Free walking tours in Ferrol and what to see

Must-sees

Ferrol grew in the 18th century around its military arsenal, and its layout shows it. The A Magdalena district is an Enlightenment grid of straight streets, with houses with glazed galleries and several Modernista buildings. There you will find the co-cathedral of San Xiao and Praza de Armas. Ferrol Vello, by the port, keeps the city’s seafaring origins.

To understand its naval history, visit the Naval Museum and Exponav, devoted to shipbuilding, both next to the arsenal. At the mouth of the estuary stands San Felipe castle, a fortress that guarded the narrow passage to the port. Outside the city, the coast offers open beaches such as Doniños and cliff scenery towards Cabo Prior.

Free tours and guided visits

Ferrol has free walking tours on a fairly regular basis, especially in summer. They usually cover A Magdalena, its galleries and Modernista architecture, and explain the city’s relationship with the Navy. They run on a pay-what-you-like basis. Among guided visits, those to the arsenal and the naval museums are worthwhile, as are excursions along the Ferrolterra coast, San Felipe castle or the cliffs of Cedeira and San Andrés de Teixido.

How long to spend

A full day lets you see the main sights: the morning in A Magdalena and Ferrol Vello and the afternoon for the naval museums and San Felipe castle. With two days you can add the beaches and lighthouses of the coast. If you come at Holy Week, which is lived very intensely here, book ahead. Ferrol is also the start of the Camino Inglés.

Where to stay

The best area to stay is A Magdalena and its surroundings, because most of the city, the port and the restaurants are within walking distance. It is a flat district, easy to get around. If you prefer the sea, there are places to stay near the beaches, though you will need a car. For anyone walking the Camino Inglés, sleeping near the port makes starting the route easier.