Tour Overview
Embark on the "Camino dos Faros: The Lighthouse Way" and explore the stunning trails and paths of Spain's Costa da Morte. This self-guided walking holiday offers breathtaking views, magnificent sandy beaches, and lush green landscapes year-round. Highlights include the famous Faro Nariga lighthouse, the beautiful Playa de Niñons, and the dramatic Cabo Vilán lighthouse, Spain's first electrified lighthouse. Enjoy 7 nights in comfortable 2 and 3-star hotels in charming fishing villages, with daily breakfasts and luggage transfers included. Experience the rich Galician culture, visit symbolic sites like the Cemetery of the English, and enjoy seamless transfers to ensure a smooth journey. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Carballo
Location: Carballo
Accommodation Name: hotel
On arrival in Carballo in the afternoon, settle into your hotel a charming medieval manor dating back to 1672 that has been renovated to a high standard and includes a swimming pool. Carballo de Bergantiños is a small town, genuinely Galician in style and atmosphere, including the mismatched architectural styles of its buildings.
Transfers from A Coruna or Santiago airports are available, please ask for details. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Morning transfer Malpica and walk to seaside Barizo (5hrs)
Location: Malpica de Bergantiños
Accommodation Name: coastal hotel near Barizo
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast a transfer will take you to Malpica de Bergantinos a charming fishing port where you will start your walk. You will see the main landscape features of the Camiño dos Faro. Follow gravel and narrow paths, with some very steep sections on the cliffs. You will pass by a beautiful beach, a chapel and can enjoy magnificent views of the Sisargas Islands on the horizon. The stage ends at a coastal hotel located near Barizo. Dinner is not included in the package but a good gastronomic option is As Garzas Restaurant, must be booked in advance.Distance: 13.2km/8.2mi, ascent: 430m/1410ft, descent: 420m/1375ft
Day 3 : Loop walk via Faro Nariga and Niñons beach (7hrs), options to shorten
Location: Costa da Morte
Accommodation Name: coastal hotel near Barizo
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you walk to the Faro Nariga, one of the most famous lighthouses of the Costa da Morte. After the lighthouse, continue to the beautiful Playa de Niñons (beach), where you start the return route along gravel roads that bring you past a modern windmill park. Return to your accommodation near Barizo for overnight.
Distance 16.7km/10;4mi, ascent/descent: 720m/2360ft
Note: There are options to shorten today's walk. 5.5-6hrs/13.4km and ascent/descent 615m if you take the designated shortcut, or you can take a taxi from Niñons back to the hotel (3.5hrs/8.3km, ascent/descent 455m)
Day 4 : Transfer to Roncudo, walk to Ponteceso (6.5hrs or 4.5hrs), transfer to Laxe
Location: Laxe
Accommodation Name: modern beach hotel in Laxe
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast a transfer (9.30am) will take you to the tiny hamlet of O Roncudo (to avoid a long stretch of coastal path with a steep slope through an isolated area). From here you can either follow the Camiño along winding footpaths to Cabo O Roncudo (cape) and continue on a 3km tarmac path until you reach the fishermen’s village of O Corme, or take a shortcut to O Corme (which misses the cape and mini lighthouse of O Roncudo).
After a coffee break at O Corme you can choose between the long, spectacular Camiño along the coast with some exposed parts, or a shorter and higher route through shady woods before you reach the extensive sand plateau that separates the river mouth of Ponteceso from the Atlantic Ocean. To finish up, a sandy trail leads to the town of Ponteceso. Here a taxi (at 5:30pm) will transfer you to your modern beach hotel in Laxe, where you stay for 2 nights.
Low route (following official Camino signs): 17.5km/11mi, ascent: 525m/1722ft, descent: 650m/2132ft
High route: 14.4km/9mi, ascent: 325m/1066ft, descent: 450m/1476ft
Day 5 : Walk the coastal trail to Camelle harbour (5.5hrs), transfer to Laxe
Location: Laxe
Accommodation Name: modern beach hotel in Laxe
Meals Included: Breakfast
A beautiful stretch of coastline and one steep hill separates Laxe from the large sandy Playa de Traba. The dunes have been formed by strong ocean winds and waves creating a wetland with lagoon that is home to a diversity of birds. After a swim or a meal at the only bar-restaurant along the route today, you follow an old coastal ox-trail, that has been literally carved into the granite rock and winds around strange wind-sculptured rock formations. From the harbour of Camelle, a taxi transfer (at 5pm) takes you back to Laxe (because there is no hotel nearby).
Distance: 15.3km, ascent/descent 485m/1591ft or shorten: 12.3km/4hrs, ascent/descent 275m/902ft (less exposed, in case of rain or strong winds)
Day 6 : A hilly walk from Arou to Camariñas (6.5hrs)
Location: Camariñas
Accommodation Name: hotel in Camariñas
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our favourite day! An almost mountainous route starts at the village of Arou (morning transfer to Arou included) and takes you first along two small passes before starting to climb the side of Europe’s highest dune. Then truly wild scenery awaits, as you descend and cross a chain of small beaches called Praia do Trece. You finally reach the Cemetery of the English, a symbolic burial site honouring the lives of sailors and passengers that died in three shipwrecks between 1883 and 1893. The last few kilometres are easy as you hike along a gravel road for a while (taking some shortcuts close to the coast at times) before heading into the woods and on to your hotel in Camariñas.
Note: for those afraid of heights or on days with strong winds, there is an alternative route (1.7km shorter) starting near Sta Mariña, offering amazing views across the Praia do Trece before you reach the cemetery.
Distance 15.5km/9.7mi, ascent 415m/1360ft, descent 375m/1230ft
Day 7 : Loop walk to Cabo Vilan lighthouse (4hrs)
Location: Camariñas
Accommodation Name: hotel in Camariñas
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will be surprised by the dramatic location of the most imposing lighthouse on the route: the Cabo Vilán, also the first electrified lighthouse of Spain. Here you can stop at the visitors’ centre and café before continuing along the coast, past a modern fish factory and a chapel located on a hilltop above Camariñas. Today's route is relatively short, allowing you to have a longer lunch (we suggest Puerto de Arnelo restaurant in Camariñas). The traditional village architecture has suffered from modernity, but it houses a small museum dedicated to the typical handcrafted lace of the town. Overnight Camariñas.
Distance: 12km/7.5mi, ascent 270m/885ft, descent 385m/1263ft
Day 8 : Trip concludes
Location: Vimianzo
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast a taxi will take you to Vimianzo (included).
From here you can take the bus to either A Coruña or Santiago de Compostela, with its famous cathedral.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in a mix of 2 and 3-star hotels and simple rural hotels, all on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, providing a comfortable and welcoming stay in small fishing villages of Galicia.
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7 breakfasts
Usually continental style inclusive of breads, cheese, cold meats, tea, coffee & juices.
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7 nights accommodation
In a mix of 2 and 3 star hotels and simple rural hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
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Digital information pack
Including maps and guidebook plus navigational app (smartphone required).
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Luggage transfer
1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess.
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Transfers as described
Transfers on days 4, 5, 6 & 8.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline for assistance.
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Travel to Carballo and from Vimianzo
Travel arrangements to the starting point in Carballo and from the endpoint in Vimianzo.
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Transport
Transfers are included on days 4, 5, 6, and 8, along with luggage transfer for one piece up to 20kg. Travel to Carballo and from Vimianzo is also provided, ensuring a smooth journey throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
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Meals not listed as included
Lunch, dinner, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Mandatory travel insurance is not included.
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Guide
This is a self-guided walking holiday.
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Solo traveler supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees not listed as included are excluded.
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Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
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Excess luggage
A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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Hotel taxes
Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.
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Items of a personal nature
Items such as laundry, phone calls, etc., are not included.
Grading
GRADE 3 - Daily walks are between 4 to 7 hours on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. There are a few off-path sections. There are many ups and downs and walking poles are definitely a good idea. Due to the steep walking paths along cliff faces this hike may be unsuitable if you suffer from vertigo. A good level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, three to four times a week for three months prior to your departure. It is also recommended that you do some bush walking, and multi day walks (i.e. Saturday and Sunday) in preparation for your trip. ...more ...less
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc.
Mode of Transport
Transfers are included on days 4, 5, 6, and 8, along with luggage transfer for one piece up to 20kg. Travel to Carballo and from Vimianzo is also provided, ensuring a smooth journey throughout the tour.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will enjoy 7 nights in a mix of 2 and 3-star hotels and simple rural hotels, all on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. These accommodations are located in small fishing villages of Galicia, providing a comfortable and welcoming stay.
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Are transfers included in the tour?
Yes, transfers are included on days 4, 5, 6, and 8. Additionally, travel to Carballo and from Vimianzo is provided, ensuring a smooth journey throughout the tour. Luggage transfer for one piece up to 20kg is also included.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 breakfasts, which are usually continental style and inclusive of breads, cheese, cold meats, tea, coffee, and juices. Lunch, dinner, and drinks are not included.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided walking holiday. You will receive a digital information pack including maps and a guidebook, plus a navigational app (smartphone required) to assist you during the tour.
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What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and phone.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks?
The walking is graded moderate (3). Daily walks are between 4 to 7 hours on well-marked trails over diverse terrain, from relatively flat to mountainous. There are many ups and downs, and walking poles are recommended. A good level of fitness is required.
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Are there any options to shorten the walks?
Yes, there are options to shorten some of the walks. For example, on Day 3, you can take a designated shortcut or a taxi from Niñons back to the hotel. On Day 5, there is a shorter route available in case of rain or strong winds.
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What happens if I need assistance during the tour?
You will have access to an emergency hotline for assistance throughout the tour.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts in Carballo, Spain, and ends in Vimianzo, Spain. Transfers to the starting point in Carballo and from the endpoint in Vimianzo are included.
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Are there any notable landmarks or sites included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to several notable landmarks such as the Faro Nariga lighthouse, Playa de Niñons beach, the Cemetery of the English, and the Cabo Vilán lighthouse, which is the first electrified lighthouse of Spain.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Camino dos Faros: The Lighthouse Way
8 Days Starting in Carballo, Spain and ending in Vimianzo, Spain
Visiting: Carballo, Malpica de Bergantiños, Costa da Morte, Laxe, Camariñas, Vimianzo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CDF
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
