What to do in A Coruña.
Your stop at our facilities may make you wonder what to do in A Coruña now that you have arrived by sea, probably to stay for a couple of days or even longer.
From Marina Coruña, we want to make things easier for you and help you with everything within our reach. However, if you do not know what to do when you set foot on land in this incredible city… this post is for you! We’ll tell you all about it.
A Coruña, the city of glass
There are several expressions commonly used to refer to the city of A Coruña. From calling it the «balcony of the Atlantic», «the city where nobody is a stranger», «the city of glass»… But there is nothing like walking through its streets and corners to witness the true beauty that each place radiates.
The sea is one of the greatest attractions of our city, which many also refer to as «the window looking out to the sea». And if you enjoy the beach and the sea at any time of the year, if you feel like walking along the Atlantic coast, if you want to get lost among medieval alleyways and enjoy Galician cuisine, your stop by sea is undoubtedly Marina Coruña.
This city stands out for many things, including its seafront promenade and architecture. The urban area has two façades: the port side and the maritime side. It is precisely on the façade facing the sea where we find the reason why it is called «the city of glass», thanks to the Galerías de La Marina.
Photo: Pixabay
Originally, these buildings were home to fishermen, who could even moor their boats under the arcades themselves.
Things to see
Of course, getting lost among its corners is one of the best things you can do in A Coruña, but below we will mention a series of places so that your visits are more effective and you do not miss the essentials.
Tower of Hercules
The great symbol of the city and a place you definitely cannot miss. In 2009 it was declared a World Heritage Site and it was most likely built in the second half of the 1st century by an architect from Coimbra named Gaius Sevius Lupus.
It is the oldest Roman lighthouse in the world and the only one still in operation.
The Tower of Hercules is located very close to Las Lapas beach, between the Ártabro Gulf and Orzán Bay. You probably have not lost sight of it from your boat, as its light has always been a reference point for every sailor, but the view from inside is spectacular!
An important detail: admission costs €3 and there is parking available. So if you decide to rent a car, you will have no problem parking.
María Pita Square
This square is home to the city hall and is named after one of the most beloved heroines by the people of A Coruña, who stood up against the English Armada when they attacked the city in 1589. Hence the statue in her honour in the centre of the square.
Inside the square itself, you will find all kinds of taverns and bars with views of the «glass» façades that make up this impressive square.
Photo: Pixabay
Riazor Beach
How many cities can boast having a beach right in the city centre? A Coruña is one of the few that can say so.
It is also a beach that has been awarded the Blue Flag, a distinction given to beaches with the best environmental conditions and facilities. In addition, separated only by a breakwater, it is next to Orzán beach, the surfing mecca of the city of Hercules. The so-called surfers’ fountain, which you will find walking along the promenade, is a meeting point and a place from which you can take photos of some of the most beautiful sunsets.
Photo: Pixabay
San Antón Castle
One of the first things you can do after mooring your boat at our marina is visit the city’s castle, built throughout the 16th century to protect the city from attacks by the English fleet. From the 16th to the 18th century it was a defensive building and prison, and later it was used as a lazaretto to isolate sailors arriving in the city affected by infectious diseases.
Today it houses an interesting Museum of Archaeology and History, with remains of architectural, funerary and goldsmith pieces (from the Bronze Age to the Late Middle Ages), where you can learn more about the history of A Coruña and Galicia.
Seafront Promenade
The city of Hercules will continue to surprise you with its curious details. The Seafront Promenade of A Coruña is the longest urban seafront promenade in Europe, with more than 13 kilometres along the sea.
Throughout its route, you can walk or cycle past the urban beaches, enjoy the architecture, the Domus Museum, the House of Fish and many more places that you will discover as you continue.
Old Town
If you get lost in the city, the best place to do so is among the corners of the Old Town, where you can relive its history and breathe in its medieval and Baroque essence.
Some of the most notable points are the Church of San Jorge with its beautiful façade, the Church of Santiago or the Collegiate Church of Santa María del Campo. Another key point is the carefully maintained San Carlos Garden, with beautiful views of the estuary and the port.
Mount San Pedro
One of the most beautiful viewpoints, and not only in the city! From Mount San Pedro you will have the Atlantic Ocean right in front of you, and it is also a peaceful place to disconnect. If you have a car, getting there is easy; if you go on foot, unless you fancy a long walk, there is a lift to reach the top (€3).
When it comes to history, almost everything in this city has something to tell. Mount San Pedro was a defensive site from which ships could be watched coming and going, guided by the city’s thousand-year-old lighthouse (Tower of Hercules). On the mountain, you will find the cannons that once protected the city and now serve as a viewpoint for incredible sunsets.
You can also visit the Atlantic Dome, the only covered 360º viewpoint in Spain, with interactive elements and touch screens to learn more about the city while enjoying one of the best experiences in A Coruña.
Photo: Pixabay
Want to know more?
From Marina Coruña we do not want to reveal everything, we encourage you to go out there and tell us what you thought of your stopover in this city. You can leave your comment through Navily or directly on our social networks.
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