Cape Finisterre, Ancient headland in Fisterra, Spain
Cape Finisterre sits on a granite peninsula that juts into the Atlantic and has a lighthouse standing at its highest point. The terrain drops steeply into cliffs that are bathed in spray during wind and waves, offering open views across the ocean.
Roman sailors considered this point the western edge of the known world and called it Finis Terrae. Later, the lighthouse was built to guide ships traveling along the Galician coast.
Pilgrims completing the Camino de Santiago gather at this point and often burn a piece of clothing as a sign of finishing their journey. Fishermen from Fisterra walk regularly along the coastal paths and watch the ocean to assess favorable conditions for their work.
Access is through a road that leads from the village of Fisterra to the cape, where parking spaces are available. Wind can be strong, so bringing a jacket and wearing sturdy footwear is advisable for walking safely on the paths.
At the base of this promontory, rock formations show traces of tectonic movements that shaped the Iberian Peninsula millions of years ago. These geological features are clearly visible at few spots along the coast.
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