A Coruna

A middle sized city in the north-west of Spain, a port and a popular resort, famous for the football club Deportivo La Coruna, the champion of the country 1999/00. You can find two city names: La Coruña - in Spanish or A Coruña - in Galician.

Previously, A Coruña was the capital of Galicia, now the status has passed to Santiago de Compostela.


Of course, there are several beaches, the main ones Playa del Orzán / Praia de Riazor are the kilometer-wide, sandy beach right in the center of the city.








Here we took a good hotel and never regretted. Melia Maria Pita (booking.com) has rooms on the upper floors with balconies and the best views of the city. The hotel, however, is old, the balconies, as you can see, are a bit dirty, but if you are a lover of beautiful sunsets, then it's your place.












The city is ideal for walking, there is a huge, 9-kilometer promenade (Paseo Marítimo) and a lot of public spaces. If we come again, we will rent bicycles considering the distances.


On one side rises the hill of San Pedro with the large park of the same name Monte de San Pedro.






You can reach the park by car (N 43 22.612 W 8 26.127), or walk along the promenade to the funicular. Check the schedule of the park and the funicular on the official website.


Previously, it was an important defense point with the huge 17-meter artillery guns. They were used from 1933 to 1977, although only 19 shots were fired.




And now it is a popular holiday destination with restaurants, picnic areas, playgrounds and a maze.








In the central part of the city is another large park, which is easily recognizable by the Tower of Hercules. Nice place to meet the sunset.


Tower can be visited, find the opening times on the official website. Nearby is also located Aquarium Finisterrae.


The Tower of Hercules is a symbol of the entire region and the oldest lighthouse in the world, which is still working by the way. The original structure was built by the Romans in the 2nd century, and its current form in the neoclassical style lighthouse got in the 18th century.


Between the parking lot and the tower you can find a place with wild cats.


View of the old prison, now a historical monument.


And in the eastern part is the old city and port. There is also a very long pier where you can walk.
















Cats on the pier




You can see quite a few glazed buildings on the waterfront, which are usual for this region. This architecture helps to protect the houses from rain and wind. The central square of the Plaza de Maria Pita is located behind the houses.




In the Santo Anton castle located the archaeological museum. The castle was originally built in the 16th century to protect the port, and until the mid-20th century was used as a prison for military and political prisoners.


Pontevedra Square


Here we can note a good decision with the transfer of roads underground.


It is clear that the city is full of restaurants, but from inexpensive food we can recommend Asian takeaway cuisine Wok Two (N 43 22.059 W 8 24.462), they cook quickly and tasty.

City maps and travel brochures can be downloaded here.

Getting there: train station Estación da Coruña is located 2 km away from the seafront (renfe.com). The city airport is located 8 km from the city.