La Coruña City Guide - Spain's Best-Kept Atlantic Secret
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Travel Notes: Destinations: Europe: Spain - La Coruna Travel Guide.
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Travel Guide For Visitors to La Coruna
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Forget the Med crowds and discover why this windswept Galician port city is capturing hearts with its Roman lighthouse, glorious beaches, and fresh seafood. Share on Facebook
A Coruña Like a Local
Perched on Spain's wild Atlantic coast, La Coruña (or A Coruña to locals) is the sort of place that makes you wonder why everyone's still banging on about Barcelona.
Driving Distances in Europe
Discovering The Galician Port City
This spirited Galician city serves up everything from 2,000-year-old Roman lighthouses to beaches that rival the Caribbean; minus the tourist hordes and inflated prices.
Whether you're drawn by the medieval cobblestones of the old town, the modernist glass galleries reflecting the ever-changing Atlantic light, or the promise of the world's best percebes (goose barnacles), La Coruña delivers an authentically Spanish experience that feels refreshingly undiscovered.
Why Choose La Coruña Should For Your Next Spanish Adventure
Beaches That'll Make You Forget the Costa del Sol
La Coruña's beaches are proper stunners.
Playa de Riazor and Playa del Orzán stretch right into the city centre; imagine being able to surf before breakfast and explore Roman ruins after lunch.
The water's admittedly bracing (this is the Atlantic, after all), but the lack of concrete hotel blocks more than makes up for it.
For something more secluded, head to Playa de Santa Cristina or take a short trip to Playa de Bastiagueiro for golden sand and dramatic clifftop views.
The Glass City - Modernist Architecture Meets Atlantic Light
La Coruña's nickname, 'Ciudad de Cristal', comes from the stunning glazed galleries (galerías) that line the waterfront.
These white-painted, glass-fronted buildings create a unique architectural harmony between 19th-century elegance and practical Atlantic weather protection.
The Avenida de la Marina showcases the finest examples; it's like walking through a living postcard of Spanish coastal architecture.
The Tower of Hercules - Rome's Oldest Working Lighthouse
Standing proudly for nearly two millennia, the Tower of Hercules isn't just any old lighthouse; it's the world's oldest Roman lighthouse still guiding ships to safety.
The 55-metre tower offers spectacular views across the Atlantic, and the surrounding sculpture park makes for a brilliant afternoon stroll.
Visit during the golden hour for Instagram-worthy shots without the selfie stick brigade you'll find elsewhere in Spain.
Where to Eat - A Seafood Lover's Paradise
Best Restaurants in La Coruña
If you're looking for Michelin-worthy Galician cuisine in La Coruña, you really are spoilt foe choice.
Traditional Galician Cuisine
Galicia takes its food seriously, and La Coruña is the region's culinary showcase.
Head to the Mercado de San Agustín for the freshest catch of the day.
Foodies Shouldn't Miss Trying
Albariño wine - Crisp white wine that pairs perfectly with seafood.
Empanada gallega - The region's answer to Cornish pasties.
Percebes - Goose barnacles that locals fight over.
Where to Stay in La Coruña
When choosing where to stay in A Coruña consider what kind of experience you're after.
Central Area
Staying centrally means you are close to shopping, restaurants, and cultural sites, which is perfect for first-time visitors wanting to explore the city on foot.
Near the Beach
The area around Praia do Orzán is popular with travellers who want to enjoy the beach atmosphere while still being close to the city centre.
Many visitors book hotels here for around four days to soak up the sun and explore the local scene.
Stylish and Comfortable
The AC Hotel A Coruña (Enrique Mariñas, 34) offers a stylish and comfortable stay near the airport and ExpoCoruna.
Popular Hotels in La Coruna
Getting Around La Coruña
The city centre is wonderfully walkable, with most attractions within easy reach.
The promenade walk from the Tower of Hercules to the city centre is a must-do; offering stunning coastal views and taking about forty-five minutes at a leisurely pace.
Public Transport
Public transport in La Coruña is efficient and affordable, with buses connecting the city centre to outlying beaches and neighbourhoods.
A day pass covers all urban routes.
Day Trips from La Coruña
Betanzos (30 minutes)
A perfectly preserved medieval town that most guidebooks ignore; which is exactly why you should visit.
Cabo Ortegal (1.5 hours)
For dramatic Atlantic coastline and some of Spain's most spectacular cliff walks, this rugged peninsula delivers wild beauty in abundance.
Santiago de Compostela (1 hour)
The famous pilgrimage destination is an easy day trip by train or bus.
Even if you're not walking the Camino, the cathedral and medieval streets are worth the journey.
When to Visit La Coruña
May to September offers the warmest weather and longest days, perfect for beach time and outdoor exploration.
July and August see the most visitors, but it's nothing compared to southern Spanish beach towns.
October to April can be wonderfully atmospheric, with dramatic Atlantic storms and cosy restaurant weather.
Just pack layers and waterproofs.
Practical Information
Getting There
A Coruña Airport (LCG), formerly known as Alvedro Airport is located in the municipality of Culleredo, about 7km from the city centre.
By Bus
With FlixBus, you can easily reach 17 destinations from A Coruña, including Porto, Vigo, and Lisbon.
By Train
Direct trains from Madrid (5.5 hours) and Barcelona (10 hours).
Language
Spanish and Galician are both official languages, though you'll get by fine with basic Spanish or even English in tourist areas.
Off The Beaten Path
La Coruña proves that Spain's best experiences often lie off the beaten path.
This Atlantic gem offers everything you want from a Spanish city break; history, culture, fantastic food, and stunning scenery, without the crowds and commercialisation that plague more famous destinations.
Pack your curiosity (and perhaps a light jacket), and prepare to fall for Spain's most underrated city.
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