Ferrolterra
The southern shore of the Ferrol estuary and the open coast down to the mouth of the Eume. A naval city, working ports, surf beaches and short green valleys inland.
Eleven municipalities around an estuary that is at once a naval port, a shipyard and an everyday landscape. Ferrol and Narón hold most of the population; further north, Valdoviño and Cedeira open the coast to the Atlantic swell.
Places
View allCastelo de San Felipe
A 16th-century fortress that guarded the mouth of the estuary alongside Palma castle and the Viñas battery.
HeritageArsenal de Ferrol
The great 18th-century Enlightenment shipyard, today a naval base and the anchor of Ferrol's urban landscape.
HeritageBarrio da Madalena
Ferrol's Enlightenment quarter: a grid of streets, glazed galleries and uniform 18th-century architecture.
HeritageMuseo Naval de Ferrol
Maps, ship models and navigational instruments in the Arsenal's old guardhouse.
BeachesPraia de Doniños
An open beach with a lagoon behind it, dunes and good surf.
BeachesPraia de Ponzos
A long, windy beach with dunes and very little development.
BeachesPraia de Ares
A sheltered town beach with every service next to the harbour.
ViewpointsMiradoiro de Chanteiro
An open view over the mouth of the estuary, with San Felipe opposite and Mugardos to the left.
HeritageCastelo da Palma
A 16th-century ruin on the Mugardos shore, designed to cross fire with San Felipe.
NatureFervenza do Belelle
A waterfall on the Belelle river, minutes from Neda town centre.
HeritageCastelo de Moeche
A medieval fortress rebuilt after the Irmandiño revolts, in the rural heart of Ferrolterra.
HeritageMosteiro de San Martiño de Xuvia
A Romanesque church beside the river, one of the most interesting medieval survivals around Ferrol.
NatureLagoa da Frouxeira
A protected coastal lagoon, held back from the sea by dunes and important for migratory birds.
BeachesPraia de Pantín
A long, open beach that regularly hosts surf competitions.
BeachesPraia da Vilarrube
A quiet beach at a river mouth, with dunes and marsh behind.
HeritageSanto André de Teixido
A shrine on a headland, one of Galicia's most important pilgrimage destinations.
NatureRía de Cedeira
A small, sheltered estuary with marshes, paths and a strong fishing presence.
NatureIlla de Santa Comba
A small island off the Covas coast, joined to land by a tombolo at low tide.