la coruna city tour

La Coruna Tours for Cruisers

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La Coruna City Tour over 500 people in April – Hercules Tours

It is an honor for  23 nov 2022 hercules tours, google reviews, la coruna by the guardian, dear  cruisers,  la coruna by the. 08 nov 2022 panoramic city tour of a coruña book it now, 2023 hercules tours new schedule, dear cruisers, hercules tours 2023. links.

• www.turismocoruna.com
• www.camaracoruna.com
• www.turgalicia.com
• www.tourspain.es
• www.spain.info

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Facing the Atlantic Ocean, A Coruña is a city whose history is closely intertwined with its ancient fishing and trading port.

In addition to the Tower of Hercules , one of the symbols of the city, the peninsula on which the Old Town sits is home to a fascinating Romanesque ensemble of medieval streets, squares and churches.

The Aquarium Finisterrae, Domus and the Science Museum are a few of the spaces that show the more modern and playful side of the city of A Coruña, which offers one of its most beautiful scenes on the wide Riazor and Orzán beaches. Its attractions are complemented by a cuisine which is famous throughout the country, especially for the excellence of its fish and seafood, and the meat produced in the province. Although A Coruña may have begun as a Celtic settlement, the city began to take on greater historical importance in Roman times, when the port became a key location in navigation routes. This period is attested by the Tower of Hercules , the oldest working Roman lighthouse in the world, and the symbol of the city. Now an official National Monument , it was built in the late 1st or early 2nd century, during the rule of Emperor Trajan . It has undergone many changes over the years, the latest in 1791, when Charles III commissioned the architect Giannini to restore the tower and replace its cladding. The port has long been the scene of important historical events, such as the defeat in 1589 of the English privateer Francis Drake thanks to the resistance of the citizens, led by the heroic María Pita . The layout of the medieval town was limited to the peninsula. Its lively streets are lined with fine examples of Romanesque architecture . One of the most beautiful is the Church of Santiago . Built in the 12th century, it is the oldest church in the city, with later additions from the 14th and 15th centuries. Inside, the nave is wide, with pointed arches, and a polychromed statue of St. James the Apostle which dates from the 13th century. Thanks to its architectural interest it is an official Historic and Artistic Monument. In the upper part of the old city centre is another church with similar decoration, Santa María del Campo . This former collegiate church was built in the 12th and 13th centuries by the Sailors' Guild. An added attraction is the Museum of Religious Art inside the church, with works ranging from the 12th to the 15th centuries. The convent of Santa Bárbara ( 15th century) and the beautiful square of the same name are an official historic and artistic site. The convent complex, on the site of an earlier chapel to St. Barbara, was enlarged in the 17th and 18th centuries. Baroque A Coruña The Baroque style can be seen in other religious buildings. For example, the church of Las Capuchinas , with a lovely façade in the Compostelan Baroque style of the 18th century. Nearby are the churches of San Nicolás and San Jorge, both built in the early 18th century in the Baroque manner. San Nicolás, near the Town Hall, was designed by Domingo de Andrade. San Jorge is notable for a niche in its interior holding an image of the Virgin of Sorrows from the same period. The convent of Santo Domingo is also worth seeing. The slender 18th-century façade conceals an interior chapel dedicated to the Virgin of the Rosary, the patron saint of the city. You should also visit the city's most important civil constructions. The Town Hall is on Plaza de María Pita, the city's central square. It is an elegant, monumental building from the early 20th century, characterised by arcades and galleries, with three towers topped by attractive domes. Close by is the Emilia Pardo Bazán museum house , an aristocratic 18th-century mansion which was the home of this Galician writer, an outstanding figure in Spanish 19th-century literature. Part of the building is now occupied by the Real Academia Gallega. Another must-see in the centre of A Coruña is the Garden of San Carlos , an official historic and artistic site. The walls of the fortress of San Carlos, which dates from 1843, shelter this unique space, home of the Archive of the Kingdom of Galicia. The centre is dominated by the tomb of Sir John Moore, a British general killed in the Battle of Corunna in 1809. The old city centre is encircled by the coastline, where A Coruña combines tradition and modernity. Opposite the port, on Avenida de la Marina , are the characteristic houses with glazed white balconies (19th century) that form one of the most recognisable features of A Coruña and have earned it the title ‘Glass City’. The Castle of San Antón , at one end of the port area, was built in the late 16th century for defence, and later remodelled in the 18th century. It is now the Provincial Archaeological Museum, providing an interesting overview of Galician prehistory with various metalwork pieces, objects and tools from the Castro culture. The long seafront promenade offers other outstanding cultural attractions. The Aquarium Finisterrae , near the Tower of Hercules, is one of the largest aquariums in Spain, and also includes interactive exhibitions relating to the sea. Human beings are the central subject of the Domus or House of Man in a futuristic building by the architect Arata Isozaki. Inside, interactive galleries illustrate humanity through a variety of media and art forms. The promenade ends at the wide Riazor and Orzán beaches, the main leisure destination of the local people. You can complete your tour of the museums at the Science Museum in Santa Margarita Park, one of the capital's largest green areas. It is notable for its Planetarium, and the permanent exhibition explains scientific, technological and natural principles interactively. For another interesting walk through the city you can take the Picasso Route, following in the footsteps of the great artist, who lived in A Coruña for almost four years. The stops along the route include the house where he lived, Plaza de Pontevedra (the square where he played and went to school), Riazor beach (which Picasso drew), the Art School (which displays his qualifications), Santo Amaro Cemetery (where his little sister was buried) and the Tower of Hercules (where he often sought inspiration). Cuisine and countryside The food of A Coruña combines the best of the coast and the interior. From the coast comes excellent seafood: velvet crab, goose barnacle , spider crab, langoustine, etc. There are also delicious fish dishes such as monkfish caldeirada , hake a la gallega (with onion, garlic and carrot) or grilled sole . Pies are found both on the coast, with fish or seafood fillings, and inland, with meat. Pork is stewed with vegetables to make the famous lacón con grelos , while Galician veal is protected by a Designation of Origin . Any of the magnificent wines of Galicia with Designation of Origin (Monterrei, Ribeira Sacra, Ribeiro, Rías Baixas and Valdeorras) would be a fine accompaniment to these dishes. And for dessert, the famous Santiago cake (with almonds, sugar and flour). Around the capital of A Coruña there are plenty of interesting places to visit, such as Betanzos , an official historic and artistic site; Santiago de Compostela , the capital of Galicia and World Heritage city , or Ferrol. In Santiago de Compostela you can stay at the Parador ‘Hostal de los Reyes Católicos’ ( 15th century), a National Monument . And the Parador of Ferrol is one of the best places to stay in this seaside town. Some of Galicia's most important ecosystems are in A Coruña, including Fragas do Eume Natural Park and the dunes and lagoons of Dunar de Corrubedo and Lagunas de Carregal y Vixán Natural Parks . The landscapes of the Costa da Morte are also of great interest – the route takes you along the rugged Atlantic coast through towns such as Camariñas, Corcubión and Fisterra.

What to visit

Select from the list or hover over the map to find out about points of interest.

Casa de las Ciencias. Science and Technology Museum

Tower of Hercules (A Coruña)

Palace of the General Military Headquarters

Santa María del Campo Collegiate Church

Church of Santiago (A Coruña)

Domus. House of Man

Archaeology and History Museum (A Coruña)

A Coruña Museum of Fine Arts

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A Coruña and Picasso: the early years of a genius

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La Coruña City Tour (LKN11)

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11 Best Things To Do In La Coruna Cruise Port + Port Info

La Coruna cruise port is located in the heart of La Coruna ( A Coruña , in Galician; La Coruña , in Spanish), a port city in the Galicia region in the northwest of Spain. Known for its Roman historic heritage, sweeping coastal views of the Atlantic Ocean, beaches, bustling city center and a medieval old town, La Coruna has a lot to offer to everyone! In this article, read about:

• La Coruna cruise port (La Coruna cruise terminal, getting around)
• 11 best things to do in La Coruna Spain  & top La Coruna shore excursions

Visit our cruise port guides for Le Havre , Cherbourg , Bilbao , Lisbon , Cadiz , Vigo , Gibraltar

La Coruna Cruise Port

Cruise ships dock at Muelle de Trasatlánticos quay, only a 5-minute walk from the city center. The cruise terminal features a small building with facilities such as a tourist office desk (make sure you pick up maps), souvenir shops and security screening. Upon exiting the terminal, you’ll see large parking for tour buses on your left side.

To get to the city center, you need to exit the terminal, walk straight past the glass building of Los Cantones Village shopping center, cross Avenida da Mariña street and you’ll reach Rúa Real , a pedestrian shopping street. In Los Cantones Village shopping mall you can find numerous shops, cafes and bars.

The port of La Coruna is also a major cargo port that serves the distribution of agricultural goods from Galicia, which makes the city the region’s industrial and financial center.

Getting Around La Coruna Port

• The city center is walkable and the best part of it sits on a peninsula. La Coruna is perfect for biking as it’s flat, and the beach is located a few blocks away from the main street Rúa Real (a 15-minute walk from the terminal).
• You will find public transport (buses and taxis) on Avenida Marina, located only a few minutes’ walk from the terminal building. This notable street is famous for its charming Marina filled with recreation boats and beautiful glazed balconies that you’ll spot from the ship’s outer decks. You can reach many city attractions on foot, so you may not need public transportation. However, if you want to explore the city by bus, bus 3  goes to the major attractions including the Tower of Hercules. Taxis also offer tours and transfers to the nearby cities including Santiago de Compostela, Galicia’s capital.
• Free wi-fi is available in the Los Cantones shopping mall as well as cafes and restaurants in the city center.
•  Shops are usually closed during the Spanish siesta time (from 13:30 to 16:00), except for the big department stores and supermarkets. Museums are normally closed on Monday.
• La Coruna train station (Estación de La Coruña) is located 2.5 km/1.5 miles or a 10-minute drive from the port. You can check the train schedules at www.renfe.com
• The nearest airport is Santiago Airport (Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport), located 66 km/41 miles, a 45-minute drive from La Coruna cruise port.
• Book a private transfer to/from the port of La Coruna
• Explore La Coruna tours and activities
• Check out the best hotels in La Coruna

11 Best Things to Do in La Coruna Cruise Port

La Coruna city center is located a 5-minute walk from the port and you can visit the main city’s landmarks on foot.

Before I share the best things to do in La Coruna, I invite you to grab your copy of the “ Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide” , the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports (including La Coruna) , packed with practical information, expert tips & unforgettable experiences! (PDF format/200 pages)

1. Tower of Hercules

The Tower of Hercules (Torre de Hércules) is the UNESCO-listed ancient Roman lighthouse dating from the late 1st century A.D. Built on a 57-meter high rock overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the lighthouse has been in continuous operation ever since and is the oldest lighthouse in the world still in use. It is 55 meters (180 ft) tall, which makes it Spain’s second-tallest lighthouse. The whole site also features a sculpture garden, the massive statue of Breogán, rock carvings from the Iron Age and a Muslim cemetery.

The Tower of Hercules is located approximately 2.6 km/1.6 miles from La Coruna port (a 40-minute walk or a 15-minute drive). Due to the location of the tower facing the Atlantic Ocean, it can be very windy so make sure to wear appropriate clothes.

A portion of the slightly uphill road needs to be handled on foot to reach the Tower which sits on a promontory overlooking the ocean. At the foot of the hill, you’ll find a parking lot, public toilets, and a Visitor Center where you can purchase tickets to climb the tower. The Tower of Hercules is partially wheelchair-accessible.

Check out Tower of Hercules tours and activities

2. Saint Anton Castle

The Castle of San Antón is a 16th-century fortress strategically located in the Bay of Coruna, at the entrance to the harbour. It was built as part of a strategic network of castles and towers to defend the city back in history. Nowadays, it houses an archeological museum where you can see prehistoric and ancient artifacts, weaponry and medieval sculptures, and learn about the fort’s history and city.

From the castle’s ramparts, you can enjoy magnificent coastal views. The disadvantage is that all information in the museum is available only in Spanish and Galician. Saint Anton Castle is only 1.3 km/0.80 miles or a 15-minute easy walk from the cruise dock.

Explore Saint Anton Castle tours and activities

3. Maria Pita Square

Situated only 600 m from the La Coruna dock (a 5-minute walk), Praza de Maria Pita is the central square of the city dominated by the imposing building of the Town Hall (Concello da Coruña) and surrounded by a great number of shops, cafes and restaurants.

In the center of the square, you’ll find the statue of Maria Pita , the city’s heroine who played a significant role in reducing the losses of the Corunans during Sir Francis Drake’s  attack on A Coruña in 1589.

While there, you can admire the beautiful historic buildings with galerias , balconies enclosed in a glass frame built to protect from the cold Galician winds in the wintertime. Because of the galerias , La Coruna is often called  “the glass city” and “the crystal city”. Adjacent to Maria Pita Square, you’ll find a little Marqués de San Martín square dominated by the beautiful Baroque Church of Saint George (Iglesia de San Jorge).

4. Ciudad Vieja (Old Town)

While in La Coruna, don’t miss the chance to explore the medieval cobblestone streets of Ciudad Vieja (Old Town), situated only 1 km/0.60 miles or a 15-minute walk from the dock, near Saint Anton Castle.

Besides quaint tapas bars and restaurants, in the Old Town you’ll find charming historic buildings, monuments and landmarks, including the churches Santa Maria do Campo , Iglesia de Santo Domingo , Convento de Santa Bárbara and the 12th century Iglesia de Santiago . The best views of the harbour are from the historic San Carlos Garden (Jardín de San Carlos), a verdant, quiet garden dating from the 14th century.

5. Shopping, Wine and Food Tasting

I’ve been to La Coruna many times and this is one of my favorite ports of call for shopping (besides Cartagena , my number 1) and eating out. Only a 5-10 minutes walk from the port of La Coruna, you’ll find Rúa Real with its beautiful galerias , offering a variety of gift shops, clothing and shoe stores, and a few blocks away, Rúa Orzán that has the best bars and restaurants. The famous beach, Playa del Orzán , is located only a few minutes’ walk from the street.

Galicia is known for its award-winning wineries, vineyards and wine cellars spread across the region. If you want to try the region’s premium wines, you should book one of the wine tours offered by local tour agencies or your cruise line. I joined a wine and food pairing led by a sommelier at Hotel NH Collection A Coruña Finisterre as part of a cruise ship shore excursion, and the overall experience was amazing. This hotel is located next to the Marina, only a 5-minute walking distance from the dock.

Check out La Coruna food and wine-tasting tours

6. La Coruna Beaches

La Coruna boasts a beautiful, long coast ideal for activities like biking, segway or rollerblading. If you come in the summertime, you can surf, play volleyball or sunbathe on the wide, urban Playa del Orzán , backed by a waterfront promenade offering fantastic views of the bay. Another popular beach is  Playa de Riazor , situated next to it, perfect for walking or running.

7. Gardens of Méndez Núñez

Only 750 meters from the cruise terminal (upon exiting, turn left), this lovely landscaped park dating from 1868 features old trees, colorful flower beds, fountains and sculptures, as well as areas for kids and walking. It’s a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Public toilets and a coffee shop are available for visitors.

8. Aquarium Finisterrae

Aquarium Finisterrae is a public interactive science center that opened in 1999 and is dedicated to wildlife preservation, particularly the sea ecosystem and sea life. Here you can encounter and interact with the marine underwater life of Galicia’s coast and the Atlantic Ocean, including seals, sharks, rays and other types of fish.

The Aquarium features various interactive exhibits and fascinating exhibition rooms including Sala Nautilus , the most spectacular one, designed to offer an authentic emotional experience. The whole place is very scenic, offering unique views of the coast and marine life.

9. Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the Galicia region, located 76 km/47 miles (a 50-minute drive) from La Coruna cruise port. The fascinating medieval city is known as the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route and the 11th-century Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela which is the reputed burial place of the Biblical apostle St. James.

The Cathedral boasts an impressive Western facade that overlooks Praza do Obradoiro (“Square of the Workshop”), the main square of Santiago de Compostela’s old town, also surrounded by the university and a few more important buildings.

The medieval Old Town is filled with restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and landmarks such as the Museum of Pilgrimage , Mosteiro de San Paio de Antealtares (medieval church and monastery & a museum of historic art), Praza da Quintana de Vivos (a square behind the Cathedral), Mercado de Abastos (traditional market), and other medieval churches and monuments.

The medieval Old Town is a pedestrian-only zone. The parking lot where the tour buses drop passengers off is located a 15-minute walk from the Cathedral and main landmarks. Taxis and private vehicles can get closer to the downtown. Old Town is cobblestone, with narrow streets that wheelchair users may find difficult to handle.

Check out Santiago de Compostela tours from La Coruna cruise port

10. Betanzos

Nestled in a fertile valley 27 km/16.7 miles (a 25-minute drive) southeast of La Coruna, Betanzos is one of the best-preserved old towns in Galicia and one of the stops on the English Way path of the Camino de Santiago. Named “Brigantium” by the Romans, Betanzos sits on a hill at the mouth of the Betanzos estuary, where the sea mixes with the freshwaters of the Mandeo and Mendo rivers. Due to its architecture and historic heritage, the town was declared a Historic-Artistic Site.

Betanzos boasts three beautiful Gothic churches:  Igrexa de San Francisco (St Francis Church) dating from the 14th century;  Igrexa de Santiago (St James Church) built in the 15th century, famous for its main portal decorated with a horseback statue of Saint James; and Igrexa de Santa María do Azogue (Church of Santa María do Azogue) built between the late 14th and early 15th centuries.

Located on a hill on the banks of the river Miño, 103 km/64 miles (a 1-hour 10 minutes drive) southeast of La Coruna, the historic city of Lugo is the capital of the province of Lugo and the fourth most populous city in Galicia.

Lugo is surrounded by completely intact Roman walls ( Muralla Romana de Lugo ) built between the 3rd and 4th centuries AD to defend the city against local tribesmen and Germanic invaders. The walls are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and they reach a height of 15 meters (49 ft), spreading along a 2.117-meter (6.946 ft) circuit ringed with the remaining 46 towers.

Nowadays, visitors can stroll along the whole wall length and admire beautiful views of the historic quarter inside the walls. The Old Town is filled with medieval buildings, squares and churches, among which the 12th-century Lugo Cathedral , the Episcopal Palace and the City Hall of Lugo with its magnificent 18th-century baroque façade stand out.

Visit Lugo from La Coruna

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2 thoughts on “11 Best Things To Do In La Coruna Cruise Port + Port Info”

I was just in La Coruna this past week. We did the wine tasting at the NH Collection hotel. Do you remember what brands the wines were that you did at your tasting?

Hi, amazing, I hope you had a great time! Unfortunately, I can’t remember the wine brands, it was a long time ago 🙂

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