Costa da Morte

The Costa da Morte is a beautiful part of the Galician coast. Its name, which means “Coast of Death,” comes from an old legend about sailors and the sea. The most common way people talk about this place starts at Cape Finisterre and ends at Malpica. Some people include even more area, from Muros all the way to A Coruña.

This stretch of coast has many interesting sights, including cliffs, beaches, and old buildings. It is a special place for people who love nature and history. Many visitors come to see the beautiful views and learn about the stories from the past.

Background

The Costa da Morte, meaning "Coast of Death," got its name because many ships have run aground on its rocky shores. This area faces the Atlantic Ocean directly and has seen several oil spills, like the one from the Prestige in 2002 [/w/2].

The outer cape area is special for its history and culture. In the Galician language, the place is called Fisterra, a name that comes from an old Roman story saying this was the edge of the world (Finis-terrae). Many Christian travelers on the Way of St. James helped bring the area into the Catholic Church.

People there still keep old traditions, including places with special stones called pedras de abalar (also known as rocking stone). These stones were important in old rituals, and there are stories about the wind causing wild dreams.

Major commercial and fishing ports

The Costa da Morte has many important ports for work and fishing. These include Malpica, Camariñas, Muxia, Fisterra, Laxe, Cee, and Ponteceso. The ports help the people who live there.

Geography

The Costa da Morte includes Cape Finisterre, a rocky peninsula at the very western edge of Galicia, Spain. Many think Cape Finisterre is the farthest west point of Spain, but the real westernmost landmark is Cabo Touriñán, just north of Fisterra. The name "Fisterra" comes from a Latin word meaning "Land's End." Cape Finisterre has a famous lighthouse, and the nearby seaside town is called Fisterra. The Costa da Morte also includes other capes like Cabo Touriñán and Cape Vilán. To the north are the Rías Altas.

Locations

Some towns and places along the Costa da Morte include:

• Arou, Camelle, Camariñas
• Balarés
• Barizo
• Cabo da Nave
• Cabo de Laxe
• Cabo Touriñán
• Cabo Vilán
• Caión
• Camariñas
• Camelle
• Corme
• Fisterra
• Illas Sisargas
• Malpica
• Muxia
• Nemiña
• O viso
• Praia de Baldaio
• Praia de Traba
• Praia do Rostro
• Praia do Trece
• Punta da Barca
• Punta de Nariga
• Punta do Razo
• Punta Falcoeira
• Ria de Laxe
• Ria de Lires
• Suevos