Ferrol is a historical city known for being the starting point for pilgrims from Northern Europe of the English Route to Santiago de Compostela. Its heritage, Ferrol of the Enlightment (the neighborhood of Magdalena), is aspiring to be part of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. It also has the Meninas Route, in the Canido neighborhood, and the Modernism Route. Some of its beaches have a Blue Flag badge.
Ferrol is the most northern city of the Xunta of Galicia. It is known for its dedication to the sea of many generations thanks to its docks, shipyards, fishermen and beaches. Ferrol’s estuaries have a wide variety of colorful and wonderful landscapes.
When the real shipyard of Esteiro was constructed in the XVIII century, it was essential to create a neighbourhood for the new well-to-do class that arrived in the city. That’s how, one of its most emblematic neighborhoods, the Barrio de la Magdalena, was born. Intellectuals and Navy officers brought the Enlightenment to Ferrol and proof of it are their white houses with large wrought iron balconies next to their multiple glazed galleries along the ruins.
In addition, thanks to the fact that it is the starting point of the English Route to Santiago, it enjoys great spirituality and is a focus of attraction for pilgrims from Northern Europe who come from the United Kingdom or Ireland. But Modernism is not only what prevails in the city. As a recent initiative, walking through the streets of Ferrolanas, you will find the so-called Las Meninas Route. In order to revive and rehabilitate the Canido neighbourhood, the local artist Hermida has achieved that, with his streetart proposal, it has become a bohemian neighborhood (urban furniture in the shape of a menina, paintings on walls and buildings ...).
Among the different visits possible to make through the city is the Exponav-Naval Museum or the Castle of San Felipe. This Exponav is one of the largest in Europe related to this topic. Close to this exhibition you will find the Naval Museum, that reflects its maritime tradition of the city with different reproductions of old ships, maps, models ... The Castle of San Felipe, the most visited monument of Ferrol, has a great historical relevance to be practically a military fortification. Its views of the estuaries are spectacular.
Its beaches and the natural surroundings of Ferrol have the capacity to amaze those who visit it. Its green mountains and lakes make its flora and fauna unique in the world.
Ferrol's rich gastronomy and wines are one of its strengths. Lacón with turnip tops is one of its specialties, accompanied by potatoes and chorizo. Its empanadas are also famous with their compango (stuffing). Its seafood has no competition: lobster, octopus a la feira, scallops... Filloas can be taken for dessert with a comforting queimada to finish.
