We invite you to walk along the longest seaside promenade in Europe. At more than 13 kilometres long, A Coruña's promenade is one of the main attractions for our visitors. Its marine path surrounds the entire peninsula, almost as if it were a marvellous balcony overlooking the Atlantic.
The Promenade can be walked on foot, but you can also cycle or skate, as it has its own cycle path - and, of course, you're welcome to run, using the newly introduced running lane. Exploring the seaside promenade is certainly a healthy, sustainable and fun way to get to know the city, as it runs along the entire length of the isthmus of A Coruña.
A WALK BY THE HARBOUR
We recommend starting at La Marina, where you will understand perfectly why A Coruña is known as the "city of glass". Its sea-facing glass gallery windows with views of the inner harbour, where the classic Coruñan fishing boats anchor, create a beautiful image of the city. The terraces at the foot of these iconic buildings offer innovative Atlantic cuisine that you won't want to miss at the start of your route along the promenade.
A few metres from the harbour is San Antón Castle, an old defensive bastion of the port that now houses the Archaeology Museum. From this walled enclave we encourage you to continue through the Maestranza Gardens, seat of the University's government.
As you stroll along the promenade, you will see the modernist-inspired lampposts that hold more than a thousand enamels. These glazed pieces, the work of the artist Julia Ares, narrate historical events in the city. You will be mesmerised by the Cemetery of San Amaro, where you can enjoy night-time walking routes. This is a place with a markedly romantic atmosphere, a place where you will learn the stories of the illustrious individuals who rest in this Coruñan cemetery. Manuel Murguía, husband of Rosalía de Castro, Wenceslao Fernández Flórez, Curros Enríquez and Pablo Picasso's sister Conchita are some of the protagonists of this unique visit.
THE PENINSULA WITHIN THE PENINSULA
Once past the cemetery we reach the city's icon: The Tower of Hercules, a World Heritage Site, the oldest working lighthouse in the world. There, you will soak up the history in the museum housed inside its Roman foundations. Outside the lighthouse, we recommend you enjoy the array of sculptures in the surrounding area. A photo from the heights of the tower is an absolute must - on the top of this 1st century colossus, with views of the tower peninsula.
Continuing on our seaside route, we'll arrive at Aquarium Finisterrae, one of the most visited science museums that allows incredible "immersion" in marine biology, oceanography and the sea in general. And speaking of science museums, just a few metres away is the Domus, the first interactive museum in the world dedicated entirely to the human being.
Next to the museum you will find the Surfers' Fountain, which welcomes you to the western bay area of the city. There you can find the imposing sandbanks of the Orzán and Riazor beaches. The La Coraza lookout is an obligatory stop so you can capture the moment. Then we'll continue on from the famous breakwater to Riazor Stadium, a temple of football in A Coruña.
Returning to the seaside promenade, you will reach the Millennium Obelisk, built to welcome the 21st century. At 46 metres high, this free-standing sculpture is decorated with carved stained glass narrating the main historical events of the city.
THE BEST LOOKOUT IN THE CITY
A few metres away, you will reach the foot of Mount San Pedro, where the lift in the shape of a glass sphere awaits to take you to the top of one of A Coruña's greatest parks. A former defensive bastion, San Pedro is a spectacular lookout point with large expanses of green and breath-taking Atlantic cliffs, where a pleasant culinary surprise awaits you as well. This is where you'll find Árbore da Veira, a Michelin-starred restaurant from where you can admire the charm of A Coruña while savouring haute cuisine made from the best Atlantic products.
The lift will take you back down to the path. After walking a bit farther, you will stumble upon a giant octopus on the arches of the balustrade. The work of Javier M. Padín, this cephalopod was built with reinforced concrete and covered with colourful ceramic pieces that change colour depending on the sun's rays. You won't be able to pass by without resting on its tentacles.
THE END OF THE ROAD
The next stage of the route is not to be missed. From the railing, you can see the archipelago of the San Pedro Islands, four protected islets inhabited by molluscs and nesting migratory birds. On the rocks nearby, you can watch one of the most exciting and dangerous fishing techniques in the world. Goose barnacle gatherers reach out with their hands to grasp the rocky ledges in the middle of the waves, all in order to catch one of the world's most coveted shellfish. A true wonder to behold.
On your final stage of your promenade stroll, you will reach Portiño, a small fishing port with a special charm and one of the best sunsets on the Coruñan coast. Take the opportunity to enjoy the natural wonder of the sunset - with a good beer in hand, as in this same place you'll find Tita Rivera, a fashionable bar managed by Estrella Galicia.
More than thirteen kilometres of history, art, nature and charm. This is our seaside promenade that welcomes you with open arms. It will not disappoint.