A Coruña

Day 1: The peninsula, glass balconies and the Atlantic edge

A Coruña’s compact peninsula is perfect for a slow, scenic loop on foot. Today mixes history, sea air and the city’s signature glass-fronted façades, with plenty of viewpoints to set your internal compass.

• Morning: Start at the Dársena de la Marina to admire the galerías along the waterfront and grab a coffee with a harbour view. Wander into the Old Town via Plaza de María Pita, then up to Jardines de San Carlos for a quiet look over the port and the tomb of Sir John Moore.
• Midday: Visit the Castillo de San Antón (small fee) for panoramas and a dose of maritime history, or save it for a rainy spell. Lunch back around the Marina or in the Cidade Vella; try empanada, tortilla and whatever fish looks freshest.
• Afternoon: Follow the Paseo Marítimo north to the Tower of Hercules and its sculpture park; climb the 234 steps for a 360° view if winds allow (tickets often sell out; it closes in strong gales). Don’t miss the Rosa dos Ventos and the wave-battered coves around Punta Herminia; pack a windproof even in summer.
• Evening: Stroll the Riazor–Orzán promenade for sunset and watch local surfers. On stormy winter days, join residents to safely observe the Atlantic at the seafront wall (police may cordon off exposed spots); dinner in the Orzán/Riazor streets afterwards.

Day 2: Beaches, surf culture and the big panorama

Today is about sand underfoot and the city’s grandest viewpoint. Pick your pace: a bracing dip, a surf lesson, or simply long walks and long views.

• Morning: Walk the curve of Riazor and Orzán; if you’re swimming, check the flag system and rip-current signs (lifeguards mid-June to mid-September; water 15–19°C). Book a surf lesson at Orzán or hop to Sabón by taxi for reliable waves.
• Midday: Simple beach lunch: pick up picnic supplies or try a chiringuito; sunscreen is essential even under cloud (locals call it the “fool’s sun”). If the nordés wind picks up, shelter on the port side by the Marina’s cafés.
• Afternoon: Head to Monte de San Pedro for the definitive city panorama; ride the glass elevator if operating (usually 10:00–22:00 in summer, shorter in winter), or take bus 12/14/drive if it’s closed. Explore the old batteries, the park’s paths and the Cúpula Atlántica for a weatherproof 360° lookout.
• Evening: Stay for sunset as the peninsula lights curve into a glittering crescent; book the restaurant up top for views, or return to Calle de la Estrella for a tapas crawl. If you’re here on 23 June, watch San Xoán bonfires spread across Riazor–Orzán from the park, then join the beach celebrations.

Day 3: Sheltered sands, wild coves and hidden angles

Blend easy-going family-friendly beach time with wilder edges of the coast. You’ll finish with a couple of lesser-known viewpoints locals love.

• Morning: Cross the bridge to Santa Cristina in Oleiros for calm, shallow waters and a wide strand (great for families; arrive early in July–August for parking). If it’s blustery, swap to the Aquarium Finisterrae by the Tower for an indoor, sea-facing alternative.
• Midday: Back in town, graze at Mercado de la Plaza de Lugo (seafood stands, cheeses, cured meats) or lunch on the Marina under the galleries. Check the tide table if you’re planning more cove-hopping later.
• Afternoon: Taxi or bus to O Portiño for the Ventana al Atlántico, a dramatic granite “window” framing the ocean; wander the coastal path towards Adormideras and the Menhires pola Paz for quieter tower views. Keen walkers can also tackle the long Dique de Abrigo to see the whole skyline from the breakwater (windy and exposed).
• Evening: Catch golden hour from Parque de Eirís, looking back over the ría and the Puente de la Pasaje, then return to the Old Town for a final tapas round. On winter evenings, the Riazor wall is a safe, theatrical spot for storm-watching; in summer, linger on the Paseo with an ice cream and the last light.

By Air

• A Coruña Airport (LCG, Alvedro) – 8 km from the city centre.
  • Airport bus to the centre (Puerta Real/Plaza de Ourense): about 20–30 minutes; typically every 30–60 minutes; low-cost fare.
  • Taxi: 15–25 minutes; roughly €20–€25 depending on time/traffic.
• Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) – ~65 km (45–60 minutes by car). Direct buses link A Coruña bus station with SCQ in ~60–70 minutes; frequent flights to major Spanish and European hubs.
• Vigo Airport (VGO) – ~160 km (about 1 h 45 min–2 h by car).
• Asturias Airport (OVD) – ~250 km (about 2 h 45 min–3 h by car).
• Porto Airport (OPO, Portugal) – ~285 km (about 3–3.5 h by car); wide range of international routes.

By Train

• Main station: A Coruña-San Cristóbal (central; long‑distance and regional services).
• Key direct routes (Renfe):
  • Madrid Chamartín: approx. 3 h 30 min–4 h (several daily).
  • Santiago de Compostela: 28–40 minutes (very frequent).
  • Vigo: about 1 h 20 min–1 h 35 min (frequent Avant services).
  • Ourense: around 2 h.
  • Lugo: around 1 h 50 min–2 h.
  • Ferrol: about 1 h 15 min–1 h 30 min.

By Bus

• Main hub: Estación de Autobuses de A Coruña (near the rail station).
• Operators include Arriva, Monbus, Alsa and FlixBus.
• Typical direct times:
  • Santiago de Compostela: ~1 h (very frequent).
  • Santiago Airport (SCQ): ~60–70 minutes (direct services).
  • Ferrol: ~1 h.
  • Lugo: ~2 h.
  • Ourense: ~2–2 h 30 min.
  • Vigo: ~2 h 30 min–3 h.
  • Madrid: ~7–8 h (including overnight options).
  • Porto: ~4–5 h (often via Santiago).
  • Frequencies vary by season—check timetables in advance.

By Car

• Main routes:
  • AP‑9 (tolled): south to Santiago (45–60 min), Pontevedra, Vigo (~1 h 45 min–2 h) and Portugal.
  • A‑6 (toll‑free): east to Betanzos, Lugo (~1 h 30 min), León and Madrid (~5 h 45 min–6 h 30 min).
  • AG‑55 (tolled): to Carballo and the Costa da Morte.
• Indicative drives: Ourense ~2 h; Oviedo ~3 h; Porto ~3–3.5 h.
• Parking is limited in the central peninsula area; use public car parks where possible.