death coast
DO YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE "COSTA DA MORTE" IS?
Such a mysterious name sounds like death and destruction, right? But trust me, don't let that scary term fool you.
This northwest coast of Spain is a place full of life and natural beauty, a magical place that will take your breath away. Despite its terrifying name, it is a place that will make you feel alive.
Do you dare to discover that hidden treasure?
HOW DID THE NAME "COSTA DA MORTE" ORIGINATE?
Well, it comes from several ancient legends about ships and sailors lost in terrible storms off its rocky shores.
According to a study, the term was used for the first time in the newspaper Noroeste de Galicia in 1904.
But don't be fooled by that name, this coastal area has been considered dangerous since the Middle Ages, with nicknames like "costa brava" and "costa asesina".
There is even a record of the use of the English term "Coast of Death" used by a British travel writer in 1908.
So if you are a true adventurer, do not miss the opportunity to visit this coast full of dangers and emotions. I assure you that it will be an experience that you will never forget!
WHAT ARE THESE LEGENDS OF THE "COSTA DA MORTE"?
The first tells us that in the past the town of Fisterra was considered to be "the End of the World" with what was on the border with Death. At that time, Flat Terrainism was something obvious and Fisterra was the closest European point to that "End of the World".
Another myth is due to the force of the sea that mercilessly crashes against the cliffs, turning the bottom of the sea into a cemetery for sailors and ships, adding up to 643 documented shipwrecks and 5,984 deaths in those incidents. Here you will find all the documented shipwrecks on the Costa da Morte: Shipwreck Catalogue. Costa da Morte - Galicia
A third myth tells us about the Camino de las Estrellas, today known as the Camino de Santiago, which ended in Fisterra and was where ancient Celtic walkers came from all over Europe to see the sun die every day and be reborn to a new life of light. .
Finally, the oldest legend tells us how, in ancient times, sailors were guided by shells and bonfires lit by women on the headlands to show their men the way back to land.
However, on nights of bad weather, some countrymen deceived other sailors by hanging lighted lanterns on cows, which, with the gait of the animals, pretended to be nearby ships.
Those ships would come close to shore and crash against the rocks, allowing the locals to pull them out and kill the castaways.
WHERE EXACTLY IS THE "COSTA DA MORTE"?
Well, we are going to make it easy for you; This coastal area is located in the Northwest of Spain, more specifically in Galicia.
Although the limits are not very clear, the most "official" is between Malpica and Fisterra, but there are those who define it from Caión beach to Carnota.
With this Google Maps link you can see its location, but believe me, nothing compares to being there in person.
And what is Cape Fisterra? Well, although there is a popular belief that it is the westernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, in reality the westernmost point is Cabo da Roca in Portugal.
Whether to relax or explore, this 200 kilometer area will leave an unforgettable impression on all who dare to face it. It's easy to see why it has become such a popular destination for backpackers and travelers alike despite carrying such a morbid name. Let's give it a chance!