San Felipe Castle Ruins
Explore a hidden underground city and uncover centuries of military history at the remarkable San Felipe Castle Ruins.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for tours to run
San Felipe Castle Ruins
Best Time
Best chance for tours to run
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a hidden underground city and uncover centuries of military history at the remarkable San Felipe Castle Ruins.
"The guided tour with Fernando is most definitely worth it, he's the one of the best and most passionate guides I've ever met. "
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Entry is by guided tour only. Book in advance to guarantee your spot and avoid disappointment.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be exploring extensive underground tunnels, so wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Underground City
Beneath the castle
Explore miles of hand-dug tunnels, surprisingly intact after centuries of history and conflict. A true subterranean marvel!
Passionate Guided Tours
Throughout the site
Guides like Fernando bring the castle's history to life with incredible passion and knowledge, making the visit unforgettable.
Castle Remnants
Above ground
Though not fully intact, the remaining structures offer a sense of the castle's former scale and strategic importance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the Underground
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Entry is by guided tour only. Book in advance to guarantee your spot and avoid disappointment. +1
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be exploring extensive underground tunnels, so wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Tours can last up to two hours, and exploring the underground city is a significant part of the experience.
🗣️ Multilingual Guides
Guides often cater to multiple languages, ensuring everyone can enjoy the historical insights.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Entry is by guided tour only. Book in advance to guarantee your spot and avoid disappointment. +1
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be exploring extensive underground tunnels, so wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Tours can last up to two hours, and exploring the underground city is a significant part of the experience.
🗣️ Multilingual Guides
Guides often cater to multiple languages, ensuring everyone can enjoy the historical insights.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the San Felipe Castle Ruins for its fascinating underground city and the exceptional quality of the guided tours, particularly highlighting guides like Fernando for their passion and knowledge. While the above-ground ruins are less substantial, the immersive experience of the tunnels and the historical insights provided make it a highly recommended visit, though booking in advance is crucial due to unpredictable opening hours. +2
"The guided tour with Fernando is most definitely worth it, he's the one of the best and most passionate guides I've ever met."
Jan Sedlacek
"Web page said it was open. Walked 3.8mile to get there and it was closed. Someone also trying to see the site had just been told it was a military site and next available opertunity to visit was the following evening at 19.00 hrs. Also couldn't find where to get advance tickets.Web page needs urgent updating."
brian roach
"Thie place is a must to visit in Menorca! From outside you think you won't see much but you will get a big surprise with underground city! Special thanks to Franando that explains the story behind the castle and makes everything 💯 times more attractive!"
Sam Klj
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The castle is located near Es Castell. Many visitors report walking from nearby areas, with one mentioning a 3.8-mile walk. It's advisable to check local transport options or consider a taxi if you're not keen on a long walk. Parking availability can be limited, so arriving early or using public transport is recommended.
Information on direct public transport routes can be scarce. It's best to check the latest bus schedules for Es Castell and be prepared for a walk to the site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, booking a guided tour in advance is highly recommended, as the site is often closed to independent visitors. +1 Check the official website for tour times and booking procedures to avoid disappointment.
Opening hours can be inconsistent, and the website may not always be up-to-date. It's crucial to book a guided tour, as these are the primary opportunities for visitors to access the site. Specific tour times are usually listed when booking.
A guided tour typically costs around 8 euros per person, offering excellent value for the duration and content of the tour.
No, access to San Felipe Castle Ruins is generally restricted to guided tours. This ensures visitors can safely explore the complex underground network and learn about its history from knowledgeable guides.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the extensive network of hand-dug underground tunnels and fortifications, which are remarkably well-preserved. Above ground, you'll find remnants of the castle structures that hint at its historical significance.
A guided tour typically lasts about two hours. This allows ample time to explore both the above-ground ruins and the extensive underground passages.
Information on specific facilities like restrooms or cafes is limited. It's advisable to use facilities before your tour begins and bring water, especially during warmer months.
The underground tunnels can be exciting for older children, but the confined spaces and historical context might be less engaging for very young ones. Parental supervision is essential.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must due to the uneven terrain and extensive walking through tunnels. Consider layers as the temperature underground can be cooler than outside.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted within the castle ruins and tunnels. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and any specific instructions from your guide.
The intricate patterns of the underground tunnels and the stark contrast between the stone walls and any natural light create dramatic photo opportunities. The remaining above-ground structures also offer historical perspectives.
As a historical military site, drone usage may be restricted. It's best to check with the site management or your tour guide before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Guides are often adept at engaging younger audiences with stories and historical facts, making the experience educational and fun. Consider the age and temperament of your children when planning your visit. The historical context of the castle as a defense fortification can also spark imaginative play and learning about military history.
💰 Budget Travelers
Since entry is exclusively via guided tour, there are no additional fees for exploring different sections. The tour price includes access to the entire complex, including the impressive underground city. This all-inclusive pricing structure is ideal for those managing their travel expenses carefully.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Strategic Importance of San Felipe Castle
The hand-dug tunnels are a testament to the engineering and labor of the time. Despite enduring heavy bombing during conflicts, much of this subterranean city remains intact, offering a unique and immersive historical experience. Visitors often express surprise at the scale and preservation of these underground passages, which are a highlight of any tour.
Understanding the castle's history as a military stronghold provides context for its impressive, albeit partially ruined, structure. The guided tours are essential for appreciating the full story, from its construction and strategic purpose to its role in various historical events that shaped Menorca.
Navigating the Guided Tour Experience
Visitors should expect tours to last approximately two hours, covering both the visible remnants of the castle above ground and the extensive underground network.
Booking a tour in advance is paramount, as independent access is rarely permitted, and tours can fill up quickly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit