A Coruna is a port city in the north of Galicia with a population of around 245,000 people making it the second largest city by population in Galicia. The city has always had strong links with the sea and is a major import and export port for Galicia and Spain.
The city centre is flanked on one side by two fantastic beaches, Playa del Orzán and Playa del Riazor, while the other side is the port area. In between is the old town.
The city’s unique layout means that if you are staying in the city centre, in just minutes you can be on a beach or in a restaurant or in the beautiful old town.
A Corunas most famous landmark is the Tower of Hercules a lighthouse dating back to Roman times. It makes for a great walk from the beaches in A Coruna, Playa del Orzán following the waterfront around to the Tower. Read more about the Tower here.
Along the way you will pass the Aquarium. If you are a fan of Spanish TV, the aquarium scene from the Netflix series Vivir sin permiso (Unauthorised Living) was filmed here.
A Coruna has an excellent food scene. The streets leading into the old quarter have loads of excellent bars and restaurants serving great tapas and meals. Of course, all the favourite Galician seafood are on offer and you really should give them a try.
As in everywhere in Spain, amazing food can be found in unlikely places. For example, if you happen to be near 25 C. Alcalde Marchesi, check out Cervecería O’ Barullo. Grab some Tortilla and a cold beer. You will be very glad you did. Its about 10 minutes walk from the train station, sort of across the road from El Corte Ingles. Its a long way from the touristy (but awesome) old quarter.
Further afield the whole area has loads of awesome beaches so if you are a fan of the surf you might want to explore the coastline beyond the city, especially towards the west. Beaches in the area regularly host surfing events and have been popular with surfers for years because of the great waves rolling in from the Atlantic.
A Coruna is at the northern end of a fast rail line running the length of Galicia. A Coruna is only 28 minutes away from Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia and only 1 hour 30 from Vigo in the very south of Galicia, close to the border with Portugal.
If you are driving, A Coruna is about a 50 minute drive from Santiago de Compostela. From Madrid it’s about a 6 hour drive.
A number of airlines fly to A Coruna airport, especially during summer. These include Air Europa and Iberian Airlines.
As a port city, there is a steady and growing stream of cruise liners calling in.
