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Starting the Camino Ingles in Ferrol: A Pilgrim’s Guide (& What I Wish I Knew The First Time)

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The Camino Ingles starts in Ferrol, offering pilgrims fresh sea air, historic charm, and a lesser-known route to Santiago de Compostela.

When I first walked this Camino, I did little research. We knew we’d start in Ferrol, I’d already walked other routes, so figured my gear was fine. We just booked hotels, arrived and winged it. That gung-ho approach did backfire; we missed a few important sites, struggled to find dinner and had a bit of a fiasco over parking.

Though the Camino Ingles is one of the shortest Caminos, and Ferrol is a large city with all services, you still need to plan your arrival. Where will you stay? Where do you find the first arrows? Where’s the pilgrim office? And if you’re driving, where do you park?

Next time, I’ll arrive better prepared. But you can avoid my mistakes by reading this guide.  I’ll share everything I wish I had known before starting this glorious little Camino.

Where is Ferrol And Why Does the Camino Ingles Start Here?

Ferrol is a port city in Galicia, Northern Spain. When I first arrived, I wasn’t sure what to expect but I knew it had a busy working port.  However, just like Santander on the Northern Camino, Ferrol surprised me.  It combines the working port with a pretty old quarter, a few historical gems, city parks and a few beautiful beaches (just outside the town), and unexpectedly a few great restaurants.  I just wish I’d known about this before my first visit!

The city’s maritime legacy dates back to Roman times, gaining prominence in the Middle Ages as a critical naval base for the Spanish Armada. More interestingly for pilgrims, Ferrol and nearby La Coruna were landing points for ships bringing pilgrims bound for Santiago de Compostela; many from near my old home in Devon.

This maritime history gave the Camino Ingles (or the English Way) its name. Historically, pilgrims arrived here by ship from England, Ireland, Scandinavia, and beyond. It’s one of the shortest routes to Santiago but also one of the oldest.

Today most pilgrims start from Ferrol rather than A Coruna. At 118 kilometres from Santiago, Ferrol comfortably meets the 100-kilometre requirement needed to earn your Compostela certificate.

Where Exactly Does the Camino Ingles Start in Ferrol?

The official granite marker designating the start of the Camino Ingles is located near Ferrol’s tourist office, which also doubles as a Pilgrim Office.  But it’s surprisingly easy to miss! Most pilgrims begin their walk here, taking the traditional Starting my Camino Ingles photo beside the marker before heading off to Santiago de Compostela.

On my first visit, we went to the tourist office and harbour area the day before to get our sello (credential stamp) and took our photos then. Our hotel was higher up in the town so it probably saved us a few hundred metres on day 1; and every metre counts right?

Here’s exactly how to find it:

How to Get to Ferrol: Travel Options for Pilgrims

On our first visit, we travelled from France to Ferrol, we found it tricky to find a quick and easy route. Thankfully, most pilgrims aren’t starting from rural southwestern France, and Ferrol is actually very well connected by air, rail, sea, and road.

Parking in Ferrol turned out to be another challenge for us, we even had our car towed on our first visit! Thankfully, it was simply due to planned construction work in the parking lot, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Top Tip: Many longer distance routes may take you to nearby La Coruña. If you’re struggling to find a direct route to Ferrol, consider heading to La Coruña first, then taking a short local bus or train to Ferrol.

Buses and Coaches to Ferrol

Buses and coaches run to Ferrol (and La Coruna) from across Europe, though many involve overnight travel. While these overnight buses (Alsa, Flixbus, BlaBlaBus and OuiBus) are inexpensive, they didn’t suit our schedule. They might however be a better fit for you.

For more local journeys within Spain, Alsa and Monbus both offer regular services to Ferrol. We used Monbus from Santiago de Compostela back to Ferrol (to reclaim our car), which cost less than €5 for the straightforward 1.5-hour journey.

Trains To Ferrol

Ferrol is well-connected with excellent train links from across Spain; for example you can get from Madrid to Ferrol direct in under 6 hours.

However, as with bus routes, many trains first go via nearby A Coruña, where you’ll switch to a local train for the short trip to Ferrol (approximately 40 minutes); look out as the services are more limited in the evening.

Top Tip: We recommend using Trainline to search for and book train tickets across Europe. They conveniently offer bus tickets as well!

Flights to Ferrol

Ferrol doesn’t have its own airport, but nearby A Coruña Airport (LCG) is served by major airlines like Iberia, Vueling, and Air Europa.

From the airport, it’s straightforward to reach Ferrol; either by taxi or use regular bus services to reach A Coruña’s bus or train stations, where you’ll find frequent onward connections to Ferrol.

Travel By Sea to Ferrol

The Camino Ingles exists because English and northern European pilgrims reached Ferrol and A Coruña by sea.

Ironically, today there are no direct ferry services between the UK and either port. However, you can still arrive by sea at Santander or Bilbao via International Ferries from the UK, and from there, use road or rail connections within Spain to reach Ferrol.

Pilgrim Office & Where to Find Your Credential in Ferrol

Ferrol’s waterfront tourist office also serves as the official welcome point for Camino Ingles pilgrims. However, Ferrol has two tourism offices, so make sure to visit the waterfront location.  It’s opposite the giant town letters and near the granite marker where the Camino officially starts.

The website says that the office opens at 9:00 AM. Since we spent a night in Ferrol before beginning our Camino, we visited the day before. You can pick up your pilgrim credential here.  They’ll also give you your first sello (stamp), as well as a map and additional information about the route.

We had already booked our accommodation in advance, but the lady was very friendly, spoke excellent English and offered ideas for lodging too.

Note: It’s possible the opening hours may change seasonally; I’m writing this in February but when we visited in April, the office opened at 8:00 AM. Always double-check opening hours on the official Ferrol tourism website before your trip.

Top Tip : If you need Pilgrim Credentials outside of office hours then try the Pilgrim Albergue of Ferrol or the Co-Cathedral of Ferrol or buy them online before you arrive.

Where to Stay in Ferrol Before Starting the Camino

Your accommodation choice in Ferrol will likely depend on your budget and travel style. Fortunately, Ferrol caters to all pilgrims, from budget-conscious walkers to those looking for a bit more comfort and privacy.

There’s a great new pilgrim albergue, perfect for meeting other walkers and getting into the Camino spirit. At the other end of the scale, the city has a Parador; sadly not set within an ancient monument like many others, but still offering a comfortable stay.

Pilgrim Albergue in Ferrol

In July 2023, Ferrol welcomed a brand-new pilgrim albergue: Albergue Casa do Mar de Ferrol. Galicia has been promoting the Camino Ingles as a family-friendly route and this modern, accessible albergue is part of that initiative.

With 60 beds, this is currently the largest albergue on the Camino Ingles. It’s open exclusively to pilgrims and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Although we didn’t stay here, the location is ideal, just down the road from the tourist office and the official starting point of the Camino Ingles.

Hotel Choices for Pilgrims in Ferrol

Aside from the excellent new pilgrim albergue, Ferrol offers a wide range of accommodations. One popular choice is the Parador de Ferrol, where we opted to stay in April.  The price for a single room was surprisingly reasonable, although rates may rise in summer.

If you’re on a tighter budget or just prefer different options, there are plenty of alternatives nearby.

Top Tip: Location matters! Choose accommodation within walking distance of Ferrol’s old town and waterfront area. Praza Amboage is an ideal central reference point, with easy access to pilgrim services, restaurants, and shops.

What To See and Do in Ferrol Before Your Camino

Most pilgrims arriving in Ferrol, choose the Ingles Camino because it’s short; which suggests you’ll be short on time. But as most also arrive in town the day before there are a few places you may wish to explore.

While Ferrol might not be as well-known as its neighbour A Coruna it nonetheless offers the visitor plenty to see and do. It has a small city vibe and I really enjoyed exploring the streets and parks around the older part of town. 

Allow some time to wander the historic old town, narrow streets, plazas, shops and old buildings all jostle for attention.  And ensure you explore the waterfront as well as visit the Pilgrim Office.

Lesser Know Fact : Ferrol is famous as the birthplace Francisco Franco, the Spanish dictator who ruled from 1939 until his death in 1975

1. Baluarte de San Juan

Just down from the Tourist Office, you’ll see the Baluarte de San Juan. Constructed in the 18th century, the Bastion of San Juan was once a key part of Ferrol’s defensive walls, built to protect the city from naval invasions. It’s an important remnant of Ferrol’s Maritime history.

Today, it’s an historic landmark and offers pilgrims panoramic views of the Curuxeiras harbour, as well as looking down at the starting point of the Camino Ingles as well as the beautiful Ferrol Estuary.

2. Co-Cathedral of San Julián

The Co-Cathedral of San Julián (Concatedral de San Xiao in Galician) is dedicated to Ferrol’s patron saint and is an important symbol of the city’s rich religious heritage.

Designed by architect Sánchez Bort, the cathedral was built between 1765 and 1772 on the site of an older church and was elevated to co-cathedral status in 1959. It shares its diocesan seat with the Cathedral of Mondoñedo, located in the province of Lugo and situated along the Camino del Norte route.

Its striking architecture differs notably from the medieval churches you may have encountered on the Camino Francés. Do take the time to visit if you’re explore Ferrol’s old town.

3. Magdalena Neighbourhood

Barrio de A Magdalena is one of the most historic districts of the city. Once the residential area for sailors and fishermen it became a bustling neighbourhood with a distinct flavour.  The streets are lined with traditional Galician houses and colourful facades, many dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Situated near the waterfront, this neighbourhood has a rich maritime heritage and is characterised by its narrow streets, colourful houses and shops and a lively atmosphere.

4. Naval Museum of Ferrol

The Ferrol Naval Museum showcases the naval heritage of the region. It is considered one of the most important naval museums in Spain, offering insight into the maritime traditions, technologies, and achievements of the area.

5. Walking Tour Of the Historic Heart of Ferrol

If you read any of our travel blogs you’ll know that one of our favourite activities when we arrive in a new town is to search for a walking tour.  It’s the best way to explore and hoorah! there is a fantastic walking tour in Ferrol.

This 90 minute tour starts in the old quarter and tours the highlights of this historic city. It’s the perfect way to get over your journey, stretch your legs and warm up for the Camino

Great Places To Eat in Ferrol

When we stayed in the Parador Hotel in Ferrol, we enjoyed the bar menu but found the restaurant disappointing. So, we searched for other dining options and discovered several fantastic places well worth recommending.

Here are our favorite spots for pilgrims looking to enjoy Ferrol’s excellent food:

Top Tip : For breakfast, follow the arrows to Praza Amboage, there were a few cafes open here when we started our Camino.

Essential Last-Minute Pilgrim Shopping In Ferrol

Surprisingly, Ferrol has relatively few outdoor stores, but as the Camino Ingles grows in popularity, I suspect more shops catering specifically to pilgrims will pop up.

Hiking Poles

One of the most common questions from pilgrims arriving in Ferrol is, “Where can I buy hiking poles?”  If you have flown, you’ll already know the frustration of taking hiking poles on a plane in your carry-on!

Ferrol has a few outdoor shops, but they mostly cater to sea-based activities like surfing rather than hiking. Your best bet is Decathlon, located outside the city centre. You can pre-order items online and collect them in-store to ensure availability, but you’ll need a taxi to get there.

Another option; particularly if you’ve pre-booked accommodation, is to order from Amazon (ES), Decathlon, or other online retailers and having items shipped directly to your hotel. Just confirm in advance that your accommodation is happy to accept packages. I successfully used this method on the Camino Primitivo when my shoes broke just before I started walking!

If you arrive in Santiago first, before you Camino, consider stopping by Pilgrim House, as they often have poles donated by previous pilgrims. Similarly, the Pilgrim Albergue in Ferrol might have a few pairs available, and some pilgrims have even found hiking poles left behind at the airport.

Hiking Shoes And Other Outdoor Equipment

Given Ferrol’s limited options, you’ll may find a better selections in nearby A Coruña, or again, ordering online in advance is a great solution. If you specifically need shoes, these stores are your best local choices:

First Aid Items

Thankfully, Ferrol has plenty of well-stocked pharmacies (farmacias). If a pharmacy is open, you’ll easily spot it by the illuminated green cross. Remember, pharmacies usually close during siesta hours but reopen after 5 PM.

If you need prescription medication in Spain, it’s essential to carry a prescription from your home doctor. However, if you run into an emergency, talk directly to the pharmacist. I’ve successfully done this when I urgently needed Levothyroxine on a previous Camino.

Top Tip: Pharmacies in Spain are extremely helpful for minor health issues. We’ve also known them to  order items and have them delivered within 24 hours, making them an invaluable resource for pilgrims.

Recommended Apps, Books And Websites for the Camino Ingles

If you’re walking from Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela then there are apps, guidebooks, and websites which will be invaluable. Be sure to download or purchase them before leaving home:

Top Tip : Don’t forget my step by step daily stage guides too!

Is Ferrol Worth a Visit Before Starting the Camino Ingles?

Absolutely! While Ferrol might not be as bustling or as famous as neighbouring A Coruña or other Galician cities, it still has its own charm and is definitely worth some extra time.

Spending a day or two here allows you to explore its rich maritime heritage, a little further afield beyond the centre and enjoy excellent local seafood. However, even if your schedule is tight, arriving in the morning before your walk still leaves enough time to stroll the waterfront and the explore old town.

Overall, Ferrol makes a wonderful introduction to Galicia and the Camino Ingles and if you have the time then spare a day. You can then start your pilgrimage journey relaxed, prepared, and ready for the days ahead.

Are You Planning to Walk the Camino Inglés? Here’s Your Stage-by-Stage Guide

This post is part of my comprehensive Camino Inglés series, covering everything you need from the starting point in Ferrol to your arrival at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

Every post includes detailed tips, route options, and practical advice accommodation options.  And if you’d like more then join my private Walking The Camino Facebook group.