La Coruña, Spain, is a city located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is not a trendy resort, but a place with a rich history and strong energy. Here, you can explore the ancient port, the oldest functioning lighthouse in the world, and meet the local fishermen.
General information
La Coruña is a city in the western part of Spain, which is part of the autonomous community of Galicia. The population is 243 thousand people, the total area of the city is 37.83 km². Interestingly, this is the most densely populated city in Spain – 6471.32 inhabitants per km².
Scientists suggest that the name of La Coruna comes from the Latin word “corona” – that is, a high and rocky place. Another version is a connection with the name of the Roman deity Saturn (in Celtic it sounds like Cruinne).
The city hasn’t changed much since then – it still has the same narrow streets and a picturesque lighthouse on the cliff. The port is still in operation, and it was an important trading hub in Europe both then and now. The only significant change is the transformation of the buildings on the first coastline. Now, they are occupied by large hotels and cafes.
Attractions
The Tower of Hercules
The Tower of Hercules is the most famous and recognizable landmark in A Coruña. It is an ancient lighthouse that has stood on the outskirts of the town for over 20 centuries. It is considered the oldest lighthouse in the world.
According to legend, this structure was built after Hercules completed his tenth feat. However, if we look at verified historical facts, we can see that this area was known as the “Shore of Death” for a long time, and hundreds of ships were wrecked here.
The lighthouse is still in operation today and is considered the only operational lighthouse in the world that was built during the time of Ancient Rome. Anyone can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.
A few tips from tourists:
- If you plan to climb the lighthouse, dress warmly – it’s very windy up there.
- Pay attention to the funny sculptures near the attraction.
- Tourists recommend staying near the lighthouse for a few hours, as it has an incredible atmosphere of tranquility.
- Be sure to take a couple of beautiful photos of La Coruña – it’s the best souvenir from Spain.
- The Menhir of Peace sculpture park is located near the lighthouse.
Practical information:
- Address: Dr. Vázquez Iglesias s/n, 15002 La Coruña, Spain.
- Opening hours: 10:00-18:00, 10:00-21:00 (in summer).
- Price: 3 euros for adults and 1.5 euros for children and pensioners.
- Official website: www.torredeherculesacoruna.com
Mount San Pedro
The city park of the same name is located on Mount San Pedro. It is a popular place for recreation, as well as one of the best viewing platforms in the resort. There are no trees here, but there are many architectural compositions and well-maintained flower beds.
A special mention should be made of the elevator that takes tourists up the mountain. It resembles a huge glass sphere floating above the ocean. The ride is paid and costs 3 euros.
Tourists note that it is windy here, so you should dress warmly. Also, don’t forget to bring snacks, as there are no cafes or shops nearby.
- Address: Estrada Os Fortes, 7, 15011 A Coruña, Spain.
- Working hours: 11.00-20.00.
Maria Pita Square
Maria Pita Square is the central point of the Old Town of A Coruña. The landmark is named after the national heroine of Spain, who was born in this town and defended the city from British troops during the war of 1589.
The city hall is located on the square, and there is also a monument to Maria Pita. There are no other attractions in La Coruña, and the square is similar to the centers of other Spanish cities.
Address: Plaza de la Sta. María, 15002 La Coruña, Spain.
Note! Not far from La Coruña is the city of Santiago de Compostela, which is often called the “Christian Mecca”. Find out why and what interesting things you can see in it in this article.
La Coruña Embankment (Avenida de la Marina)
The promenade is the most crowded and visited place in A Coruña. Every evening, locals stroll along the promenade, street performers perform, and tourists relax in the bars.
Travelers who have visited this place talk about the unusual facades of the houses and the original lanterns. Many also note that this part of La Coruña is very similar to a Scandinavian resort – the architecture is dominated by white and gray shades and a bet is placed on ecology.
Address: Centro Historico, 15001 La Coruña, Spain.
Fort San Anton
Fort San Antonio is a small Renaissance fortress on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. If you look at it from above, you can see that the landmark is shaped like a star.
The construction of the fortress began in 1587, and in 1589 it fulfilled its duty of protecting the city from British troops. The same happened in 1639, when the French army broke into La Coruña. Interestingly, in the early 20th century, Fort San Antonio was still an island, and it served as a prison.
On the territory of the fort there are:
- well maintained green areas;
- small lighthouse;
- cannons with cannonballs.
Inside the fort, there is a small museum that displays collections of knightly armor, 19th- and 20th-century weapons, jewelry from local women, and fragments of stone bas-reliefs.
- Address: Paseo Maritimo Alcalde Francisco Vazquez 2, 15002 La Coruña, Spain.
- Working hours: 10.00-19.30.
- Price: 2 euros for adults, 1 euro for students.
Finisterre Aquarium
The Finisterre Aquarium is a major research center in A Coruña. It is open to the public as an oceanography museum. It may not be considered large, but it is a worthy attraction for a provincial town.
Inside, there are 5 huge aquariums, each corresponding to a specific ecosystem:
- octopus garden;
- marine botanical garden;
- a pool with Atlantic lions;
- isabel castelo Hall;
- The Galician Coast Hall (the most popular).
The upper floors of the museum are dedicated to temporary exhibitions, which change 2-3 times a year. Here, you can see a collection of Caribbean fish, a collection of huge pearls, and portraits of people who have dedicated their lives to studying the sea.
Of particular interest is Captain Nemo’s study, which features a pool filled with 35 species of fish and several varieties of sharks. There is also a rich collection of movie posters.
- Address: Paseo Marítimo Alcalde Francisco Vázquez, 34, 15002 A Coruña, C, Spain.
- Working hours: 10.00-18.00.
Vigo is an important port city in Spain on the Atlantic coast
Beaches
La Coruña is not a seaside resort, so the beaches are clean and often deserted.
Orzan
Praia do Orzán is the longest beach in A Coruña. It is located in the city center, so there are always a lot of people (especially young people) here. There is some garbage, but it is regularly cleaned.
The beach is sandy, with occasional stones. The entrance to the water is shallow and there are no cliffs. There are many boulders in the western part of the beach. It is important to note that the area is sheltered from the wind, and there are no high waves. Orzan Beach offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
There are many cafes, restaurants, and shops near Orzan. Toilets, sun loungers, and changing cabins are available.
Riason
Rison Beach is located in the eastern part of the city, and tourists say that it is very convenient to get there by public transport. There are quite a few people here, but there is no garbage – it is cleaned twice a day.
The water is shallow, but there are often rocks and shell fragments. There are many boulders on the outskirts of the beach. There are no problems with the infrastructure, which includes toilets, changing rooms, sunbeds, and umbrellas.
Interestingly, there used to be a tram along Rison Beach, and the authorities are considering resuming this route.
Oviedo is an old open-air museum in Spain
Accommodation
La Coruña is a small port town, so there are only about 50 hotels for tourists. There are a little more than 200 apartments. The city is popular, so you should book your accommodation in advance.
The average cost of a 3-star hotel room per night for two people during the high season is around 65 euros. This includes a small, comfortable room with a terrace, a swimming pool or sauna on site, and a free breakfast.
Prices for a 4-star hotel room for two in high season start from 100 euros. This is inexpensive, as many of these hotels could easily claim the title of 5-star hotels. The price includes a spacious room (often with a designer interior), a delicious breakfast, and on-site entertainment.
Apartments are the most budget-friendly option. They are worth considering if you want to get to know the city better and interact with the locals. The approximate cost per night for two people is 40-50 euros. For this price, you can find both one-bedroom apartments in the center and two-bedroom apartments on the outskirts. The price includes 24-hour assistance from the owner and all the necessary amenities in the apartment.
Weather and climate. When is the best time to visit
The climate in A Coruña is temperate warm. It is colder than most Spanish cities, however winter and summer temperatures are difficult to call extremely low for this area. The most precipitation falls in the winter months, and the strongest winds blow in early March.
Autumn
Unlike most Spanish resorts, autumn in A Coruña is not a velvet season – the air temperature stays at +22 °C in September, and the water warms up to +16°C. In October and November, cold air masses begin to prevail in the air, and the thermometer drops to +15°C.
Winter
The winter months in A Coruña are very cold by Spanish standards. In December, the temperature drops to +14°C, and in January and February, it does not rise above +12°C.
Spring
Spring is also quite cold here. In March, the air temperature is +13°C, and in May, it does not exceed +17°C. By the end of spring, the water temperature reaches +14°C, and it is too early to swim. However, you can go on excursions.
Summer
Summers in A Coruña are definitely not hot. In July and August, the temperature does not rise above +23°C, and the sea water remains at +17°C. It is possible to swim during this time, but those who prefer hot weather and very warm water should avoid visiting the beach.
Interesting facts
- The Tower of Hercules lighthouse in A Coruña is the oldest lighthouse not only in Spain, but also in the world.
- La Coruña, Spain, is the wealthiest city in Galicia.
- Interestingly, all the houses built along the waterfront are made almost entirely of glass, as the locals tried to increase the amount of sunlight, which is less abundant here than in other Spanish cities.
- The most famous native of A Coruña is Maria Pita, who defended the city from British troops in the 1589 war.
La Coruña, Spain, is a cozy town on the Atlantic coast that is worth visiting if you find yourself in Galicia.
