La Coruna Cruise Port (A Coruña) is a very popular “Winter Sun” cruise port. La Coruña, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. From the historic Old Town to the iconic Tower of Hercules, there’s plenty to see around La Coruna Cruise Port.
In this guide, I’ll how to get from La Coruna Cruise port to Old Town, Tower of Hercules, other top attractions, more importantly, how to do your own tapas bar hopping for lunch when you’re ashore!
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La Coruna Cruise Port: Is a DIY Excursion Easy? 😎😎😎😎😎 Easy Peasy
La Coruna (A Coruña) is a very popular cruise port during the European winter! So if you’re heading there to enjoy some winter sun, you’ll happy to know that a DIY shore excursion at La Coruna cruise port is 😎😎😎😎😎 easy peasy. Here’s why:
- From Ship to Old Town: La Coruna Cruise Port is 5 minutes’ walk from La Coruna Old Town, so you can just walk off your ship and start sightseeing straight away!
- Stone’s Throw from Beach: From La Coruna Cruise Port, Praia de Riazor Beach is just across the bay in under 5 minutes’ walk.
- Bus Ride to Hercules Tower: UNESCO-listed ancient Roman lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules, is just a short bus ride away. Alternatively, the coastal walk there is wonderful on a sunny day!
La Coruna Cruise Port Essentials: All You Need To Know
- Currency: Euros
- Language: Spanish or Galician
- Official website: Turismo de Galicia is the official tourism board.
- Recommended Transport App: Use Google Maps to navigate your walk around La Coruna. If you need to take a bus, then the local transit authority running buses is Tranviascoruna. Live bus departure times works well on Google Maps though.
- eSim for roaming in Spain: For a great data connection without huge roaming fees, use an eSim data pack from Airalo. I always recommend having a smartphone with a valid plan when you’re at port touring independently. Get US$3 off your first eSIM data pack from Airalo when you use ROXANN1666 when you sign up or apply it at checkout
La Coruna Cruise Port Map
- On Desktop | Laptop? Use buttons on bottom left to zoom in/out. Click on the upper right hand corner to see a bigger version.
- On Tablet | Mobile? Pinch your screen to zoom in/out and use two fingers to move map around. If you have Google Maps installed on your tablet/mobile, my map will open in your Google Maps app if you click on the upper right hand corner.
- If map is not loading correctly, click here to see it directly on Google Maps
La Coruna Cruise Port: Top Things to Do
1. Explore Must-See Attractions in Old Town (Ciudad Vieja)
The Old Town of La Coruña, also known as Ciudad Vieja, dates back to the medieval period. While the city’s origins can be traced back even further to the Roman times, the Old Town we see today began to take shape around the 12th century. Back then, there was a fortified wall around what is now the Old Town but this wall was partially demolished in the 19th century, with only remnants visible today. The Old Town is easily walkable, so I’ll just point out a few attractions that you should look out for, as you wander through its winding streets:
- Plaza de Maria Pita: Largest square in La Coruna and named after a local heroine, Maria Pita, who bravely defended the city against an English attack in 1589. You can walk along the waterfront from La Coruna cruise terminal in under 10 minutes. This is a good landmark from which you can navigate around other Old Town sights.
- Colegiata de Santa María del Campo: Built in the 12th century, this collegiate church is a prime example of Romanesque architecture, with rounded arches, intricate carvings of biblical scenes and mythical creatures.
- Santiago Church: This is La Coruña’s oldest church & dedicated to St. James, the patron saint of Spain. For centuries, pilgrims passed by this church to Santiago de Compostela, as part of the ancient pilgrimage route called the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James). The pilgrimage route ends at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, because it’s believed the apostle St. James is buried there.)
- Jardines de Méndez Núñez: These gardens, not far from La Coruna Cruise Port, is a tranquil place to take a break. There’s several ornate fountains, with kiosks and cafes serving coffee and snacks. There’s also a children’s play area.
- Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts): Housed in a 16th century convent, the Museo de Bellas Artes boasts a diverse collection of Galician & Spanish art spanning from 15th to 20th centuries, including works by Francisco Goya and El Greco.
2. Visit the Tower of Hercules: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Originally built during the reign of Emperor Trajan (98-117 AD), the Tower of Hercules is believed to be oldest working lighthouse in the world. The Colosseum in Rome was inaugurated in 80 AD, so the Tower of Hercules is from roughly the same time period. So it’s amazing that it’s still being used today!
The Tower of Hercules was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. You’ll see that the Tower’s base retains its original Roman structure, with its large granite blocks.
There’s three things to do at the Tower of Hercules:
- Climb the Tower of Hercules: You can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic vistas of the city, the coastline and the vast ocean. On a clear day, you can even see the distant Cies Islands! Inside you can visit the archaeological site containing the remains of the original foundations.
- Visit the Interpretive Centre: The Visitor & Interpretive Centre is located near the big roundabout before you walk towards the Tower of Hercules. If you’d like to climb the Tower of Hercules, here’s where the tickets! (The WC is closer to the Visitor Centre than the Tower, too.)
- Scenic Walk around Sculpture Park: There’s lovely walks around the Tower of Hercules and you can decide how far you’d like to walk to enjoy the wonderful views. Download a map of the various sculptures here (PDF).
- How to Get There: The Tower of Hercules is about 2.4 km (~1.5 miles) from La Coruna Old Town. It’s a lovely scenic walk along the promenade or you can catch a bus there. Bus routes #3 and #5 all stop at Tower of Hercules.
- From La Coruna Cruise Port: Walk a few minutes to bus stop “Autoridade Portuaria” – see this marked on my La Coruna Cruise Port Map above. Catch bus #3 to “Cidade Deport.Torre” or bus #5 to “Resid. T.Ballester“. (Bus #3 takes you slightly closer.) You will see the Tower then, so you’ll know where to get off. Cash fares onboard €1.30 – you need coins or €5 notes as driver doesn’t break larger notes!
- Short Walk to Tower: Once you alight the bus, you’ll see the Visitor Centre. It’s about a 5-10 minute walk to the Tower of Hercules itself.
- Prefer a tour instead? A 2.5 hour tour to Tower of Hercules will get you back to La Coruna Cruise Port in time for lunch!
- Opening Hours: Daily 9:45am to 9pm – last entry at 4:15pm from June 15 to September 15. Otherwise, daily from 9:45am to 5pm, last entry at 3:45pm.
- Limited access: Ticket sales are limited to 32 people every 30 minutes. So if you’re really keen see the inside of the lighthouse, get there early to buy tickets at the Visitor Centre or pre-book your tickets online (NOT an affiliate link). If you pre-book, note that these are timed entry tickets.
- Tickets: Free every Monday. €3.09 adults, €1.55 seniors 65+, students or kids under 16. Free for kids under 3. (The Interpretive Centre & surrounding sculpture park is free to enter. Entry fee applies only to the Tower of Hercules.)
3. Stroll along the Riazor Beach ⛱️
About 5-10 minutes walk from La Coruna Cruise port is the Riazor Beach – it’s wonderfully wide and sandy. The beach is also lined with a beautiful promenade, so have a leisurely walk even if you don’t feel like taking a dip. All the usual facilities are available, along with plenty of cafes nearby.
Cruise itineraries visiting La Coruna often stop in the neighbouring Galician city, Vigo, too, with its own beautiful Samil Beach. Samil Beach, though absolutely stunning, is harder to access. So if you’re looking for a beach day, then take advantage of Raizor Beach’s proximity to La Coruna Cruise Port!
4. Discover the Aquarium Finsterrae
The Aquarium Finsterrae contains exhibits focused on the rich biodiversity of the Galician coast, so there’s species like octopus, seahorses, sharks and fish native to the region. For its outdoor pools, there’s seals and sea lions, including the daily feeding sessions at noon. Don’t miss the Nautilus Room filled with jellyfish!
- How to Get There: Same Bus #3 (see above) will get you there – stay on the bus for the following stop. Or if you’re just finished sightseeing at the Tower of Hercules, it’s about a 5-10 minute walk back to the big roundabout where the bus stop is and then about 10 minutes to the Aquarium.
- Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 8pm (July to August), daily 10am to 7pm (September to June), closes at 6pm January – February.
- Tickets: €10.30 adults, €4.12 for seniors 65+, students and kids under 16.
5. DOMUS Science Museum
If you’re traveling with kids, then DOMUS is another kids friendly activity! DOMUS focuses just on the human body. There’s lots of interactive displays on the complexities of the human body, from our senses, the heart, the motor system, the brain, language and how we learn. There’s also an IMAX theatre which is included in the admission ticket!
- How to Get There: Walk along on the waterfront from the Aquarium or catch bus #7 from “Autoridade Portuaria” bus stop, a few minutes walk from La Corona cruise port. Get off at “As Lagos” stop – marked on my La Coruna cruise port map.
- Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 8pm during July and August. Otherwise, 10am to 6pm weekdays, 11am to 7pm weekends.
- Tickets: €2.06 adults, €1.03 for seniors 65+, students and kids under 16.
6. Hop Around Tapas Bars
I know that tapas are traditional enjoyed in the early evening! But as cruisers, you’ll likely have returned to the ship by then. So lunch time is just as good a time to eat tapas in La Coruna! Try these Galician tapas specialities:
- Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician-style Octopus): This iconic dish features tender octopus boiled to perfection and sprinkled with paprika, olive oil, and coarse salt. It’s a must-try for any visitor to Galicia.
- Empanada Gallega: A savoury hand-held pie filled with a variety of ingredients, such as tuna, cod, or meat.
- Pimientos de Padrón: These small green peppers are a delightful surprise, as some are mild while others pack a spicy punch. It’s a fun and flavourful game of chance!
- Raxo: Tender pork loin marinated in garlic, paprika, and white wine, then grilled or fried. It’s often served with potatoes or bread, making it a hearty and satisfying tapa.
- Zamburiñas a la Plancha: These small scallops are grilled to perfection and served with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice. Their delicate flavour and succulent texture are a true delight.
Had enough of DIY on your excursion at La Coruna? Then join a tapas bar walking tour to try out all the local favourites! Otherwise, here’s a few suggestions for lunch – don’t forget that the Spanish typically eat “late” for lunch (at least by English speakers’ standards) at around 2:30pm, so some restaurants may not open until 1pm – be sure to eat breakfast on the ship if you want a tapas lunch:
- La Bombilla: Local tavern serving traditional Galician tapas and some creative variations too. Try their “croquetas de jamón” (ham croquettes) and “pulpo a la brasa” (grilled octopus)
- A Taberna de Cunqueiro: Lots of grilled seafood options, as well as Galician cheese boards & Iberian ham selections. Many dishes come in half-size portions, so you can try more dishes!
- Taberna da Galera: Country-style tavern offering twists on Galician classics.
If you can’t decide, then there’s many tapas bars in the Old Town streets between the cruise terminal and the beach, so just walk along some of the smaller streets until you find a tapas bar that looks interesting to you.
7. Day Trip to Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia, is most famous for being the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, which has attracted pilgrims for over a thousand years. The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a UNESCO World Heritage site and its iconic Pórtico de la Gloria. The city’s Old Town is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It’s 45 miles from La Coruna and therefore a very popular day-trip excursion for cruisers whose ship has docked in La Coruna. (I mention it here because you will undoubtedly see this listed as one of your cruise line excursion options.)
Trains run frequently enough between the two cities to make a DIY trip possible and I’ll write about a DIY day-trip option in the future. If that’s too much for you, there’s also an option for a local tour and be picked up directly from La Coruna cruise port.
Featured Image by José A Ortega from Pixabay
If you’re visiting La Coruna Spain on a cruise, I hope that this guide has given you some ideas on how to spend your day at port! There’s enough to do close to the cruise port to do a DIY shore excursion in La Coruna. Have a most wonderful time in La Coruna and please drop me a line if you have any questions! And my Facebook Page is finally up and running! Follow me on Facebook if you’d like to get regular updates on my blog posts on your FB feed!
