Exploring A Coruña is a unique experience where you can combine history, coastal landscapes and a rich gastronomic tradition. This Galician city is ideal for a getaway of one or more days. In this article, we show the best places to visit in A Coruña and help you plan your trip to enjoy its charms to the fullest.
Here are the 15 best places to visit in A Coruña.
15 best places to visit in A Coruña and the surrounding area
Tower of Hercules
This is the oldest lighthouse in Spain and the most famous in the city. This Roman lighthouse has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009.
It is estimated to have been built between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. In the 18th century, under Charles III, a major neoclassical restoration was carried out, covering the Roman core and updating the lantern.
But it is not only worth visiting for the lighthouse itself, but also for its surroundings. Nearby, you can enjoy an open-air museum with beautiful trails, outdoor sculptures, and cliffs overlooking the sea.
In addition, if you go up to the lighthouse, you can enjoy excellent views of the entire city and the coast from the top.
María Pita Square
This is the most important and representative square in the centre of A Coruña. It is spacious, elegant and usually bustling with life, with many terraces, people strolling, events and a great atmosphere both during the day and in the evening.
Town Hall or Municipal Palace
It is located right in María Pita Square and is the building that dominates the entire complex. Its architecture is striking. Its exterior is one of the most photographed places in the city.
Old Town
This is the name given to the historic centre of the city, with its narrow streets, small squares and corners steeped in history. This area is ideal for leisurely strolls, discovering details on the façades, narrow streets and views of the harbour.
Church of Santiago
It is located in the lower part of the city. Therefore, if you are walking around this area, you will be able to see it. It is one of the oldest churches in the city and has a very interesting Romanesque style. Inside, as it is a small church, it is a short visit that is well worth it if you like history or architecture.
Paseo Marítimo
This is one of the best things to do in A Coruña. This promenade runs along the sea and connects many key areas: beaches, viewpoints and places to stop for a drink. It is perfect for walking at sunset and taking photos.
Riazor square
It is located near the seafront promenade. This area combines the sea, the city and football, as the football stadium is very close by. It is a very pleasant area for walking at sunset and taking photos with the bay in the background.
San Carlos Gardens
This historic park is the perfect place for lovers of nature and tranquillity. It is also home to the mausoleum of General Sir John Moore and offers unique views of the bay of A Coruña.
Finisterrae Aquarium
Perfect plan for families, this aquarium brings you closer to the underwater world of the Atlantic. Here you can see sharks, seals and educational exhibitions on marine biodiversity.
San Antón Castle
This castle, located on a small island connected by a bridge, houses the Archaeological and Historical Museum of A Coruña. It is a must-see for learning about the history of the city and enjoying panoramic views of the full city.
San Agustín Market
This is the best-known municipal market in A Coruña. The most striking feature of the building is its parabolic roof, which became a symbol of modernity in the 1930s. It is ideal for seeing local products and having a bite to eat.
Riazor and Orzán beaches
These are the two most famous urban beaches in A Coruña. They are located one after the other in the same bay. Riazor beach is shell-shaped, open, windy and has moderate waves. Orzán beach, very similar to the previous one, has a surfing spot where you can watch people practising this sport.
As Lapas Beach
This is a small, very pretty beach located at the foot of the Tower of Hercules. It tends to be more protected and has less waves. Its natural surroundings are very photogenic.
Leaving the city of A Coruña, but just a few kilometres away, we can find some of the most beautiful spots around, which are well worth visiting if you have time, such as the following.
Costa da Morte
This area of A Coruña is worth visiting for its cliffs, rough seas, storms and shipwrecks. The best thing about this area is the combination of lighthouses, wild beaches and protected landscapes.
Places such as Cabo Vilán, Illas Sisargas, Monte Pindo and Carnota beach are particularly noteworthy. In addition to natural spaces and protected landscapes such as Penedos de Pasarela and Traba. And also places such as Muxía and Ézaro.
Waterfall de Ezaro
Muxia
Finisterre lighthouse
One of the must-see sites is the Finisterre Lighthouse. This lighthouse was built in 1853, 138 metres above sea level, on a cape that juts out about 5 kilometres to the south, parallel to Mount Pindo, forming the Corcubión estuary.
It is well known for being the starting point, km 0 , of the Camino de Santiago, but also for its views of the Atlantic.
Betanzos
Finally, the town of Betanzos. It is located less than 30 minutes from A Coruña. It is known for its narrow streets, Gothic churches and its famous potato omelette. A perfect destination for a day trip from A Coruña.
A Coruña is worth visiting for its cuisine
Galician cuisine is one of the most highly regarded in Spain, and in A Coruña you can enjoy specialities such as pulpo á feira (octopus), Galician empanadas (pasties) and fresh seafood. We recommend visiting the San Agustín market to sample local products.
The city is famous for its tapas culture. In the historic centre, especially in the Calle Estrella area, you will find a wide variety of bars and taverns where you can sample local delicacies.
Amenities when visiting A Coruña
To enjoy the city without any worries, we recommend using our luggage storage facilities in A Coruña. We have secure, easy-to-use lockers strategically located in the city centre. Book now and explore without unnecessary baggage.
A Coruña has an excellent public transport system, including city buses and a well-connected train station. You can also hire bicycles to explore the city in a sustainable way.
Below is a map showing the location of the places mentioned.
If, after exploring A Coruña, you feel like continuing to discover charming destinations, especially in winter, don’t miss our guide to Christmas plans in Bilbao, where you’ll find markets, lights, activities and unique experiences to enjoy the city during Christmas.
