Castelo de San Felipe

Castelo de San Felipe

📍 Ferrol

A 16th-century fortress guarding the entrance to the Ría de Ferrol—described by the British Admiralty as the best natural harbour in Europe. Together with Castelo da Palma across the ría, it defended Ferrol from naval attacks, including a failed British expedition in 1800. One of the best-preserved military fortifications in Galicia, now offering theatrical night visits in summer.

A fortress raised by Philip II in the late 16th century to defend the narrow mouth of the Ferrol ría. With the castles of La Palma and San Martín on the opposite shore, it formed a defensive 'trident' that sealed the passage with crossfire and a great chain stretched over the water. Very well preserved, it can be visited today, with views of the whole ría.