Sanctuary of A Virxe da Barca
Muxía, Spain
A baroque church on wave-polished rocks at the tip of Muxía, a traditional end point for Camino pilgrims. Climb the Monte Corpiño behind it for the view, and keep off the rocks in heavy swell.
The sanctuary of the Virxe da Barca stands right by the sea on the headland of Muxía. According to pilgrims’ belief, the Virgin arrived here in a stone boat to encourage the Apostle James; the rocks in front of the church are said to be the remains of that boat. They include the Pedra de Abalar (“rocking stone”), the Pedra dos Cadrís (kidney stone), the Pedra dos Namorados and the Pedra do Temón (rudder stone). Muxía is an end point of the Camino de Santiago on the Atlantic coast. On Christmas Day 2013 a fire, caused by lightning according to Wikipedia, destroyed the roof and altarpiece; the church was rebuilt by 2015.
Climb the roughly 70 m high Monte Corpiño behind the sanctuary: a stone path of about 500 m leads to the summit, with all-round views over the town, the bay and, on clear days, to Cabo Vilán, especially beautiful at sunset. The big A Barca pilgrimage takes place in September, when it is crowded.
- Nearest town
- Muxía, Spain
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 43.1122, -9.2190
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Área de Autocaravanas de MuxíaMotorhome stopover2 km from Sanctuary of A Virxe da Barca · 15 pitchesMotorhomesDrinking waterWaste disposalFree
- Camping Lago MarCampsite4 km from Sanctuary of A Virxe da BarcaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping O'ParaísoCampsite5 km from Sanctuary of A Virxe da BarcaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Cámping Ruta FinisterreCampsite19 km from Sanctuary of A Virxe da BarcaTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Área de Autocaravanas de FisterraMotorhome stopover23 km from Sanctuary of A Virxe da Barca · 30 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Campamento Turístico Santa María de BrandoñasCampsite24 km from Sanctuary of A Virxe da BarcaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Spain · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Sanctuary of A Virxe da Barca?
Sanctuary of A Virxe da Barca is in Muxía, Spain, at GPS 43.1122, -9.2190. It is about 4 km from Camariñas.
Can you camp near Sanctuary of A Virxe da Barca?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Área de Autocaravanas de Muxía, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 15 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Sanctuary of A Virxe da Barca?
Sanctuary of A Virxe da Barca is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Costa da Morte: Galicia’s coast of shipwrecks.
What is there to see near Sanctuary of A Virxe da Barca?
Places worth a stop nearby: Cabo Vilán lighthouse (5 km), Ézaro waterfall (24 km), Cape Finisterre (26 km) and Hórreo de Carnota (34 km).
When is the best time to visit Sanctuary of A Virxe da Barca?
The most pleasant months are usually May–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)