La Coruna Tourist Attractions

The port of La Coruña, traditionally known in English as Corunna, lies in the northwestern corner of Spain on a peninsula in the bay formed by the rías of El Ferrol, Ares, Betanzos and La Coruña. It is the largest city in Galicia, an important international port, capital of its province, a garrison town and a fishing port, with large fish-canning plants.

Torre de Hércules

On a crag 2km/1.25mi north of La Coruña is the Torre de Hércules, the oldest lighthouse in the world which is still operating; it is reached on a well signposted road skirting the old town. It was built by the Romans in the second century A.D., as a tablet at the foot of the tower records. There was originally an external spiral staircase to the top. The tower was rebuilt in its present form in the 18th century. Both from the tower and from the tip of the promontory there are magnificent panoramic views of the sea, the city, the Ría de la Coruña and the bathing beaches of Playa Riazor and Playa del Orzán to the west.

Surroundings

Coast of Death

The stretch of coast extending south from La Coruña to Cabo Finisterre is known as the Costa de la Muerte because so many ships have been wrecked on this rugged coast. The attractions of this area, for visitors who are not discouraged by the prospect of rain, are its grandiose, austere scenery, its long lonely beaches and its sleepy little fishing villages.

Malpica de Bergantinos

From La Coruña C 522 goes southwest to Carballo, from which a detour can be made to the beautifully situated little port of Malpica de Bergantiños, with a long sandy beach.

Camarinas

Camariñas, a little town in a sheltered bay which has long been renowned for its pillow lace (enjaces), can be reached from Malpica de Bergantiños on a very beautiful coast road or from Carballo by way of Baio.

Cabo Finisterre

Farther south from Camariñas is the port of Corcubión, from which it is 12km/7.5mi southwest to Cabo Finisterre, the most westerly point on the Spanish mainland. From this rugged granite promontory (lighthouse) there are magnificent views of the open Atlantic.
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Map of La Coruna Attractions