What to See in La Coruna: Itinerary, Highlights & Tours
A Coruña (La Coruña) sits on the northwestern tip of Spain’s Galicia region and draws visitors with its mix of Roman history and modern architecture. Known as the "City of Glass" for its white glazed balconies, or galerías, the city’s waterfront sparkles with glass-fronted buildings. The Tower of Hercules, the world’s only working Roman lighthouse, has guided ships for almost 2,000 years and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether you’re relaxing on Atlantic beaches, learning about María Pita’s bravery, strolling through gardens, or enjoying fresh Galician seafood, A Coruña gives you a true Spanish coastal experience away from the usual tourist spots.
Must-see sights: Tower of Hercules, María Pita Square, Riazor Beach, San Carlos Garden, Old Town (Ciudad Vieja), Méndez Núñez Gardens, Marina promenade with galerías
Typical daily budget: €50–70 (excluding accommodation)
Best time to visit: May–September (peak), June or September (ideal)
Famous for: Tower of Hercules UNESCO site, Galician galerías (glass balconies), María Pita heroine, Atlantic beaches, fresh seafood, Camino de Santiago English Way starting point
Top tours: Free Tour of A Coruña: Classic and Unmissable, Free Tour of La Coruña, The Special Walking Tour of A Coruña
The Tower of Hercules stands 55 meters tall on rocky cliffs at the entrance to A Coruña’s harbor. It is the world’s only Roman lighthouse still in use, operating for almost 2,000 years. Built in the late 1st century AD, when the city was called Brigantium, the tower’s original Roman core is 34 meters high and was restored and expanded in the 18th century under King Charles IV. In 2009, UNESCO named it a World Heritage site for its outstanding value.
Climbing the tower’s 242 steps gives you amazing 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, the city’s glass-fronted buildings, and the Galician coastline. Around the tower, a 47-hectare sculpture park displays modern artworks inspired by Celtic myths and cultures. According to legend, Hercules built the lighthouse after defeating the giant Geryon, but in reality, the Romans built it to help ships navigate the Atlantic. The visitor center has interesting exhibits about the lighthouse’s engineering, history, and the people who kept it running over the centuries.
Practical Info: Daily 10:00am–5:00pm (Sept 16–June 15), 10:00am–9:00pm (June 16–Sept 15); entry €3 general, €1.50 reduced; FREE on Mondays (must collect ticket from visitor center); tickets sold from 9:45am; 20 people admitted every 30 minutes starting 10:15am; advance booking recommended as daily capacity fills early; monument closes in winds force 7+, balcony closes force 5+; allow 1–1.5 hours including sculpture park; accessible by city bus or 30-minute walk from center along scenic promenade; closed Dec 24, 25, 31, Jan 1, 5 afternoon, 6.
Plaza de María Pita is the main square in A Coruña, known for its large arcades, the impressive Town Hall, and a bronze statue of the city’s famous heroine. In 1589, María Mayor Fernández de Cámara y Pita became a legend by leading the city’s defense against Sir Francis Drake’s English invasion. After her husband died in battle, she took his spear, defeated an English officer, and inspired the townspeople to save A Coruña. Her statue shows her holding the spear high, ready to defend the city.
The Palacio Municipal, or Town Hall, was built between 1908 and 1917 and features a mix of architectural styles with three domes that stand out on the skyline. The ground floor arcades are home to cafés and shops, making the square a lively place where locals meet for coffee, evening walks, and celebrations. Throughout the year, the square hosts festivals, concerts, and public events, making it the center of city life. Nearby streets have great restaurants serving Galician food and showcase the city’s famous galerías architecture.
Practical Info: Free to explore anytime; located in historic center easily reached on foot; cafés and restaurants open daily 8:00am–midnight approximately; best visited early evening when locals gather for paseo; allow 30 minutes for plaza appreciation; starting point for many guided tours; Town Hall interior visits usually restricted to official hours Mon–Fri 9:00am–2:00pm; square beautifully illuminated at night.
Riazor Beach is a 600-meter stretch of golden sand right in the center of A Coruña, shaped like a shell and just a short walk from downtown. Locals and visitors come here all year for surfing, beach sports, and walks along the promenade. The beach’s open, windy conditions and moderate waves make it a favorite spot for surfers and bodyboarders, even outside the summer.
Riazor Beach has great facilities like showers, changing rooms, and lifeguards in the summer. The nearby Paseo Marítimo, or seafront promenade, offers beautiful Atlantic views and links Riazor to Orzán Beach, giving you several kilometers of waterfront paths to walk. Pablo Picasso played on these beaches as a child when his family lived in A Coruña, and the coast influenced his early years. The area also has cafés, restaurants, and the modern Riazor football stadium, home to Deportivo La Coruña.
Practical Info: Free access year-round; lifeguards on duty June–September approximately 11:00am–7:00pm; Blue Flag beach status for water quality and services; accessible by city bus or 15-minute walk from María Pita Square; showers, toilets, and changing facilities available; surfboard and equipment rentals in peak season; can be crowded weekends and August; water temperature 14–19°C year-round; swimming suitable primarily June–September; allow 1–2 hours for beach visit; combine with promenade walk to Tower of Hercules.
Jardín de San Carlos is a peaceful, enclosed garden set in what was once a 17th-century fortress overlooking A Coruña’s harbor. At its center is the tomb of British General Sir John Moore, who died in 1809 during the Battle of Elviña against Napoleon’s forces. In 1830, the British government built a stone monument here, and in 1834, Governor Francisco de Mazarredo turned the old fortress into the romantic garden you see today.
The garden keeps features from its fortress days, like sentry boxes and old walls, and offers great views over the port and coast from its gallery. Different sections of the garden show plants from various regions, creating quiet spots to relax. Its small size and sheltered location make it peaceful, unlike the city’s bigger parks. The garden’s history, connecting British and Spanish military events, adds meaning to its beauty.
Practical Info: Winter (Nov–March): Daily 8:00am–8:00pm; Summer (April–Oct): Daily 8:00am–9:00pm; free entry; located in Old Town (Ciudad Vieja) near Marina; allow 30–45 minutes; accessible for visitors with reduced mobility; best visited weekday mornings for fewer crowds and peaceful atmosphere; excellent harbor photography at golden hour; benches available for resting; combine with Old Town walking tour; check current status before visiting as garden may occasionally close for maintenance; Paseo Alcalde Francisco Vázquez 2.
A Coruña’s Old Town, or Ciudad Vieja, retains its medieval street layout, old churches, and lively squares, reminding visitors of its fishing-village roots. The Collegiate Church of Santa María del Campo, from the 12th and 13th centuries, shows off Romanesque architecture, while the Church of Santiago is the city’s oldest building. Narrow cobblestone streets pass by convents like Santa Bárbara and Santo Domingo, making this area a memorable historic district.
The Marina waterfront, facing onto the harbor, displays A Coruña's famous galerías—distinctive white-glazed balconies that cover building façades, creating the city's "glass city" nickname. These architectural features, inspired by Spanish galleon sterns, maximized light entry while protecting against Atlantic rain. The galerías predate the city's late 19th-century modernist building boom but blend beautifully with Art Nouveau styles, creating unique fusion architecture, such as the golden Casa Rey with its curved glass corner. One particular Marina street showcases every possible galería-style above-ground-level shop, creating an outdoor museum of architectural variations.
Practical Info: Free to explore anytime; best discovered on guided walking tour for historical context; main churches open for Mass and limited visiting hours; wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets and hills; galería architecture best viewed from Marina waterfront—buildings actually face Plaza de María Pita but glass balconies overlook harbor; allow 2–3 hours for thorough Old Town exploration; many cafés and traditional taverns (tascas) for breaks; combine with San Carlos Garden visit; photography excellent any time.
The Méndez Núñez Gardens are a quiet green area in the center of A Coruña, located between the Old Town and the modern parts of the city. The gardens have tree-lined paths, flower beds, fountains, and benches where locals take breaks during the day. They are nice places to stop and relax on the way from the city center to the Marina and waterfront.
Because the park is in the center of the city, it’s a handy place to meet up or take a break while sightseeing. The tall trees give plenty of shade in summer, and the gardens look nice all year round thanks to seasonal flowers. There are cafés and shops nearby, so you can easily grab a snack or drink. The Obelisk monument, a popular meeting spot for tours, is right next to the gardens.
Practical Info: Free access daily approximately 8:00am–10:00pm; centrally located near Obelisco Square meeting point for tours; allow 15–30 minutes for stroll; benches available throughout; accessible for visitors with reduced mobility; nearby cafés and public toilets; popular during evening paseo 7:00pm–9:00pm; combine with Old Town or Marina visits; safe day and night.
A Coruña’s food scene highlights Galicia’s great seafood and maritime traditions, offering some of Spain’s best ocean dishes. Local favorites include pulpo a la gallega (octopus with paprika and olive oil), percebes (goose barnacles), navajas (razor clams), vieiras (scallops), and zamburiñas (small scallops). The city’s markets, especially Mercado de San Agustín, are full of fresh seafood every day.
Traditional restaurants offer a menú del día (daily set menu) that’s a great deal at €10–15, including a starter, main course, bread, a drink, and dessert or coffee—often enough food that you might skip dinner. Tapas are popular, too, with many bars offering small plates with each drink. Galician wine, especially Albariño from the nearby Rías Baixas region, goes well with seafood. Be sure to try empanada gallega (savory pies with fish or meat), tetilla cheese, and tarta de Santiago (almond cake) for a real taste of Galicia.
Free Tour of A Coruña: Classic and Unmissable: Duration: 2 hours. The tour starts at the Obelisk (Rúa Cantón Grande, 2) and covers A Coruña’s history and legends. You’ll visit lively Calle Real, María Pita Square, the Church of Santiago, the Collegiate Church of Santa María del Campo, the Santa Bárbara and Santo Domingo Convents, Playa do Parrote with its Atlantic views, the Marina viewpoint, and finish at Méndez-Núñez Gardens. The tour includes radio guide headsets and is available in English and Spanish. Look for the GREEN umbrella at the meeting point.
Free Tour of La Coruña: Duration: 2 hours. The tour begins at 11:00am in Obelisco Square and takes you through Méndez Núñez Gardens, the Marina with its galerías, María Pita Square, the historic streets of the Old Town, and San Carlos Garden. It ends at Riazor Beach, where you can take a group photo with the Atlantic in the background. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about battles with the British and French, Viking history, connections to Julius Caesar and Picasso, and the Tower of Hercules—the world’s only working Roman lighthouse. The tour is in Spanish. Look for the WHITE umbrella; it’s verified on TripAdvisor.
The Special Walking Tour of A Coruña: Duration: 2 hours. Tours leave at 11:00am, 12:00pm, and 4:00pm. This tour offers a fun way to see A Coruña’s main sights, with lively stories along the way. It’s available in English and Spanish and has a 9.7 rating from 119 reviews.
Explore free tours in A Coruña on Freetour.com.
Getting There: A Coruña Airport (Alvedro) sits 8km from the city center with direct flights from Madrid (1h 15min) and connections to other Spanish cities. ALSA city bus line 4051/A4 runs every 30 minutes between the airport and the center (15–20 minutes, €1.55). From Madrid, Renfe high-speed trains from Chamartín station reach A Coruña in 3h 40min to 4h 10min. ALSA long-distance buses from Madrid take 8–9 hours overnight (budget option). Santiago de Compostela Airport (60km away) offers more international connections with Monbus buses to A Coruña running hourly (1 hour), or Renfe trains from Santiago Intermodal Station (similar time). By car from Madrid: 600km via A-6 and AP-9 motorways (approximately 6 hours).
Getting Around: A Coruña's compact center is highly walkable, with most attractions within 15–30 minutes of each other. The scenic 3km promenade from the city center to the Tower of Hercules makes for a pleasant 30–40-minute coastal walk. City buses operated by Compañía de Tranvías run throughout the city, with single tickets costing €1.30. A rechargeable transport card (tarjeta de transporte Millennium) offers better value at €0.45 per journey; children under 14 travel free. Taxis are readily available and affordable for longer distances or tired travelers.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal period is May–September, when warm weather (18–24°C), clear skies, and lively atmosphere prevail. June and September offer the sweet spot with pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds than peak July-August, and good swimming conditions. Summer (June–September) brings festivals, outdoor activities, and bustling beaches, but also more tourists and higher prices. Spring (March–May) sees mild weather perfect for sightseeing and coastal walks, with blooming landscapes and lower accommodation rates—though swimming remains cold. Fall (September–November) provides quiet coastal scenery, wine harvest activities, and cultural events with moderate crowds. Winter (December–February) offers cultural immersion, authentic local life, and budget prices, but it can be rainy, windy, and cool, with temperatures around 10–14°C.
Where to Stay: A Coruña offers accommodation ranging from budget hostels to upscale hotels, with prices generally lower than Madrid or Barcelona. Central locations near María Pita Square or along the waterfront provide easy access to attractions. Budget travelers find hostels and budget hotels from €20 to 40 per night. Mid-range hotels typically cost €60–100 per night. Book ahead for summer weekends and during major festivals like San Juan (June 23-24). The Marina district offers atmospheric stays in buildings featuring the famous galerías.
Budget: A Coruña remains affordable for Spanish standards, especially compared to Barcelona or San Sebastian. Budget travelers spend €50–60 daily on accommodation, meals, and activities. Mid-range travelers spend approximately €110–130 per day. Excellent-value menú del día lunches cost €10–15 at local restaurants. Groceries from supermarkets like Mercadona are very affordable (€20 fills a small basket). Many top attractions are free, including beaches, gardens, Old Town streets, and Marina galerías viewing. The Tower of Hercules is only €3, free on Mondays. Public transport is inexpensive at €1.30 per journey, or €0.45 with a transport card.
How many days are needed in A Coruña?
Two days are enough to see the major attractions, including the Tower of Hercules, Old Town, beaches, and gardens, at a comfortable pace. One full day covers essential sights on a tight schedule. Three days allow time for nearby excursions, such as Santiago de Compostela or coastal villages.
Is A Coruña worth visiting?
Absolutely. A Coruña offers authentic Galician culture without mass tourism, combining a UNESCO World Heritage Roman lighthouse, unique glass architecture, excellent seafood, beautiful urban beaches, and rich history—all in a walkable coastal city. It serves as an excellent base for exploring Galicia's coastline and starting the Camino de Santiago English Way.
What is the best free tour in A Coruña?
The "Classic and Unmissable" tour offers comprehensive coverage, with individual radio guides and a high rating (9.8 from 152 reviews). The Galicia Experience tour offers great value, including the Tower of Hercules Park and a photo finish at Riazor Beach. Choose based on language preference and time availability.
Can you swim on the beaches of A Coruña?
Yes, Riazor and Orzán beaches offer safe urban swimming with lifeguards from June to September. Atlantic water stays cool year-round (14–19°C), warming slightly in July–September for comfortable swimming. Beaches remain popular for surfing and beach sports even outside swimming season.
What are the Galician galerías?
The galerías are A Coruña's distinctive white glazed window balconies that often cover entire building façades, giving the city its "Crystal City" nickname. Originally inspired by Spanish galleon architecture, they maximized light while protecting against Atlantic rain, creating a unique fusion with modernist styles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Best viewed along the Marina waterfront.
Quick Takeaway
Must-see sights: Tower of Hercules, María Pita Square, Riazor Beach, San Carlos Garden, Old Town (Ciudad Vieja), Méndez Núñez Gardens, Marina promenade with galerías
Typical daily budget: €50–70 (excluding accommodation)
Best time to visit: May–September (peak), June or September (ideal)
Famous for: Tower of Hercules UNESCO site, Galician galerías (glass balconies), María Pita heroine, Atlantic beaches, fresh seafood, Camino de Santiago English Way starting point
Top tours: Free Tour of A Coruña: Classic and Unmissable, Free Tour of La Coruña, The Special Walking Tour of A Coruña
Tower of Hercules
The Tower of Hercules stands 55 meters tall on rocky cliffs at the entrance to A Coruña’s harbor. It is the world’s only Roman lighthouse still in use, operating for almost 2,000 years. Built in the late 1st century AD, when the city was called Brigantium, the tower’s original Roman core is 34 meters high and was restored and expanded in the 18th century under King Charles IV. In 2009, UNESCO named it a World Heritage site for its outstanding value.
Climbing the tower’s 242 steps gives you amazing 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, the city’s glass-fronted buildings, and the Galician coastline. Around the tower, a 47-hectare sculpture park displays modern artworks inspired by Celtic myths and cultures. According to legend, Hercules built the lighthouse after defeating the giant Geryon, but in reality, the Romans built it to help ships navigate the Atlantic. The visitor center has interesting exhibits about the lighthouse’s engineering, history, and the people who kept it running over the centuries.
Practical Info: Daily 10:00am–5:00pm (Sept 16–June 15), 10:00am–9:00pm (June 16–Sept 15); entry €3 general, €1.50 reduced; FREE on Mondays (must collect ticket from visitor center); tickets sold from 9:45am; 20 people admitted every 30 minutes starting 10:15am; advance booking recommended as daily capacity fills early; monument closes in winds force 7+, balcony closes force 5+; allow 1–1.5 hours including sculpture park; accessible by city bus or 30-minute walk from center along scenic promenade; closed Dec 24, 25, 31, Jan 1, 5 afternoon, 6.
María Pita Square
Plaza de María Pita is the main square in A Coruña, known for its large arcades, the impressive Town Hall, and a bronze statue of the city’s famous heroine. In 1589, María Mayor Fernández de Cámara y Pita became a legend by leading the city’s defense against Sir Francis Drake’s English invasion. After her husband died in battle, she took his spear, defeated an English officer, and inspired the townspeople to save A Coruña. Her statue shows her holding the spear high, ready to defend the city.
The Palacio Municipal, or Town Hall, was built between 1908 and 1917 and features a mix of architectural styles with three domes that stand out on the skyline. The ground floor arcades are home to cafés and shops, making the square a lively place where locals meet for coffee, evening walks, and celebrations. Throughout the year, the square hosts festivals, concerts, and public events, making it the center of city life. Nearby streets have great restaurants serving Galician food and showcase the city’s famous galerías architecture.
Practical Info: Free to explore anytime; located in historic center easily reached on foot; cafés and restaurants open daily 8:00am–midnight approximately; best visited early evening when locals gather for paseo; allow 30 minutes for plaza appreciation; starting point for many guided tours; Town Hall interior visits usually restricted to official hours Mon–Fri 9:00am–2:00pm; square beautifully illuminated at night.
Riazor Beach
Riazor Beach is a 600-meter stretch of golden sand right in the center of A Coruña, shaped like a shell and just a short walk from downtown. Locals and visitors come here all year for surfing, beach sports, and walks along the promenade. The beach’s open, windy conditions and moderate waves make it a favorite spot for surfers and bodyboarders, even outside the summer.
Riazor Beach has great facilities like showers, changing rooms, and lifeguards in the summer. The nearby Paseo Marítimo, or seafront promenade, offers beautiful Atlantic views and links Riazor to Orzán Beach, giving you several kilometers of waterfront paths to walk. Pablo Picasso played on these beaches as a child when his family lived in A Coruña, and the coast influenced his early years. The area also has cafés, restaurants, and the modern Riazor football stadium, home to Deportivo La Coruña.
Practical Info: Free access year-round; lifeguards on duty June–September approximately 11:00am–7:00pm; Blue Flag beach status for water quality and services; accessible by city bus or 15-minute walk from María Pita Square; showers, toilets, and changing facilities available; surfboard and equipment rentals in peak season; can be crowded weekends and August; water temperature 14–19°C year-round; swimming suitable primarily June–September; allow 1–2 hours for beach visit; combine with promenade walk to Tower of Hercules.
San Carlos Garden
Jardín de San Carlos is a peaceful, enclosed garden set in what was once a 17th-century fortress overlooking A Coruña’s harbor. At its center is the tomb of British General Sir John Moore, who died in 1809 during the Battle of Elviña against Napoleon’s forces. In 1830, the British government built a stone monument here, and in 1834, Governor Francisco de Mazarredo turned the old fortress into the romantic garden you see today.
The garden keeps features from its fortress days, like sentry boxes and old walls, and offers great views over the port and coast from its gallery. Different sections of the garden show plants from various regions, creating quiet spots to relax. Its small size and sheltered location make it peaceful, unlike the city’s bigger parks. The garden’s history, connecting British and Spanish military events, adds meaning to its beauty.
Practical Info: Winter (Nov–March): Daily 8:00am–8:00pm; Summer (April–Oct): Daily 8:00am–9:00pm; free entry; located in Old Town (Ciudad Vieja) near Marina; allow 30–45 minutes; accessible for visitors with reduced mobility; best visited weekday mornings for fewer crowds and peaceful atmosphere; excellent harbor photography at golden hour; benches available for resting; combine with Old Town walking tour; check current status before visiting as garden may occasionally close for maintenance; Paseo Alcalde Francisco Vázquez 2.
Old Town and Galician Galerías
A Coruña’s Old Town, or Ciudad Vieja, retains its medieval street layout, old churches, and lively squares, reminding visitors of its fishing-village roots. The Collegiate Church of Santa María del Campo, from the 12th and 13th centuries, shows off Romanesque architecture, while the Church of Santiago is the city’s oldest building. Narrow cobblestone streets pass by convents like Santa Bárbara and Santo Domingo, making this area a memorable historic district.
The Marina waterfront, facing onto the harbor, displays A Coruña's famous galerías—distinctive white-glazed balconies that cover building façades, creating the city's "glass city" nickname. These architectural features, inspired by Spanish galleon sterns, maximized light entry while protecting against Atlantic rain. The galerías predate the city's late 19th-century modernist building boom but blend beautifully with Art Nouveau styles, creating unique fusion architecture, such as the golden Casa Rey with its curved glass corner. One particular Marina street showcases every possible galería-style above-ground-level shop, creating an outdoor museum of architectural variations.
Practical Info: Free to explore anytime; best discovered on guided walking tour for historical context; main churches open for Mass and limited visiting hours; wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets and hills; galería architecture best viewed from Marina waterfront—buildings actually face Plaza de María Pita but glass balconies overlook harbor; allow 2–3 hours for thorough Old Town exploration; many cafés and traditional taverns (tascas) for breaks; combine with San Carlos Garden visit; photography excellent any time.
Méndez Núñez Gardens
The Méndez Núñez Gardens are a quiet green area in the center of A Coruña, located between the Old Town and the modern parts of the city. The gardens have tree-lined paths, flower beds, fountains, and benches where locals take breaks during the day. They are nice places to stop and relax on the way from the city center to the Marina and waterfront.
Because the park is in the center of the city, it’s a handy place to meet up or take a break while sightseeing. The tall trees give plenty of shade in summer, and the gardens look nice all year round thanks to seasonal flowers. There are cafés and shops nearby, so you can easily grab a snack or drink. The Obelisk monument, a popular meeting spot for tours, is right next to the gardens.
Practical Info: Free access daily approximately 8:00am–10:00pm; centrally located near Obelisco Square meeting point for tours; allow 15–30 minutes for stroll; benches available throughout; accessible for visitors with reduced mobility; nearby cafés and public toilets; popular during evening paseo 7:00pm–9:00pm; combine with Old Town or Marina visits; safe day and night.
Galician Cuisine and Seafood
A Coruña’s food scene highlights Galicia’s great seafood and maritime traditions, offering some of Spain’s best ocean dishes. Local favorites include pulpo a la gallega (octopus with paprika and olive oil), percebes (goose barnacles), navajas (razor clams), vieiras (scallops), and zamburiñas (small scallops). The city’s markets, especially Mercado de San Agustín, are full of fresh seafood every day.
Traditional restaurants offer a menú del día (daily set menu) that’s a great deal at €10–15, including a starter, main course, bread, a drink, and dessert or coffee—often enough food that you might skip dinner. Tapas are popular, too, with many bars offering small plates with each drink. Galician wine, especially Albariño from the nearby Rías Baixas region, goes well with seafood. Be sure to try empanada gallega (savory pies with fish or meat), tetilla cheese, and tarta de Santiago (almond cake) for a real taste of Galicia.
Free Walking Tours
Free Tour of A Coruña: Classic and Unmissable: Duration: 2 hours. The tour starts at the Obelisk (Rúa Cantón Grande, 2) and covers A Coruña’s history and legends. You’ll visit lively Calle Real, María Pita Square, the Church of Santiago, the Collegiate Church of Santa María del Campo, the Santa Bárbara and Santo Domingo Convents, Playa do Parrote with its Atlantic views, the Marina viewpoint, and finish at Méndez-Núñez Gardens. The tour includes radio guide headsets and is available in English and Spanish. Look for the GREEN umbrella at the meeting point.
Free Tour of La Coruña: Duration: 2 hours. The tour begins at 11:00am in Obelisco Square and takes you through Méndez Núñez Gardens, the Marina with its galerías, María Pita Square, the historic streets of the Old Town, and San Carlos Garden. It ends at Riazor Beach, where you can take a group photo with the Atlantic in the background. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about battles with the British and French, Viking history, connections to Julius Caesar and Picasso, and the Tower of Hercules—the world’s only working Roman lighthouse. The tour is in Spanish. Look for the WHITE umbrella; it’s verified on TripAdvisor.
The Special Walking Tour of A Coruña: Duration: 2 hours. Tours leave at 11:00am, 12:00pm, and 4:00pm. This tour offers a fun way to see A Coruña’s main sights, with lively stories along the way. It’s available in English and Spanish and has a 9.7 rating from 119 reviews.
Explore free tours in A Coruña on Freetour.com.
Practical Information
Getting There: A Coruña Airport (Alvedro) sits 8km from the city center with direct flights from Madrid (1h 15min) and connections to other Spanish cities. ALSA city bus line 4051/A4 runs every 30 minutes between the airport and the center (15–20 minutes, €1.55). From Madrid, Renfe high-speed trains from Chamartín station reach A Coruña in 3h 40min to 4h 10min. ALSA long-distance buses from Madrid take 8–9 hours overnight (budget option). Santiago de Compostela Airport (60km away) offers more international connections with Monbus buses to A Coruña running hourly (1 hour), or Renfe trains from Santiago Intermodal Station (similar time). By car from Madrid: 600km via A-6 and AP-9 motorways (approximately 6 hours).
Getting Around: A Coruña's compact center is highly walkable, with most attractions within 15–30 minutes of each other. The scenic 3km promenade from the city center to the Tower of Hercules makes for a pleasant 30–40-minute coastal walk. City buses operated by Compañía de Tranvías run throughout the city, with single tickets costing €1.30. A rechargeable transport card (tarjeta de transporte Millennium) offers better value at €0.45 per journey; children under 14 travel free. Taxis are readily available and affordable for longer distances or tired travelers.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal period is May–September, when warm weather (18–24°C), clear skies, and lively atmosphere prevail. June and September offer the sweet spot with pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds than peak July-August, and good swimming conditions. Summer (June–September) brings festivals, outdoor activities, and bustling beaches, but also more tourists and higher prices. Spring (March–May) sees mild weather perfect for sightseeing and coastal walks, with blooming landscapes and lower accommodation rates—though swimming remains cold. Fall (September–November) provides quiet coastal scenery, wine harvest activities, and cultural events with moderate crowds. Winter (December–February) offers cultural immersion, authentic local life, and budget prices, but it can be rainy, windy, and cool, with temperatures around 10–14°C.
Where to Stay: A Coruña offers accommodation ranging from budget hostels to upscale hotels, with prices generally lower than Madrid or Barcelona. Central locations near María Pita Square or along the waterfront provide easy access to attractions. Budget travelers find hostels and budget hotels from €20 to 40 per night. Mid-range hotels typically cost €60–100 per night. Book ahead for summer weekends and during major festivals like San Juan (June 23-24). The Marina district offers atmospheric stays in buildings featuring the famous galerías.
Budget: A Coruña remains affordable for Spanish standards, especially compared to Barcelona or San Sebastian. Budget travelers spend €50–60 daily on accommodation, meals, and activities. Mid-range travelers spend approximately €110–130 per day. Excellent-value menú del día lunches cost €10–15 at local restaurants. Groceries from supermarkets like Mercadona are very affordable (€20 fills a small basket). Many top attractions are free, including beaches, gardens, Old Town streets, and Marina galerías viewing. The Tower of Hercules is only €3, free on Mondays. Public transport is inexpensive at €1.30 per journey, or €0.45 with a transport card.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are needed in A Coruña?
Two days are enough to see the major attractions, including the Tower of Hercules, Old Town, beaches, and gardens, at a comfortable pace. One full day covers essential sights on a tight schedule. Three days allow time for nearby excursions, such as Santiago de Compostela or coastal villages.
Is A Coruña worth visiting?
Absolutely. A Coruña offers authentic Galician culture without mass tourism, combining a UNESCO World Heritage Roman lighthouse, unique glass architecture, excellent seafood, beautiful urban beaches, and rich history—all in a walkable coastal city. It serves as an excellent base for exploring Galicia's coastline and starting the Camino de Santiago English Way.
What is the best free tour in A Coruña?
The "Classic and Unmissable" tour offers comprehensive coverage, with individual radio guides and a high rating (9.8 from 152 reviews). The Galicia Experience tour offers great value, including the Tower of Hercules Park and a photo finish at Riazor Beach. Choose based on language preference and time availability.
Can you swim on the beaches of A Coruña?
Yes, Riazor and Orzán beaches offer safe urban swimming with lifeguards from June to September. Atlantic water stays cool year-round (14–19°C), warming slightly in July–September for comfortable swimming. Beaches remain popular for surfing and beach sports even outside swimming season.
What are the Galician galerías?
The galerías are A Coruña's distinctive white glazed window balconies that often cover entire building façades, giving the city its "Crystal City" nickname. Originally inspired by Spanish galleon architecture, they maximized light while protecting against Atlantic rain, creating a unique fusion with modernist styles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Best viewed along the Marina waterfront.
Article Author:
Antoine Dubois
FREETOUR.com Partnerships & Outreach Coordinator
02
December,
2025
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