Virgin Voyages' guide to La Coruña, Spain
An ode to tasty food, captivating architecture, and timeless heroes.
Glass, brass, and all that jazz
Tucked away on the tip of the autonomous district of Galicia and set on the rugged northwestern corner of Spain, La Coruña is a historic town metamorphosed into a pulsing modern metropolis. Home to the oldest lighthouse still in operation, a medieval village of mazed cobbled streets, and a plaza named after a local woman who defended the town against an English invasion, La Coruña is an eclectic cultural hub waiting to be explored.
So put some comfy clothes on, bike along Paseo Marítimo, explore the local markets, and climb up the Tower of Hercules to get sweeping ocean views as a breathtaking Instagram Stories backdrop. La Coruña might be a small city, but there’s so much to see and do — you’ll want to recharge with a glass of freshly-brewed Estrella Galicia beer and some epic Galician bites, too.
Shore Excursions
When in Galicia, do as the Galician do
Amazing Architecture of La Coruña
Explore La Coruña, a historic city transformed into a modern cultural mecca with lively districts, quiet enclaves, and an incredible food scene. Unique in its geography, infrastructure, and history — the city is 2000+ years old — this peninsula includes a blend of Greco-Roman-Moorish buildings and signature enclosed balconies overlooking narrow walkways and boulevards. You'll visit the incredible Paseo Marítimo, see the famed Tower of Hercules lighthouse, and local barrios during your journey.
Flavors of La Coruña
La Coruña is part of Galicia, a region in northwestern Spain believed to have been founded by Hercules. While residents share a national identity, Galicians have a distinct heritage of Celtic and Roman origins. View the triple-domed town hall and Maria Pita Square — named for the heroine who fought during the Spanish Armada, and visit the San Agustín food market before heading to a local bar to sample the region’s gourmet tapas and its delicious Albarño wine.
The Brewtiful World of Galicia
You may have seen the cathedral in La Coruña, but have you discovered the region’s beer cathedral? At MEGA Mundo Estrella Galicia—the home of Estrella Galicia—the historic boiling room is known as “the cathedral” and serves as the heart of the brewing process. You’ll tour the working factory and beer museum before enjoying a guided tasting of two different beers, paired with classic Spanish tapas. Cheers to the brewtiful world of Estrella Galicia!
More Shore Things for your wishlist...
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The City of Glass is La Coruña’s nickname
Full glass balconies, while unique in style, keep homes warm in the winter.
Amidst ancient Roman structures, a medieval old town, and glazed white balconies that accentuate early-20th-century mansions, La Coruña seems to never stop evolving. With a series of extraordinary strings to its own bow, the city offers a breath of fresh air that transcends its elevated food scene and hip coastal lifestyle; it offers a peek into a world of opportunities.
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