Karl WP Beyer The port city of A Coruña, which has 215.000 inhabitants, is located in the extreme north-west of Spain in the autonomous region of Galicia. Around 250.000 people live in the metropolitan area (as of 2020). The city, called La Coruña in Spanish, is the capital of the province of A Coruña. In the following we use the Spanish name instead of the Galician one.
La Coruña with the Real Club Nautico
La Coruña - history
La Coruña's origins date back to the Celts, Phoenicians and Romans. The settlers appreciated the protected natural harbor on the Atlantic. In Roman times the place was called Ardobicum Corunium. The Tower of Hercules, an ancient lighthouse that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009, is a reminder of Roman rule.
La Coruña - the Torre de Hercules
The city experienced an upswing in the 13th and 14th centuries. At that time, English pilgrims to St. James used the place as a port of destination on the way to the pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela.
La Coruña - favored by the climate
Spain is generally associated with heat and drought. La Coruña, on the other hand, is favored by the climate. The location on the Atlantic means a mild maritime climate; temperatures rarely drop below 10° Celsius. As far as precipitation is concerned, it is usually advisable to take an umbrella with you. The region is one of the rainiest areas in Spain. Even in the months of June to August, the city records an average of six or more rainy days.
La Coruña in the present
La Coruña is an administrative center, university and port city. Great industries don't exist apart from an oil refinery and an aluminum plant. The city has an efficient industrial port and a large fishing port. The service sector and tourism are of increasing economic importance.
La Coruña - port facilities
La Coruña - a tourist center of high standing
The city benefits from its attractive location on the rugged rocky coast of the Bay of Biscay. In addition to the historic and beautiful old town, the kilometer-long beach promenade is one of the city's attractions.
La Coruña - Promenade at Punta da Estrada
The wide, well-kept complex is one of the most attractive waterfront promenades that we know. From there, there are many fascinating views of the rugged coast. La Coruña attractions there is plenty. A circumstance that cruise lines in search of worthwhile destinations appreciate.
A Coruña - Monte de San Pedro
La Coruña and the cruise ships
The number of tourists has steadily increased since cruise ships started calling at the Bay of La Coruña. In 2019, a total of 95 cruise ship calls were reported. Among the "calls" was a larger number of German ships. The berth assigned to the cruise ships opposite the old town is ideal.
A Coruña - Cruise Terminal
Guests of cruise ships that are not in the 75 km away, world-famous pilgrimage city Santiago de Compostela at the end of the Camino de Santiago will find ideal conditions in Galicia’s largest port city to spend an interesting day without any rush.
Update - June 2022
