The official Camino does end at Santiago Cathedral, site of St. James’ tomb. But other traditions tell of a pre-Christian route to Finisterre, the End of the Earth, once considered the westernmost point in Europe. Perhaps those long-ago people travelled just for adventure, a desire to experience that special place. Perhaps they were searching for the wise teachers of hidden knowledge who might have had a school at the End of the Earth. Or maybe the Finisterre tradition is really from pilgrims who came to collect a scallop shell as proof of having completed their journey to Santiago.

Nowadays walkers have re-discovered the route to Finisterre and Muxia. Some people have never done the classic Camino. Some pilgrims need time to think about their Camino journey. Other pilgrims just can’t stop walking and yet others return years after their pilgrimage, wanting to complete their experience by walking from Santiago to the coast.

After Santiago the feeling of the trail changes. There are fewer pilgrims, less infrastructure, smaller villages. And with Santiago de Compostela behind instead of ahead, perhaps pilgrims walk not focused on reaching the big destination, but on the joy of walking. If that might be you, come join us to walk Santiago to the Sea. ;