A Coruna holidays

How to reach La Coruña

• Flight time: Direct flights to La Coruña from London take about 2 hours 10 minutes. As an alternative, you can take a connecting flight via Madrid or Barcelona.

• Transfer time: To travel to the city centre by taxi from La Coruña Airport takes roughly 15 minutes. Buses into the city centre take a bit longer, about 25 minutes.

• Price: It costs about €20 to take a taxi from the airport to central La Coruña, or €1.55 to take the bus. If you have a lot of luggage, you should use a taxi, but the bus is a great inexpensive way to get to La Coruña quickly.

Weather and best time to visit La Coruña

Due to its mild winters but less extreme summer temperatures, La Coruña is an ideal destination for those seeking a slightly more comfortable climate. With the help of this guide, choose the ideal time for your La Coruña holidays.

• June to September temperatures are not as hot as those in southern Spain, with average highs of 23°C. The pleasant, sunny weather is perfect for exploring the city and coastal paths, as well as for days on the beach. In July and August, rain is minimal.

• October to November temperatures range between 15°C and 20°C, which is comfortable enough for sightseeing. But, especially in November, the rain showers start to increase, so pack a waterproof jacket.

• December to February are the wettest months, when temperatures drop to about 10°C to 12°C. With fewer tourists, quiet cafés and seasonal Christmas lighting, the city is beautiful.

• March to May La Coruña offers moderate temperatures that range from 12°C to 18°C, making it a good time for keen hikers and serious explorers to visit the city. There are plenty of sunny days to get outdoors, but rain is a possibility.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: You’ll hear Spanish and Galician. In tourist spots, English is generally understood but it’s helpful to know some basic phrases.

• Local habits and customs: Dining hours are later than in the UK; lunch starts around 2 pm and dinner usually happens after 9 pm. La Coruña is a welcoming city, and local people love to partake in a leisurely evening stroll (paseo) along the promenade.

• Currency: The unit of currency used across Spain is the Euro. Credit cards are accepted in the majority of establishments, and ATMs are easy to locate.

• Getting around: La Coruña is well served by buses, with single fares costing around €1.60. Taxis are reasonably priced and perfect for short or long trips, with a starting fare of about €5.

• Electricity and plug types: Spain uses standard European two-pin plugs with a 230-volt electricity supply. Those travelling from the UK will require a plug adaptor.

• Time zone: Spain is on Central European Time, which is 1 hour ahead of GMT.

Best things to do in La Coruña

Holidays to La Coruña bring together history, beautiful scenery, beaches and a lively city atmosphere. The historic port city is located on a promontory in the Galicia region.

Best districts

• Old Town: Wander the charming streets around the old city and discover beautiful churches, cobbled lanes and traditional Galician architecture. The main square, Praza de María Pita, is a beautiful spot to enjoy coffee or admire Romanesque architecture.

• Waterfront: A 13km-long walkway, one of Europe’s longest urban promenades, runs around the expansive bay where you’ll find La Coruña’s two main city beaches and the marina.

Historical monuments

• Tower of Hercules: With sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, this structure stands as the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on Earth. The vistas are well worth climbing the 242 steps that lead to it.

• San Antón Castle: Discover the rich history of the area through intriguing relics exhibited in the Archaeology and History Museum housed in this former military fortification.

Parks and gardens

• San Carlos Gardens: Not just a lovely spot overlooking the harbour, this garden offers a historical dimension to your visit as it holds the tomb of British General Sir John Moore.

• Santa Margarita Park: One of the city’s largest green spaces, this peaceful park is a beautiful place to take a walk, have a picnic or let children run around in the playground.

Museums

• National Science and Technology Museum: This splendid museum, which is situated in Santa Margarita Park, has interactive displays and a planetarium where you can learn about science, physics and astronomy.

• Domus Museum: With over 150 interactive exhibits entirely dedicated to the human body, this fascinating museum is an entertaining way to explore the characteristics of the human species.

Day trips in the area

• Fisterra: It takes about 1 hour 20 minutes to drive to this headland from La Coruña, but visitors are rewarded with incredible views of the ocean and jagged cliffs. It’s also famous as the symbolic end to many pilgrims' journeys.

• Santiago de Compostela: The final stop of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, this iconic place is packed with culture, history and spiritual significance, and is just an hour’s drive away.

Activities for families in La Coruña

The city of La Coruña has a lot to offer for a family break. A wide variety of activities are sure to keep children entertained, ranging from days on the beach to interactive educational attractions.

• Beaches: Just steps from the city centre, La Coruña’s main city beaches, Praia de Riazor and Praia do Orzán, have play areas and shallow waters, perfect for children. Located near the Tower of Hercules, Praia das Lapas is a smaller beach that has a more secluded feel.

• Aquarium Finisterrae: Immerse yourself in the Atlantic’s marine life at this aquarium on the seafront, where touch pools and interactive exhibits bring the ocean to life.

• Educational attractions: The National Science and Technology Museum’s interactive displays let kids have fun while taking part in experiments. The planetarium offers age-appropriate sessions where youngsters can examine the stars, constellations and planets. Also both educational and fun is the Domus Museum, which caters well to children with its interactive exhibits.

Free things to do in La Coruña

• Free museums: In La Coruña you can find a few museums that offer free admission on specific days. On Monday afternoons, you can enter the Tower of Hercules for free!

• Walking: Walking the scenic coastal trails around La Coruña is an engaging activity that won’t cost a penny! The Paseo Marítimo is another rewarding place to take a stroll, taking in the atmosphere.

• Beach hopping: La Coruña has six urban beaches and many coves nearby. All are great for swimming, sunbathing and water sports or just admiring northern Spain’s natural splendour.

Nature and outdoor activities in La Coruña

• Water sports: Beaches such as Riazor and Orzán are ideal for water sports. Local businesses offer lessons and rentals for all experience levels of windsurfing and paddleboarding. The waves on this coastline are especially well suited to keen surfers.

• Cycling: La Coruña is easily explored by bike, with rental options available in the city centre. The seafront promenade runs for several miles and you can stop off at landmarks like the Tower of Hercules.

• Hiking: Hikers are drawn to Galicia by its untamed coastline and lush landscape, where it’s not uncommon to encounter local flora and fauna. For gentle walking trails that offer breathtaking sweeping views over the Atlantic, head to Monte de San Pedro.

• Paragliding: Soaring over the dramatic Galician cliffs and green hills is a truly thrilling way to experience the region’s natural beauty, and there are paragliding opportunities nearby.

• Horse riding: There are a number of stables just outside the city that provide horseback riding excursions that allow you to appreciate the countryside from a different vantage point.

Beaches to enjoy on La Coruña holidays

La Coruña holidays offer the perfect mix of urban charm and coastal beauty, with several beaches to explore right in the heart of the city. Whether you’re looking for a lively spot with activities or a tranquil retreat by the sea, La Coruña’s beaches cater to all tastes.

• Riazor Beach: One of the city’s most famous beaches, Riazor is a vibrant spot located along the scenic Paseo Marítimo. With golden sands, calm waters, and plenty of facilities, it’s perfect for families, swimmers, and sunbathers. Its central location also means you’re never far from restaurants and cafes.

• Orzán Beach: Adjacent to Riazor, Orzán Beach offers a similar vibe but is particularly popular with surfers thanks to its Atlantic waves. Whether you’re riding the waves or enjoying the lively atmosphere, this beach is a must-visit for active travellers.

• San Amaro Beach: Located near the historic Tower of Hercules, San Amaro is a smaller, quieter beach with stunning views and a peaceful vibe. It’s perfect for couples or anyone looking to relax in a more intimate setting.

• Bens Beach: For a more natural and less crowded experience, head to Bens Beach, a hidden gem located slightly outside the city centre. Surrounded by greenery and cliffs, it’s ideal for those seeking a tranquil escape.

• As Lapas Beach: Tucked away near the Tower of Hercules, this small beach is a charming spot for snorkelling or simply enjoying the serene surroundings.

La Coruña’s beaches are a highlight of any holiday, offering a unique combination of city convenience and coastal tranquillity. Whether you’re relaxing on Riazor’s golden sands or exploring the quieter coves, the beaches of La Coruña promise unforgettable seaside moments.

Local dishes in La Coruña

A visit to La Coruña isn’t complete without indulging in the tempting Galician cuisine, which is built around robust, rustic dishes greatly impacted by the Atlantic Ocean.

Some typical dishes

• Pulpo a la Gallega: Beautifully grilled octopus with paprika, olive oil and sea salt is especially enjoyed at local festivals.

• Caldo Gallego: On cooler days, this hearty soup with beef, potatoes and greens is a great option.

Tapas dishes

• Pimientos de Padrón: Most of these little green peppers, fried and seasoned with sea salt, aren't that hot, but watch out for the fiery ones.

• Tortilla Española: Just about every tapas bar serves the traditional Spanish omelette – a simple but tasty dish made with potatoes and onions.

Meat dishes

• Lacón con Grelos: In the winter months, locals love to eat this wholesome dish that features pork, turnip greens and chorizo.

• Churrasco: It's the rich red wine sauce that serves as the foundation to this dish that brings out the delectable flavour of the grilled ribs and sausages.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Mariscada: Showcasing the local seafood, an abundance of shellfish – including prawns, mussels, clams and more – is arranged on the plate.

• Percebes: Goose barnacles, a true Galician delicacy, are often found on the menu in the region’s coastal towns.

Sweets and desserts

• Tarta de Santiago: This almond cake, sprinkled with powdered sugar in the design of the Cross of Saint James, is a Galician treat.

• Filloas: One of many delicious desserts popular in Galicia, these thin pancakes are normally filled with honey, cream or jam.

Local drinks

• Albariño: This crisp white wine that is produced in the Rías Baixas region pairs perfectly with the local seafood.

• Orujo: Definitely for the brave, this strong, grape-based spirit is sometimes served after a meal to aid digestion.