Reasons to Visit A Coruña in Galicia
A Coruña is a city that does the things Spain does best
Book Top Experiences and Tours in Galicia:
If youʻre booking your trip to Galicia last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences!- Santiago de Compostela: Private Walking Tour
- From Santiago: Finisterre, Muxia & Costa da Morte Excursion
- From A Coruña: Costa da Morte & Cape Finisterre Day Tour
- Santiago: Cathedral & Museum Tour & Pórtico of Glory Option
- From Santiago: Rías Baixas Galicia Seafood & Wine Day Tour
It is true that âÂÂNo one is a stranger in La Coruña,â an urbane and bustling metropolis and one of the top attractions in . The city is blessed with the natural beauty of its stunning peninsular surroundings, its historic port and some of the most beautiful beaches right in the doorstop of the city centre. Its long mercantile history of over 2,000 years has shaped the cityâÂÂs cosmopolitan reputation which continues to this day. There is a developed financial services and administration sector, and it is one of the wealthiest Northern Spanish cities, but itâÂÂs also famous for its fashion houses: Zara, Mango and Caramelo.
An affluent middle class mean there are no shortage of great places to stay, things to do and places to eat. ItâÂÂs geographical prominence on the coastline means it can also be used as a base to explore the rest of Galicia, as itâÂÂs less than an hour to Santiago and within easy reach of many fishing villages along the infamous Costa de Morte, where many men have lost their lives on the rocks. Above all else La Coruña is a city that does the things Spain does best. Come here to eat and drink well and relax and mix with the locals who will always give you a warm welcome.
All of La Coruña is easy to explore on foot and the Paseo Maritimo which runs around the coastline is a must, from the Riazor Beach or Plaza Maria Pita, as is walk to Torre de Hercules. This is the only Roman lighthouse in the world still functioning (though it has been heavily restored and altered in the 18th Century) and is testament to the strategic importance of the peninsular as well as the perils of the rocky coastline.
FOOD AND DRINK
You can enjoy al fresco drinking and dining all over the city, but one of the best places is at the Avenida da Marina. This piazza facesàDarsena de la Marina, the longest harbour promenade in Europe, and site of the original glass fronted fishermenâÂÂs quarters that gives the city its nicknameàla ciudad de cristalà(the city of glass). The centre of the city has some of the bestàrestaurantsàin Galicia.
La Coruña is the gastronomic centre of the region, in a country where eating is the main preoccupation of its citizens. With the Atlantic on its doorstep, and a thriving culture of fishing villages nearby, there is really no better place in Galicia to eat shellfish and seafood. This is of course prime tapas country, so head toàCalle Barreraàfor the best in the city, if not all of Galicia. Those brave enough can try the cocodrilo (thatâÂÂs right, crocodile) roasted on a kebab skewer and served with fried Galician potatoes atàTasca a Troula. Calle Barrera is crammed with tapas bars, so stroll around until you find the perfect one for you. You could eat at a different restaurant every day. YouâÂÂll no doubt be treated to the famous Galician hospitality wherever you eat, as this is very much a localâÂÂs area, but as ever they are always open and warm to tourists.
Our favourite Tapas Bar is something of an institution.ÃÂ La BombillaÃÂ has been serving up dishes of legendary quality for years on the Calle de la Galera 7, winning the hearts of locals and visitors alike with its signature dish, a fillet steak with red pimento pepper and fried potatoes. No visit to the city is complete without visiting this landmark establishment.
If youâÂÂre looking for something awe-inspiring and upscale,àMirador de San Pedroàwill meet and exceed all expectations. It is worth the trip alone to see the cunningly designed Cliffside hydraulic lift and the sweeping front that affords you the best sea vistas in town.
The best place for a cold one has to be the huge bar at theàEstrella de Galiciaàbrewery in Concepción Arenal 10. This is truly the Cathedral of Galician bars!
THINGS TO DO
Not far from here is the large department storeàEl Corte Inglésàa great place to buy a straw donkey for the relatives or any other necessary souvenirs.
If youâÂÂre looking for a quiet beach in summer head to Santa Christina only 10 minutes from the centre, or go 20 minutes in the other direction to theàSanta CruzàIsland castle built to defend the town from the English invaders.
A trip to theàAquarium Finisterraeà(Latin for the EarthâÂÂs End, this was the limit of the Roman known world) is not to be missed, not least for its famous outdoor seal environment right on the Atlantic seafront.
Casa del Hombre DomusÃÂ as the building has a striking modern design thanks to the Japanese architect, Arata Isozaki. This science and technology museum is home to explorations of humanity and the self, reinvented through interactive exhibits.
Go to Calle Real to shop or the recently opened shopping complex atÃÂ Marineda CityÃÂ whichis the largest commercial complex in Spain and includes theÃÂ Carris HotelÃÂ and Go Karting trackÃÂ Paris Dakart.
Football fans already know thatÃÂ DeportivoÃÂ call La Coruna their home. Deportivo were relegated last season, but with their fanatical fan base they should regain their rightful place in La Liga.ÃÂ There is always an electric atmosphere in the stadium.
PLACES TO STAY
There are the typical Spanish seaside resorts here, but look closer and there are some very special places to put your head down in this bustling town.
TheàHesperia Finisterreàfive star luxury hotel can cater to all your needs with its three outdoor pools, two gyms and a host of amenities as well as the flagship presidential suite to make your stay in Coruna supremely comfortable. However, theàMelia Maria Pitaàcannot be beaten for location. Across the road from the beach and seconds away from the port and the town centre, itâÂÂs a perfect base to explore the city, and even has its own piano bar if you donâÂÂt want to stray too far from your room.