Sunset Route: from Muxía to Nemiña

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O Coído, ground zero

On the promenade of O Coído, take the road towards the beach of Lourido. This is part of the Jacobean route, known as the Coastal Road, and it goes through various villages in the municipality of Muxía until we come to Cape Touriñán. It is about 17 kilometres during which you will be able to enjoy beautiful and impressive panoramic views and examples of traditional architecture.

Just after leaving Muxía, the headlands of Cachelmo and A Buitra lie straight ahead of us, with their coastal cliffs defying the impassive waves.  The headland of Cachelmo comes to an end in a deep cave, the Furna da Buserana, surrounded by steep slopes that make access by land impossible.

By the football field you will come across the little cove of Arliña, sheltered from the north wind, and opposite, the long beach of Lourido. That’s where we’re going!

Lourido beach

Here, at the main entrance to Lourido, it is common to see pilgrims, camera in hand, taking photographs of the long beach shaped like a half moon. Lourido is an interesting natural site thanks to its dunes and the beautiful panoramic views over Muxía.

After the village of Lourido, Mount Cachelmo lies on the right, while on the left is the viewpoint on Mount Facho, at a height of 309 metres above sea level. You can see the Parador, an unique hotel.  The views of the coastline and the peninsula of Muxía from here are incomparable.

The route continues through the villages of Martinete, Figueiroa, Aboi and Viseo until we come to Touriñán and its beautiful views over the Atlantic Ocean. It is well worth stopping in Moreira to see another spectacular pebble beach with a large pool.

When you see the rays from Touriñán lighthouse, you know you are close to the end of the first part of the route.

Cape Touriñán

Twice a year, at the beginning of spring and from the end of summer until the autumn equinox, Cape Touriñán becomes the finis solis. The natural position of this headland which juts out impassively into the Atlantic Ocean means it is the place where the sun sets on continental Europe.

Two and a half months per year to enjoy the symbolic sunset on this wild stretch of the Death Coast (Costa da Morte). Between 21 March and 25 April, or between 13 August and 22 September.

It is also a good idea to take a walk in the surroundings. Feel the curious sensation of walking on soft grass, almost like it is padded, and be careful not to slip on the rocks.

Now let’s head for Nemiña and the end of this route!

Nemiña beach

Nemiña is an international beach where surfers and bodyboard lovers from all over Europe have been coming for some years now, especially from Germany and France. More and more locals are coming too. All year round, when the wind, waves and tide are favourable, you can see cars by the beach at around three o’clock in the afternoon, and two, three or various dozens of little black figures riding the waves.

In the summer the beach is very popular. It is divided into two by protruding land and stone at high tide. Sunbathers and families generally prefer the part nearest the village and the gentle slopes of the crop fields, while surfers opt for the other zone. In summer it is no surprise to see pilgrims coming from Fisterra along the Coastal Road crossing the beach, on their way to the end of the pilgrimage in the town of A Barca.

In the long list of natural viewpoints in the municipality of Muxía to see how the sun sinks into the sea, you cannot afford to miss Nemiña. The view is spectacular from either the fine white sand or from the top of the dunes behind the beach.

  • Lineal route on foot.
  • Route:
    • O Coído, ground zero.
    • Lourido beach.
    • Cape Touriñán.
    • Nemiña beach.
  • Longitude:
    • 29,6 kilometres.
  • Dificulty:
    • Medium.
  • Duration:
    • 6 hours.
  • Duration by car:
    • 1 houra and a half.
  • Initial point: Coído square, Muxía.
  • Final point: Nemiña beach.