What to see and photograph in A Coruña including Tower of Hercules UNESCO site, Aquarium Finisterrae ,Castle of San Anton, A Coruña promenade, Elevator at Mount San Pedro (and view of the city), Riazor Stadium before taking the bus to Santander

What to see and photograph in A Coruña

A Coruña is a city in north west Spain located in the Galicia region.  Here are the points of interest of A Coruña;

  • Tower of Hercules UNESCO site
  • Castle of San Anton
  • A Coruña promenade
  • Elevator at Mount San Pedro (and view of the city)
  • Riazor Stadium
  • Aquarium Finisterrae

I would recommend staying close to the promenade whilst staying in A Coruña.  You’ll be able to walk to all of the points of interest.  A Coruña doesn’t get as hot as other parts of Spain.

Tower of Hercules

Tower of Hercules - UNESCO Roman lighthouse, A Coruña, Spain

The Tower of Hercules is a lighthouse and UNESCO site.  It is the oldest roman lighthouse in the world that is still in use.  It was built in the 2nd century and overlooks the Atlantic ocean.  At 55 meters tall it’s the second tallest in Spain after the lighthouse in Chipiona, Andalucia.  An Instagram worthy location close to the tower is a huge rose compass.  The compass is made from slate and granite.  It features the emblems of 7 Celtic nations.

Castle of San Anton

The castle of San Anton was built in the 16th century to defend the city from attacks.  In fact shortly after being constructed the city became under attack from my countryman, Sir Francis Drake.  With the use of the castle the city was successfully defended during this attack.  The castle and fort now houses an archaeological museum.

Promenade

Promenade, La Coruña, Spain

A Coruña is well laid out with beaches and a promenade surrounding Orzan bay.  The promenade is perfect for a walk or run, the total length is 9 km.  It’s possible to walk to the Tower of Hercules as it’s less than 2 km away.  The promenade leads all the way to the tower.  There are lots of restaurants facing the bay, foodies will love A Coruña.

Elevator at Mount San Pedro

Elevator at Mount St Pedro, A Coruña

To the west of Orzan bay is a glass circular shaped elevator.  This takes you to the top of Mount Saint Pedro.  From the top you’ll see wonderful views of the bay, city, mountains, lighthouse and ocean.  As you are ascending in the panoramic elevator you also get those good views.

Riazor stadium

Riazor Stadium, home of Deportivo de La Coruña football club

The Riazor stadium is conveniently located in the center of A Coruña opposite the promenade.  Deportivo de La Coruña is the football team which play here.  As they are not so popular and the stadium is rarely full you can easily get a good value ticket to watch a game.  They play in La Liga so face famous teams such as Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Aquarium Finisterrae

If you are traveling to A Coruña with kids you may want to visit the aquarium.  It is located on the promenade before you reach the Tower of Hercules.  You’ll see sharks, seals and octopuses as well as an interactive science center.  The north western tip of Spain is the perfect location for an aquarium.

How to get from A Coruña to Santander by bus

Bus from A Coruña to Santander

The bus from A Coruña to Santander takes around 8 hours.  This is on a very convenient direct bus which you can book online.  The route you take through Northern Spain passes many beautiful vistas.  This is a similar route to that of the Camino de Santiago.

Santander to Bilbao