La Coruña, also known as the ‘City of Glass’ for its sea-facing houses with glass-fronted galleries, is a city full of traditional Spanish culture. Bursting with incredible architecture, art galleries, and sandy beaches, it is the perfect place to explore as part of one of the Med cruises we offer here at Fred. Olsen.
A port call here also offers you the chance to follow in the footsteps of Picasso and walk through historic streets. Read on as we take you through the top attractions you should visit in La Coruña.
Attractions to visit and things to do in La Coruña
- Tower of Hercules (Torre de Hércules)
- Praza de María Pita
- La Coruña’s Old Town and centre
- Orzán and Riazor Beaches
- Monte de San Pedro
- Visit one of La Coruña’s iconic museums
- Try the local cuisine at Mercado de San Agustín
Tower of Hercules (Torre de Hércules)
Dating back to the late 1st century A.D, the Tower of Hercules is the oldest functioning lighthouse in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stands majestically on a peninsula, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Not only is there this beautiful tower that you can enjoy, but there is a small rectangular Roman building on the site, a sculpture park showcasing Monte dos Bicos rock carvings from the Iron Age, and a Muslim cemetery that can be explored.
Kristina, the travel writer behind Living Wonderfilled, recommends climbing the tower for the exceptional views:
“I’m afraid of heights and admittedly have a love-hate relationship with climbing staircases, but I can’t pass up a good view. Naturally, I’ve climbed it each visit because the views of La Coruña are stunning, even on a grey day like this one was.”
Praza de María Pita
The city's main square features impressive architecture, including the City Hall, and is named after the local heroine María Pita, who became the city’s symbol of resistance against British invaders in 1589.
There is a statue in the square of María Pita, and it’s a lively hub surrounded by cafes and shops, making it a perfect place to soak in the local atmosphere. The square is just a short distance from the port, around a 10-minute walk.
Holly, the writer behind the travel blog Holly Hits the Road, says the square is a must-visit: “The buildings open up to a large square lined with gorgeous buildings, with the famous glass balconies.
“On the other end of Praza de María Prata sits Concello da Coruña. This is the city hall building, and it really is quite the spectacle.”
La Coruña’s Old Town and centre
Some of our cruises to Spain have been designed to showcase many of the country’s most remarkable architecture at each destination you visit., This includes La Coruña's historic centre of Santiago de Compostela. Here you can walk around the picturesque old town, which is bursting with cobbled streets and pretty little squares that are full of Galician cafes and restaurants.
You can wander around vibrant marketplaces and artisan stores and see historic cathedrals, convents, and palaces. Two of the city’s oldest churches, the Romanesque and Baroque Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, and the Collegiate Church of Santa María del Campo, are two of the city’s most famous sights.
You can also see the House and Museum of María Pita, and if you love literature, you will enjoy the house of the famed 19th-century poetess Rosalía de Castro.
Orzán and Riazor Beaches
La Coruña isn’t just a city steeped in history but also home to some incredible white sandy beaches. In fact, La Coruña has some of the best beaches in Spain, with the most popular, Playa de Riazor, tucked away against the Paseo Maritimo promenade, and this is just a pleasant 1.4km walk from the port.
Another popular urban beach is Orzán, which is known for being a great beach to relax on. Its central location makes it easily accessible, and the huge promenade that runs alongside it means you can enjoy a walk along the seafront.
Both beaches have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag status, an international eco-label awarded to beaches for quality, safety, environmental education and information, the provision of services, and general environmental management.
Monte de San Pedro
Just two kilometres from the city centre is Monte de San Pedro, a hilltop park with the best views over the city and coastline. Here you can enjoy the large green spaces and visit Cúpula Atlántica, an observation dome with displays on La Coruña.
There is also a maze, café, restaurant, and remnants of historical artillery dating back to the 1920s. Part of the fun of getting up to Monte de San Pedro is in the Ascensor Panorámico, a large glass ball that slowly ascends the steep hillside from the Paseo Marítimo.
Visit one of La Coruña’s iconic museums
La Coruña is a city steeped in history, and it boasts a fascinating maritime heritage which dates back to when the Spanish Armada set sail from La Coruña in 1588.
Nowadays, this history and maritime heritage are still evident throughout the city through the likes of the Tower of Hercules, the oldest working lighthouse in the world, and the Old Town and its eye-catching architecture and cobbled streets.
One of the best ways to get an insight into the city is through its museums. Read on to discover some of the best La Coruña museums you can visit:
- Castillo de San Antón: Located within a 16th-century fortress that was originally built to defend the city, Castillo de San Antón is home to the Archaeological and Historical Museum, which displays artefacts from the beginning of civilisation in Galicia to the more modern history of the city and province.
- Domus (Casa del Hombre): This interactive science museum is dedicated to the human body and is one of the most popular museums in the city. The exhibits on display here are suitable for people of all ages.
- Picasso House Museum: This building is where the world-renowned artist spent his formative years, and the museum is a tribute to his youth and home to more than 30 of his original paintings.
- Museo de Bellas Artes: This fine arts museum has an extensive collection and displays works from the 16th century to the present day. In the gallery, you will find paintings, drawings, sculptures, engravings, decorative art, and archaeology pieces.
Try the local cuisine at Mercado de San Agustín
This vibrant market is a feast for the senses, offering fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional Galician produce. It is the perfect place to experience the daily life of residents and sample regional delicacies.
Visiting the market, which is beautifully housed in a historic building, is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in La Coruña, with both locals and holidaymakers looking to explore the region’s culinary offerings.
If you are a bit of a foodie, some popular dishes that the city is famed for are navajas plancha (grilled razor clams), churrascos (grilled Argentinian steak), lacón con grelos (boiled ham, potatoes and turnip greens), and a veggie dish called peppers di Padrón.
Quick tips for visiting La Coruña
The port facilities at La Coruña
La Coruña boasts a beautifully designed new terminal home to a shopping centre, restaurants, and even a cinema. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the building.
What currency do you need?
The official currency of Spain is the Euro. Most shops, restaurants and bars will accept credit and debit cards, but it is worth carrying some cash.
Tipping in La Coruña
Tipping in La Coruña and the rest of Spain is optional, but leaving a small tip of coins or round up your bill to the nearest euro is common.
Home to various attractions you can explore, there are so many things to do in La Coruna, Spain. So, whether you are visiting as part of a more extended cruise or you are going on a cruise to Spain, there is so much to enjoy about this picturesque city.