Free walking tours in A Coruña and what to see

Must-sees

The Tower of Hercules is the city’s symbol. It is a lighthouse of Roman origin still in use and a World Heritage Site, and you can climb to the top to see the coast. From there, the seafront promenade circles the peninsula and leads to Riazor and Orzán beaches, in the heart of the city, and to Avenida de la Marina, with its famous glazed galleries.

Next to La Marina is Plaza de María Pita, with the town hall. Behind it begins the Old Town, with quiet streets, the collegiate church of Santa María, the church of Santiago and the San Carlos garden, where the English general John Moore is buried. San Antón castle, above the port, houses the archaeology museum. For views, go up Monte de San Pedro.

Free tours and guided visits

Free tours usually start at María Pita and cover the Old Town and the Pescadería. They tell the city’s history, the English attack of 1589 and the story of María Pita, and you pay what you think it is worth at the end. Some also include La Marina and the port. Among paid visits, a guided tour of the Tower of Hercules helps you understand its Roman remains. Day trips leave from the city to Santiago de Compostela, Betanzos and the Costa da Morte, with its lighthouses and cliffs.

How long to spend

Two days are enough. On the first, explore the centre, the Old Town and La Marina in the morning, and in the afternoon follow the promenade to the Tower of Hercules. On the second, visit a museum, go up Monte de San Pedro and spend the afternoon on the beach if the weather allows. With a third day you can take a trip to Santiago or along the coast.

Where to stay

The area between the Old Town, the Pescadería and the Ensanche is the most convenient for exploring on foot. You are close to María Pita, La Marina and the streets with the most bars, such as La Franja. If you want the beach on your doorstep, look for accommodation around Riazor and Orzán, which is also within walking distance of the centre.