A Coruña
Forests, Beaches and Magical Corners
In Spain, to the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula lies a region whose forests, beaches and magical corners leave no one indifferent in its path. That region is none other than A Coruña. Unsurprisingly, Galicia is one of the most visited regions of Spain precisely because of that mystical charm that characterises it. Here, magic and reality can merge into a single encounter that you will remember forever.
We, specifically, want to talk to you about a very special corner of Galicia, none other than the place our lives become one: A Coruña. The region is very gastronomically proud, of note (must try), Galician octopus (Pulpo), Croquetas, Spanish omelettes (tortilla Española) & regional wines and cheeses are just some examples of what to sample while visiting in A Coruña. Plus much more to see and do:
Aerial View of A Coruña
Things To Do & See
It is impossible to see all Galician wonder in one trip, so here is a shortlist of places to visit in A Coruña if you want your experience to be complete along with some sports and shopping activities:
The Tower of Hercules
Surrounded by myth and legend, the Tower of Hercules is one of the great emblems of A Coruña. It is not for nothing that it is the oldest Roman lighthouse in the world and the only one that is still working today, despite the numerous reforms it has undergone throughout its history.
From the tower, the world seems immense and the view is lost on the horizon. At its highest point, you will be able to see an incomparable panorama . In its lowest part, you will find remains of archaeological finds that will make you plunge into the depths of the most remote legends.
And as a last detail: if you want to enjoy spectacular light, go see the lighthouse just before sunrise . Its halo of light mixes with the dawn lights in an unforgettable sight.
The Port of A Coruña
Where the boats are moored and adventures come and go is the port of A Coruña , a place that you cannot miss if you especially like the nautical world.
With an endless collection of ships, you might even be lucky enough to stumble upon one of the huge training ships : foreign ships that house a museum inside to introduce their culture and customs to those who want to visit.
In addition, in this area you can also find the Casino and the glazed avenue of La Marina, a spectacle to behold.
Old Town of A Coruña
The old town of A Coruña offers you a unique journey through history , with coastal-style buildings, impressive windows and streets full of life. You can walk along Rua Real , as well as Franja, Galera and Estrella streets.
This is where you will find the main leisure areas of the city; you will be able to enjoy an atmosphere of tapas, wines and live events that will delight all your senses in the purest Galician style.
The Rose of the Winds
Beneath the Tower of Hercules lies this iconic Compass Rose: a mosaic-shaped compass that guides anyone who has lost it.
This place has always been considered a spiritual corner, the centre of ancient legends that are still transmitted by word of mouth today. It is common to find people meditating and there are spectacular views of the Riazor beach.
The Castle of San Antón
Our city has been the object of continuous siege attempts and the castle of San Antón is for us a great symbol of strength and resistance . Since 1994 it has been considered an Asset of Cultural Interest in the “monument” category and houses the Archaeological and Historical Museum of A Coruña , one of the many museums in A Coruña.
As a curious fact, it came to take the role of both a fortress against invasions in the 16th century and a prison and quarantine hospital to treat those sailors who brought diseases.
Viewpoint of San Pedro
Located on Mount San Pedro, there is no city worth its salt that does not have a decent viewpoint where you can contemplate the entire landscape. At the eastern end of the Riazor beach, A Coruña has its own, where from the heights you can enjoy an impressive view of the city .
Of course, the area has a restaurant and a large green area where you can sit quietly to enjoy the sunset with a cold beer.
María Pita Square
This square in A Coruña has the name of one of the city’s heroines : María Pita.
The real name of this warrior was Mayor Fernández de la Cámara Pita. The story goes that the English army, with privateer Drake in command, intended to besiege the city of A Coruña.
However, the courage of María Pita to defend her city instilled courage in the Spanish soldiers who took refuge there and together they managed to drive out the invaders. In fact, María Pita assassinated one of the lieutenants and, to the surprise of the English, the Spanish launched a memorable offensive that ended with the withdrawal of the English troops.
The sculpture of María Pita looks impressive in the square that proudly bears her name. In addition, it shares a site with the beautiful A Coruña City Hall , which makes it a must-see for tourists.
The Coast of Death (Car Required)
It is impossible to talk about A Coruña and not mention one of its most emblematic and famous places: the Costa de la Muerte.
This natural space takes some time to fully visit, as it has both beaches and hiking trails , extensive walks and, ultimately, a great cultural legacy that you will not be able to explore in a single day. Take it easy and explore this place completely, it will be an experience you will never forget.
The Field Gives Rat / Campo de la Rata
The Campo de la Rata sculpture park is a group of monuments next to the Tower of Hercules that was declared a World Heritage Site in 2009 by UNESCO.
It has two facilities: the monument in memory of those shot in the Republic, by Isaac Díaz Pardo, and the menhirs for peace , by Manolo Paz. There we can also find the House of Words, an old Muslim cemetery.
This place has great symbolic value, with a more than obvious Celtic setting and an air of charm that UNESCO itself has taken into account when considering it a place to preserve forever.
The Museum of Estrella Galicia (MEGA)
At Mundo Estrella Galicia you will be able to learn everything about one of the oldest breweries in Spain, and which is also located within the factory itself, where you can enjoy numerous workshops and events . With a long family tradition, heritage and know-how that will make your visit unique and unforgettable. In recent years it has become one of the key points when it comes to what to see in A Coruña, especially for beer lovers.
A museum where you can feel, touch and experience. Putting value on beer and beer culture, you will be able to learn about the production process and all the ingredients that make Estrella Galicia unique.
An unusual cultural immersion where you can take part in our workshops, you will learn to throw your own cane and you will culminate your experience with a tasting of our beers, and where better than in our house. You can also learn more about A Coruña.
Soak up our beer spirit!
Surfing
Just a 10 minute drive from A Coruña, Prado surf school is located right on the beach, with changing rooms, hot showers, a shelter for material, a waiting area and a porch with sea views, all of this in one of the busiest beaches enjoyed all year round by surfers.
What are you waiting for to start your surf classes?
For bookings call +34 655 457 022, or just rock up to the beach.
Surfboard rentals cost from €20 for a half day (soft and hard boards available)
Water sports
Just a 10 minute drive from A Coruña, based at Santa Cristina Beach in Perillo.
Marea Surf was created as a shop and windsurf club in 1987 in Padrón. Later opened several stores in La Coruña and a school in Santa Cristina.
Local pioneers in the sponsorship of windsurfing, surfing teams and championships in Galicia, actively collaborating in the creation of the Galician Surfing Association, which later became the Galician Federation, and which later gave rise to the Spanish Surfing Federation.
They cater for:
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Sailing
- Paddle boarding
- Wing foil
See more HERE
Bici Coruña
A Coruña is a benchmark in Spain for its commitment to sustainable mobility. Its more than 50 kilometres of cycle lanes, which connect all the city’s neighbourhoods. A recent Overhaul of the municipal bicycle rental system and its pioneering declaration as City 30 (Maximum speed within City) make the city one of the safest cities in which to enjoy two wheels.
BiciCoruña offers the possibility of renting brand new bicycles at 55 stations throughout the city. More than 500 vehicles are available to users throughout the city, half of them electric. A new system will allow visitors to access this service digitally or through the BiciCoruña web platform. There are also other options for renting bicycles in the city such as Eco-logic and Ok Zona eBike .
Do you want to know what it feels like to walk along the coastline? Don’t think twice and enjoy the sea breeze on two wheels. An urban adventure awaits you in which you will discover monuments, protected natural spaces, museums at the foot of the ocean and the best gastronomy to recharge your batteries. It rolls in A Coruña, flies over the sea.
A monthly subscription can be easily set-up (and cancelled at any time) using the BiciCoruña phone application, and related usage rates can be viewed online HERE.
Shopping in A Coruña
Marineda City is your go to shopping mall for those forgotten shoes, the last minute outfit changes, the new bikini, or the bigger sweat pants for the days after. It is also great place to wear the kids out (& big kids) if they get sick of the beach, or some evening activities.
With an average of 17 million visitors a year, Marineda City has established itself as the leading shopping center in Galicia and the northwest of the peninsula.
Located in A Coruña and inaugurated in 2011, Marineda City offers visitors a unique and complete experience that adds to shopping a variety of leisure and restaurant proposals such as cinemas , bowling , karting or a complete freestyle indoor center.
Nearly 200 stores and brands such as Ikea , Decathlon , Media Markt , El Corte Inglés (outlet store) , Hipercor , Leroy Merlin or Primark make it a pole of commercial and tourist attraction with an attractive and differentiated offer.
In addition, it has another three floors of free parking with a capacity of 6,000 spaces.