Ferrol offers a range of perspectives side by side: naval history, natural history, urban planning and art. There is also a route through the city’s cultural heritage that can be completed on foot in a morning, as well as hiking and cycling tours along the coast. This lets you choose the focus of your trip according to the subjects that interest you most.
Naval history and collections
The Museo Naval is housed in an 18th-century building designed by Sánchez Bort, which formerly served as a barracks for prisoners. Its permanent exhibition includes historic ship models, diving suits and ship flags, as well as materials on navigation and cartography, and weapons. The different types of collections thus offer several perspectives on maritime history: from models and equipment to maps and navigational aids.
The Museo de la Construcción Naval, also known as Exponav, is also located in Ferrol: it occupies an 18th-century industrial hall in the Herrerías building. The Museo de Historia Natural focuses on a different subject. It displays the skeleton of an 18-metre-long fin whale, as well as a giant squid and rare shark species preserved in fluid. In this way, maritime construction and collection history sit alongside natural history exhibits, while the two museums pursue different subjects.
Art and urban history
Las Meninas de Canido has a clearly identifiable origin and encompasses a range of artistic forms. The project began in 2008 as an artistic and socially engaged initiative by local painter Eduardo Hermida. National and international artists working in painting, graffiti and mural art take part in the event. This offers a different perspective on Ferrol’s cultural heritage from that of the museum collections: the focus here is on an artistic initiative and several disciplines.
Barrio da Magdalena is a historic urban ensemble and a landmark of the city. Its character is shaped by the geometric, rationalist urban planning of the 18th century. The same neighbourhood also plays a part in local cuisine: it is considered Ferrol’s main culinary district, particularly around María and Sol streets. Calle Sol is home to numerous establishments serving tapas and predominantly maritime local cuisine. Urban planning and food culture thus come together in the same neighbourhood.
The Arsenal of Ferrol was built in the 18th century as a complex of hydraulic works and buildings and is described as unique in Europe. Another aspect of the city’s architectural history is Castelo de San Felipe, one of the most representative examples of the great 18th-century bastioned batteries. It offers an excellent view over the Ría.
On foot, along the coast and on the Camino Inglés
A recommended route through the city’s cultural heritage can be completed on foot in a morning. Hiking and cycling tours are also possible along the Ferrol coast. These offer different ways to shape your trip: around the city’s cultural heritage or around activities on the coast.
The Camino Inglés begins in Ferrol and then passes through municipalities such as Narón, Neda, Fene, Cabanas and Pontedeume on its way to Santiago de Compostela. Ferrol is therefore also the starting point for a route that continues beyond the city through several other municipalities.
Events and when to visit
On the evening of 18 March, uniformed rondallas parade through the streets of Ferrol during the Noche de las Pepitas. These groups consist of singers and instrumentalists and serenade the women of the city. The Fiesta de las Pepitas has a history spanning more than 180 years. Holy Week should be distinguished from this when planning your dates: it is recognised as a festival of international tourist interest, but its dates vary according to the religious calendar. If you would like to plan your trip around Holy Week, check the dates for the year in question.
Discover more destinations: Camariñas, Reborido, Rianxo, Castrelo, Brión de Arriba, O Mesón Do Vento, Corcubión, Culleredo
For the broader travel overview: Coruña.
