Welcome to A Coruña, a beautiful city in the northwestern region of Galicia, Spain. Whether you’re here for a short trip or a long stay, there’s plenty to see and do in A Coruña. In this guide, we’ll give you travel tips, highlight the most important places to visit, suggest some great routes to explore, recommend places to eat and sleep, and even tell you about some free tours you can take. Let’s get started!
What to See in A Coruña
A Coruña is a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some of the most important places to visit:
- Tower of Hercules – This ancient Roman lighthouse is the oldest working lighthouse in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Beach of Riazor – This beautiful beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, or just soaking up the sun.
- San Carlos Garden – This beautiful garden is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
- Ciudad Vieja – The Old Town of A Coruña is full of narrow streets, historic buildings, and charming squares. Be sure to visit the Plaza de Maria Pita, named after the city’s heroine, who defended the city from an English invasion in the 16th century.
- Museum of Fine Arts – This museum has a great collection of Galician and Spanish art, including works by Goya, Picasso, and Dalí.
- Hercules Tower Aquarium – Located at the foot of the Tower of Hercules, this aquarium has a variety of marine species from the Atlantic Ocean and Galician coast.
These are just a few of the many places to see in A Coruña. For more information, be sure to check out the official tourism website of the city of A Coruña.
Routes in A Coruña
A Coruña is a great city to explore on foot, and there are many interesting routes you can take to see different parts of the city. Here are a few suggestions:
- City Center Route – This route takes you through the heart of the city, including the Old Town, the Plaza de María Pita, and the famous glass-fronted galleries known as the «Galerías».
- Beach Route – This route takes you along the seafront, from the Tower of Hercules to the beaches of Riazor and Orzán. You’ll pass by the Marina, the Aquarium, and the Paseo Marítimo, a long promenade lined with palm trees and cafes.
- Parks and Gardens Route – This route takes you through some of the city’s green spaces, including the San Carlos Garden, the Monte de San Pedro Park, and the Parque de Bens. You’ll enjoy beautiful views of the city and the sea along the way.
These are just a few of the many routes you can take in A Coruña. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
Where to Sleep in A Coruña
A Coruña has a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste. Here are a few recommendations:
- Hotel Hesperia A Coruña – This modern hotel is located in the city center, near the beach and the Old Town. It has comfortable rooms, a gym, and a restaurant serving Galician cuisine.
- Hostal Palas – This family-run guesthouse is located in the Old Town, near the Plaza de María Pita. It has cozy rooms and a charming courtyard.
- Hotel Attica 21 Coruña – This stylish hotel is located in the residential area of A Zapateira, about 10 minutes by car from the city center. It has spacious rooms, a spa, and a restaurant with panoramic views of the city.
Before booking your accommodation, be sure to check the location and read reviews from other travelers to ensure it meets your needs.
Where to Eat in A Coruña
A Coruña is famous for its delicious seafood, but there are also many other culinary delights to try. Here are some recommended places to eat:
- La Bombilla – This traditional seafood restaurant is located in the Old Town, near the Marina. It’s been serving fresh seafood since 1957 and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
- Casa Pardo – This family-run restaurant is located in the city center, near the Plaza de María Pita. It serves classic Galician dishes, such as octopus, pork shoulder, and empanada.
- Café Moderno – This trendy cafe is located in the Avenida de la Marina, near the beach. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as cocktails and live music.
- Bocatería Monty – This sandwich shop is located in the Old Town, near the Tower of Hercules. It serves delicious sandwiches, burgers, and salads, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.
These are just a few of the many places to eat in A Coruña. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as pulpo a feira (octopus cooked with paprika), empanada (a savory pastry filled with meat, fish, or vegetables), and tarta de Santiago (an almond cake).
Free Tours in A Coruña
If you’re on a budget or just want to learn more about the city, there are several free tours you can take in A Coruña. Here are some options:
- Free Walking Tour A Coruña – This tour takes you through the city’s main sights, including the Tower of Hercules, the Old Town, and the beaches of Riazor and Orzán. The tour lasts about two hours and is available in English and Spanish.
- Street Art Tour – This tour takes you through the city’s urban art scene, including murals, graffiti, and installations. The tour lasts about two hours and is available in English and Spanish.
- Food Tour A Coruña – This tour takes you on a culinary journey through the city, including visits to markets, bakeries, and restaurants. The tour lasts about three hours and includes food tastings. The tour is available in English and Spanish.
These tours are a great way to explore the city, meet other travelers, and learn from local guides. Be sure to book in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to visit A Coruña? – The best time to visit A Coruña is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the city is beautiful all year round, and there are many festivals and cultural events throughout the year.
- How do I get to A Coruña? – A Coruña has an international airport (A Coruña Airport), as well as bus and train connections to other cities in Spain. If you’re coming from outside Spain, you can fly to Madrid or Barcelona and then take a connecting flight to A Coruña.
- Is it safe to travel to A Coruña? – A Coruña is generally a safe city, but like any city, it’s important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables, especially in crowded areas.
- Do I need to speak Spanish to visit A Coruña? – While Spanish is the official language of Spain, many people in A Coruña speak Galician, a regional language similar to Portuguese. However, most people in the tourism industry speak English, and you should be able to get by with basic Spanish or English.
- What should I pack for a trip to A Coruña? – A Coruña can be cool and rainy, especially in the winter months, so be sure to pack warm and waterproof clothing. If you’re planning to go to the beach, don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat.
A Coruña is a beautiful city with something to offer everyone, whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature. In this guide, we’ve given you travel tips, highlighted the most important places to see, suggested some great routes to explore, recommended places to eat and sleep, and even told you about some free tours you can take. We hope this guide has been helpful and that you have a wonderful trip to A Coruña!
