Location

Photo Courtesy of Archivo Turismo Da Coruña

Originally an important Roman trading port, A Coruña is a busy city in the north-west of Spain whose character is distinctly different to that of Mediterranean Spain. Located in the verdant agricultural region of Galicia, A Coruña is home to Roman remains, castles, museums and impressive produce markets, and is perhaps most famous for excellent fish and seafood. The main focus of A Coruña is the waterfront with a new promenade which extends the length of the city linking its many attractions, shopping areas and beaches. The nineteenth century centre is noted for its unusual Galerias – glazed balconies on the front of almost all buildings which allow the city’s residents to enjoy the Atlantic views year round. A landmark of the city, the 2,000 year old tower of Hercules is the oldest lighthouse in existence, a World Heritage site and National Monument of Spain.

 Weather

The region of Galicia is one the most verdant in Spain, thanks to a milder, temperate climate. A Coruña experiences wet winters with drier, warmer summers. Temperatures in late spring should be around 12-15°C, and due to the city’s location at the extreme west of continental Europe the sun sets a little later allowing more outdoor activities in and around the city during the evening.

 Places to Visit

A Coruña is home to a number of innovative museums as well as a number of interesting galleries. Located in the “Parque de Santa Margarida” in the city centre, the ‘Casa de las Ciencias’ science museum and planetarium is a fully interactive and much acclaimed addition to the city. The park also contains a large amphitheatre, remains of several old windmills and an ornamental waterfall. The “Casa del Hombre”, or museum of man, can be found close to the waterfront and includes a 3D IMAX cinema. Other museums include the Collegiate church sacred art museum, Regional Military Museum, built on the site of a Franciscan monastery, a Contemporary Art Museum (MACUF) and a Fine Arts museum which includes pieces by Goya. The former home of Picasso is also open to the public by appointment and gives an insight into the life of the young artist while he lived in A Coruña.

In the centre of A Coruña, the 150 year old “Xardins de Mendez Nuñez” contains several notable monuments and an extensive arboretum. Like many of the cities attractions, the park has strong links with the sea having been built on reclaimed coastline. The Castle of San Anton, perched on an outcrop of rock on the edge of the sea, marks the tip of the headland upon which most of the old centre of A Coruna is built, and now contains a museum. The castle is a focal point along this part of the promenade, where the city meets with the beach, and is popular with both keen surfers, locals and tourists.

Beyond the city centre, the Tower of Hercules remains A Coruña’s most prominent landmark. Close by, a sculpture park exhibits 15 open air artworks, and the parks of Monte San Pedro and Bens offer numerous walks through the recently landscaped area. A Coruña’s large aquarium can be found here and remains very popular with visitors to the region.

Santiago de Compostela

An hour’s bus or train journey from A Coruña, the historic town of Santiago de Compostela lies further inland than its neighbour and is renown as the final point along the Camino de Santiago, or Way of St James, pilgrimage route. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a spectacular cathedral, traditional narrow shopping streets and large squares. The wealth of older buildings in the centre have a unique Romanesque style, and the facades of many of the towns plazas, the palaces and the buildings of the university district are particularly notable. The town’s striking architecture and interesting history make Santiago de Compostela a popular day trip from A Coruña.