A WEEKEND IN A CORUÑA

There is no better weekend than one spent in a city where the culture and gastronomy simply have to be experienced. All the more so if that city is close to home. There is so much to see here that a weekend may not be enough but that itself is the most valuable indication that A Coruña is a living city that you live the minute you set foot in it!

To visit A Coruña is to visit a city shaped by the sea via its port zone and marina. A walk through these areas is highly recommended to admire the glazed balconies that are a hallmark of the city, a feature that leaves nobody indifferent and is on a par with anything you might see in other cities.

The balconies were built to harness sunlight and heat and were used by fishermen to store their fishing gear in bygone times. If there is one thing that characterises Galicia and A Coruña, it is their long-standing fishing roots.

This same zone (port) boasts the largest promenade in Europe, stretching for over thirteen kilometres which you can walk along or cycle, if you prefer.

The walk along the coast brings you to the Riazor and Orzán beaches, where - weather permitting - you can enjoy a swim in this part of Galicia’s untamed and unique Atlantic. If conditions do not allow a swim, you can enjoy a stroll and take in the lovely views.

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Equally delightful is to gaze out to sea from the Tower of Hercules. Indeed, a great way to spend time in a location that merits this and much more is to watch the ships, track native species of birds and savour the breeze as it caresses our face and hair.

Heading back, another major attraction is María Pita Square, located in the heart of the city. In 1589, at the height of the reign of Philip II, Pita repelled the English invasion of A Coruña. Her actions saw her honoured by the king and hence she is so well known and loved in the city today. Her statue stands in the middle of the square, opposite the town hall, which is a beautiful modernist building full of interesting features. Another interesting thing to do is to pause to contemplate the light that bathes the city. Walk under the arches that line Maria Pita square and the town hall and observe the shadows cast by the sun around you.

A Coruña is without doubt a place you simply must visit for its history, gastronomy, leisure possibilities, cultural activities and, above all else, for the local people, who make you feel as if you are one of them.

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GETING THERE:

Binter has three direct flights to A Coruña from Gran Canaria every week, operating on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

WHERE TO STAY:

Hesperia A Coruña 4*: explore the city from this recently-renovated hotel, which is ideally situated to allow you to enjoy the atmosphere, beaches and gastronomy.

Plaza Hotel & Spa 4*: a hotel for gourmets in the very heart of A Coruña. Its restaurant is headed by Michelin star chef Luis Veira.

A Coruña is a city with a history dating back thousands of years in which you can savour the best the Atlantic and Galicia have to offer. Seafood platters that will leave you speechless and include spider crab, Norway lobster, prawns, langoustine, shrimps, velvet crabs, brown crabs, red king crabs, spiny lobster, goose barnacles, clams, scallops, mussels, cockles, razor clams and oysters. Exquisite fishermen’s dishes such as caldeirada de pescado fish stew. Galician cocido, a meat and vegetable stew that warms both body and spirit. Grilled dishes that showcase Galicia’s quality meats. Pork or scallop empanada pie, boiled octopus, sardines with boiled potatoes, octopus stew with clams and langoustine … and for dessert, Galician crepes or cheesecake. Scrumptious!

MUST SEES:

Tower of Hercules: the world’s oldest functioning lighthouse and symbol of the city. Take a walk in the sculpture park around it.

St Peter’s Mount: the best spot for views of the city and coast. Walk up to its Atlantic Dome and take in the 360º views from Spain’s only covered vantage point.

Mariña Balconies: the glazed balconies of the buildings overlooking the sea are one of the hallmark features of this coastal city.

Picasso Museum-House: visit the home where Malaga-born artist Pablo Picasso spent his childhood and learned to paint.

Promenade: take a stroll along the 13-km seafront promenade, Europe’s longest!

St Antón’s Castle: discover the exciting history of A Coruña by visiting the city’s Archaeology and History Museum. National Museum of Science and Technology: explore the advances achieved by society and technology from the 16th century until the present day, reflected in this collection of over 1500 scientific instruments.