Beyond the Sunset
The Costa da Morte provides us with an unbeatable scenic and cultural wealth, where nature, artistic heritage and legends walk hand in hand with the king of all planets on every step of the journey. Alén do solpor is a tourism promotion project that proposes a re-interpretation of the destination of the Costa da Morte, coordinating all the resources that link this territory to the sun’s historical and cultural legacy.
If you visit this website you’ll be able to see the wealth and attractions offered by the seventeen municipalities of this unique coast. Beaches, cliffs, ridges, even an idiosyncratic climate with its flora and fauna, shape a pristine, immaculate landscape.
Social activities, anthropology, customs, folklore, gastronomy, fiestas, romerías, the sweet, soothing language of these parts – all are expressions fashioned over time and, in a nutshell, by man adapting to nature. A historical and artistic heritage born in prehistoric times with megaliths, petroglyphs and hillforts, which became imposing in mediaeval times thanks to religious and civil constructions like castles and palaces. Neither must we forget the works erected in the name of popular devotion such as cruceiros (stone crosses), and wayside shrines or even avant-garde art, museums and interpretation centres or lighthouses. Thanks to the modernisation of the tourism sector, a wide network of accommodation and catering facilities are available to offer you a different and high quality experience.
Sunset
Contemplating the sun sinking into the sea always creates a magical moment that invites transcendence. The fiery purples and the reds, reminiscent of gazing into the hearth, provide a sense of intimacy and calm as the day fades away. Such colour palettes and multi-coloured skies are conducive to an intense sensorial experience, where everything seems to take on a special meaning.
We’ll observe the sky and connect with this star, which entraps us and reveals itself as the true protagonist of the landscape and nature, the origin of the culture and history of a universal people with a rich heritage yet to be discovered.
Costa da Morte three-sunset route
We propose trips lasting 1, 2 or 3 days to make the most of the Costa da Morte in the search for the last sunset on mainland Europe.
Fun facts about the sun
Which is the most western point of the peninsular Spain?
The westernmost point of the peninsular Spain is on the Costa da Morte, specifically in Cape Touriñán. Interestingly, if we trace a straight line from the Cape in the direction of the horizon, we would reach New York at a distance of 5,200 km.
When do solstices occur?
Solstices are produced twice a year, coinciding with the sun being at the furthest point from the Equator. The solstice marks the maximum difference in the length of night and day. The summer solstice falls on around 21 June, and the winter solstice around 22 December.
When are the equinoxes?
During the equinoxes, day and night are equal in length as this is when the sun is on the Equator. The spring equinox marks the beginning of this season and occurs around 21 March, while the autumn equinox falls on around 22 September.
What is an archaeoastronomical alignment?
This is the alignment of certain constructions, archaeological sites and geographical landmarks with the sun or other stars at a specific time of the day and year. In the Costa da Morte, we have the example of the Dolmen de Dombate, where every winter solstice the first rays of the morning sun flood the central corridor with light.
What is believed to be the origin of the Jacobean pilgrimage?
Some historians consider that it could possibly be the journeying of thousands of people to the Costa da Morte since ancient times to observe the sun disappear forever into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s considered plausible that these more or less organised pilgrimages were recycled by Christianity, giving rise to the Jacobean pilgrimage to Fisterra and Muxía.
What is a “green flash”?
It’s an atmospheric optical phenomenon that can be seen for a fleeting moment at the end of the sunset, when an intense green light appears for one or two seconds over the sun. Although it’s difficult to see a green flash because very specific atmospheric conditions are needed, many people attempt to capture it. Why don’t you try! Choose a calm day with almost no atmospheric turbulence, find a high spot, preferably facing the ocean horizon, and focus on the sun’s dying rays.
Elia’s story
"My name is Elia, my grandmother called me this because she said I was born as the sun cast its final ray, this adventure was also born during this light instant, in that fleeting moment impossible to stop."
The last sunset
In times of the Roman Empire, Cape Fisterra was understood to be the end of the world (Finis Terrae). The area is not really the westernmost part of continental Europe, but it nevertheless enjoys the privilege of being the spot where you can contemplate the last sunset on the continent two months of the year.
A Costa da Morte
A Costa da Morte represents the essence of Galicia. Natural Galicia, from the unspoilt beaches and cliffs of Fisterra, Camariñas or Malpica; but also the wind-sculpted cliffs in Traba (Laxe).
