A Coruña is the Crystal City (“La Ciudad de Cristal”). It stands on a peninsula in the Atlantic, battered by wind and waves, so the locals built their houses with white, glass-enclosed balconies (galerías) to trap the sun and block the gales. The result is a shimmering, glittering waterfront that looks like no other city on earth.
This is the home of Inditex (Zara), and the wealth shows. The locals are stylish, the streets are clean, and the nightlife is legendary. But it retains a salty, working-class soul. It smells of octopus boiling in copper pots and the crisp, ozone-heavy sea air. The Tower of Hercules, the oldest working lighthouse in the world, stands guard at the tip, a Roman beacon that still sweeps the dark ocean every night.
The food is arguably the best seafood in Spain. Barnacles (Percebes), Spider Crabs, and Octopus are staples. The beer is Estrella Galicia, and it is a source of intense local pride. You do not order any other brand here.
To enjoy A Coruña, walk the Paseo Marítimo (the longest in Europe). Let the wind mess up your hair at the Tower. And drink the beer from the tank at the brewery.
The perfect plan for A Coruña:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: Glass & Romans
- Morning: Tower of Hercules. Climb it. It’s Roman. The view is endless ocean. Walk the sculpture park around it.
- Afternoon: Plaza de María Pita. The main square. Admire the Town Hall. Lunch at A Pulpeira de Melide. Order Pulpo (octopus). It’s perfect.
- Evening: Avenida de la Marina. See the “Crystal City” galleries at sunset. They shine. Tapas on Calle de la Barrera. Try O Tarabelo for meatballs.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Views & Beer
- Morning: Mount San Pedro. Take the glass spherical elevator (Ascensor Panorámico) up the cliff. Old military guns and huge views.
- Afternoon: Estrella Galicia Museum (MEGA). It’s an interactive beer museum. Pour your own pint. It’s genuinely fun.
- Evening: Riazor Beach. Watch the surfers. Dinner at NaDo (Atlantic cuisine).
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: Fish Market
- Morning: Plaza de Lugo Market. The best fish market in Spain? Probably. The variety is insane.
- Afternoon: Walk the Paseo Marítimo.
- Evening: Drinks at a terrace.
Weather
Summer: Best chance of sun. 22-25°C. Pleasant.
Winter: Stormy, windy, rainy. But watching the giant waves is a local sport.
Spring/Autumn: Unpredictable. Bring an umbrella.
Local Customs
1. Estrella Galicia: It is the only beer. Don’t ask for Heineken.
2. Tapas: Calle de la Barrera is for tapas. Calle de la Estrella is for wine.
3. The Wind: It is always windy. “Nordés” wind clears the sky.
History & Culture
A Celtic settlement, then Roman (Brigantium). The Tower of Hercules was built in the 2nd century AD. In 1589, Maria Pita became a hero by repelling the English fleet of Francis Drake (she killed the standard-bearer). It has always been a liberal, maritime city. Today, it is the economic engine of Galicia.
Getting Around & Safety
Walking: The isthmus is small. You can walk from the beach to the port in 5 mins.
Bus: Good for the Tower or Mount San Pedro.
Info for Nomads
A hidden gem. Fast internet, great food, walkable, ocean views. Inditex brings an international crowd.
Workation Vibe
Excellent infrastructure.
- Pandelino: Bakery/cafe, very cozy, good tables.
- Waco Coffee: Specialty coffee, hipster vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it rainy? +
Yes, it’s Galicia. But the weather changes fast. Rain, sun, rain, sun.
Is it expensive? +
No. Seafood is good value compared to Madrid. Beer is cheap.
Can I swim? +
Yes, Riazor and Orzán are city beaches. The water is cold and waves can be strong.