La Coruna, Spain: ‘Glass City’ Of The Mediterranean

The historic port city of La Coruna is situated beside the Atlantic Ocean in a peninsula. It is the capital of the province of the same name. The city is an interesting Romanesque collection of streets, squares and medieval churches.The coastal area that surrounds the Old City is a mixture of traditional and modern architecture.

Beside the port are the houses with white glazed galleries, which have earned the city its name “Glass City”.

A Little Bit of History

According to local tradition, this city was founded by Hercules and the city has records dating back to Celtic and Phoenician times.

The View of A Coruna, Spain - A Coruna (or La Coruna) is a city in northern Spain in Galicia. This port city, situated in a gulf on the Atlantic Ocean offers wonderful beaches and is also known as the "Glass City" of the Mediterranean due to the glass balconies spread all over the city.The View of La Coruna

It was a mere fishermen’s settlement until it was conquered by Julius Caesar, who helped it to grow into a commercial port. Thus the sea trade of the area increased.

As the locals were very resistant to Moorish occupation, their occupation here was for only a very short period.

This settlement was recognized as a city in 1446. Phillip II dispatched the Spanish Armanda to attack the British in 1588.

Menhirs in A Coruna, Spain - These are are the sculptures representing a family and looking over the Atlantic Ocean. They were created by Manolo Paz, Galician artist. The port city itself is a great place for foodies, history and culture enthusiastic and beach lovers.Celtic Monuments, A Coruna

They left from La Coruna, but were defeated soundly and the town suffered. However, the Spanish Armanda defeated the army of Sir Francis Drake from London.

The 1800s was the booming period for La Coruna, when it developed in population, urbanization and industrialization.

Festival of San Juan, Carnival and the Medieval Market are a few popular celebrations of this region.

Maria Pita Square in A Coruna, Spain - This is a beautiful square to explore the architecture and soak up the atmosphere. It was named after a local heroine, who saved the city when attacked by the English. Today, A Coruna is not only a historic city but a busy port with plenty of beaches for anyone's taste.Maria Pita Square, La Coruna

Zara, the global village high fashion brand was born here and you can visit the first Zara store in La Coruna. This city is also home to the world’s second largest textile company, Inditex.

Where is La Coruna?

  • 31.7 miles/ 51.1 km from Ferrol, Spain
  • 82 miles/ 132 km from Galicia, Spain
  • 154.7 miles/ 249 km from Viana do Castelo, Portugal
  • 159.6 miles/ 257 km from Braga, Portugal
  • 98.7 miles/ 159 km from Vigo, Spain
  • 367.2 miles/ 591 km from Madrid, Spain
  • 6.2 miles/ 10.1 km from La Coruna Airport, Spain
  • 42.5 miles/ 68.5 km form Santiago de Compostela Airport, Spain
  • 100 miles/ 161 km from Vigo Airport, Spain

Things to See

The Castle of San Anton in A Coruna, - This is one of the city's main attractions. It has been used for protection purpose and today it serves as a site for the city's Museum of Archeology and History.The Castle of San Anton, La Coruna
  • Tower of Hercules
  • The Castle of San Anton
  • Santiago Church
  • Monte de San Pedro
  • Collegiate Church
  • Science and Technology Museum
  • The Aquarium Finisterrae
  • Domus – House of Man
  • Fine Arts Museum
  • Promenade

    Beaches

  • Das Lapas
  • Lazaretto o’ Oza
  • Riazor Beach
  • Do Matadeiro Beach
  • Orzan Beach
  • San Amaro

    Excursions

  • Ferrol
  • Finistere
  • Monfero
  • Camino de Santiago

La Coruna is a handsome city, but it is somehow rough-hewn.

It is not a highly metropolitan city, but the city has the brashness of a big town, which thrives on manufacturing.

We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!