with such a dark name be so beautiful? Because beyond the mystery and the macabre, this intense and dramatic coastline offers an experience like no other.
It’s a landscape of natural splendor and timeless allure. Galician culture includes both traditional fishing, pottery and lace-making communities and awe-inspiring megalithic monuments dotted along the coastline. With little distance between the coast’s villages and beaches, it's easy to explore Galicia’s Coast of Death on a road trip, giving you plenty of time to meander down country lanes, head out for coastal hikes and fully immerse yourself in this wondrous location.
Galicia: what to see on the road trip route
Begin your Galician odyssey inland at the small town of Buño, a village built around a centuries-old ceramic-making community. After a trip to the coastal town of Malpica and Cabo de San Adrián, head south to Ponteceso, known as the birthplace of famous Galician writer Eduardo Pondal and home to an array of wonderful hiking routes.
Journey 15 minutes west to Laxe, where blissful beaches await, including the enigmatic Playa de los Cristales. Just half an hour away to the southwest is the town of Camariñas, renowned all over Spain for its bobbin lace industry. Muxía is a 40-minute drive southwest, where you’ll find the unmissable Virxe da Barca, a spectacular seafront pilgrimage site shrouded in myths and legends. Finally, 30 minutes away, nestled on the coastline’s southern tip, is the enchanting town of Fisterra, home to a historic lighthouse and some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see, and 40 minutes along the coast is Carnota, where you’ll find some of Galicia’s most spectacular beaches.
Essential things to see in Galicia
Masterful pottery in Buño
Visit the traditional workshop Obradoiro Gorín where Fran, a third-generation potter, has pieces bought by Zara Home. He sells handcrafted plates, cups, traditional Galician water jugs and more. Don’t miss a visit to the Ecomuseo Forno do Forte, a charming little pottery museum, an insight into the history of Galicia’s most renowned pottery community.
World class barnacles in Roncudo Point
Roncudo’s barnacles are said to be the finest on the planet. Conditions are perfect, from the temperature and sea salinity to the amount of sunshine and the positioning of the rocks against the waves. Sample this sublime seafood and say a toast to the barnacle-pickers, or percebeiros, who have lost their lives braving the wild conditions to collect this local delicacy.
Kaleidoscopic pebbles at Playa de los Cristales
Famous for its tiny pieces of colorful glass washed up from an old landfill and softened by the sea over time, Playa de los Cristales is one of many idyllic spots in Galicia offering mesmerizing west coast sunsets.
Lace-making in Camariñas
The small town of Camariñas is famous all over Spain for its bobbin lace industry. Watching the palilleiras, local lacemaking women, at work is quite the treat, particularly when you consider that it’s a practice that is centuries in the making. Camariñas lace is renowned far and wide – there was even a box of it lost on the Titanic!
Shipwrecks and secluded beaches
One of the most rewarding things to do in Galicia is to locate the secluded Playa de Trece, a sprawling wild beach of unspoilt beauty. Nearby you’ll also discover the Cemiterio de los Ingleses (the English Cemetery), a memorial for 175 sailors who drowned when the English ship, the Serpent, was shipwrecked in 1880.
Legends and myths in Muxía
A visit to Muxía is a must, if only to lay eyes on the majestic Virxe da Barca. A shrine to the ‘virgin of the boat’ said to have been built after an apostle had a vision of the Virgin Mary and a group of angels in a stone boat, the remnants of which are scattered nearby along the shore.
The ‘end of the world’ at Finisterra
The spectacular southern tip of La Costa da Morte, the Romans thought Finisterra was the end of the world, hence the name (in Latin finis means end, and terra means Earth or land). With its dramatic waves and epic sunsets, it’s easy to see why. Finisterra’s lighthouse is one of the most spectacular Galicia attractions, offering unforgettable sunsets.
White sands at Carnota
Galicia’s largest sandy expanse, Carnota Beach stretches on for almost five miles. With its silky soft sands and calm waters, this moon-shaped marvel is the perfect place to take a moment to savor the sheer natural beauty of Galicia.
Best places to stay in Galicia
La Costa da Morte is coming to life! This previously under-developed stretch of coast is now replete with exciting new boutique hotels and places to stay, from converted lighthouses to new constructions taking inspiration from local architecture to provide a sense of place and a unique experience for visitors.
A spectacular rural retreat surrounded by lush greenery, Hotel Balarés is built around a century-old stone house and granary. Its six apartments are tastefully designed with muted tones and natural materials, affording spectacular views of the sea and mountains.
A collection of spectacular natural wood cabins, this oasis of serenity comes with expansive interiors featuring a large kitchen, living space, double beds and a wood-burning fireplace, flowing onto a spacious outside terrace with a Jacuzzi.
Nestled by the golden sands Punta da Area in Laxe, this bucolic paradise consists of simple wood cabins surrounded by lush flora. Cabins accommodate two to four people and are equipped with air conditioning. You can pay a supplement for a Jacuzzi.
Built into a rolling hillside in Muxía, this enchanting modern enclave is designed to harmonize with the natural environment. One of the best hotels in Galicia, every room comes with ocean views and the hotel’s infinity pool and relaxing spa is a must. The Nosa Señora da Barca restaurant serves up traditional Galician cuisine in style.
A design hotel based on sea-inspired art and literature. Situated in front of Fisterra’s best beaches, it’s a charming eco-friendly boutique that offers select accommodations with private gardens and sea views.
An exquisite hotel constructed around the historic lighthouse overlooking the endless blue of the Atlantic. Rooms are designed with nautical touches in true Galician style, while the restaurant serves some of the best traditional Galician food in the region. The expansive natural wood communal terrace is perfect for savoring unforgettable sunsets.
What to eat in Galicia
Galician cuisine is known as being one of the best in Spain. Its temperate climate and key positioning along the Atlantic coast means it produces an abundance of wonderful fresh produce. From its fertile fields inland that provide fresh vegetables to the spectacular seafood of the coast, Spain’s northwest region is a foodie paradise!
Among all the traditional Galician food on offer, perhaps the most emblematic dish is pulpo. This slow cooked octopus dish is famous around the region, generally seasoned with anything from olive oil, sea salt and smoked paprika.
A trip to Galicia wouldn't be complete without sampling their famous barnacles, known as percebes. Fetching up to €100 per kilo, these prized crustaceans are plucked from the rocks and taste like a delicious blast of the salty sea.
Seafood aside, Galicia is also renowned for its own version of the classic Spanish tortilla, the Tortilla de Betanzos, as well as the famous Queso Tetilla and Arzùa-Ulloa types of cheese and Lacón Gallego, a cured and dried ham produced in the region.
A unique region of Spain awaits
One of the most magical and untouched parts of Spain, Galicia offers captivating experiences to those willing to seek it out. And its Costa da Morte coastline, peppered with historic towns, mythical monuments, unrefined beaches and mesmerizing viewpoints, is a stretch of land ripe for exploration. An unforgettable adventure awaits.
