• Convenient
• Like a big city
• Quite cheap
• Enjoyable public spaces
• Easy to reach

The main characteristic that defines this northern Spanish city is its convenience. It is neither too big nor too small and offers a wide range of products and services for its size, making it a great place to live, work, and visit.

Despite its modest size, the city has a good selection of products and services that are typically found in larger metropolitan areas. From local markets to modern shopping centers, you can find everything you need in the city.

One of the city's strengths is its affordable prices, which are lower than those of many other cities of a similar size. You can enjoy a high quality of life in this city without breaking the bank.

The city's infrastructure and amenities are generally well-maintained. There are several parks and green spaces that are great for outdoor activities, and the public transportation system is reliable and reasonably priced.

The city's airport, although small, has good connections, as well as that of Santiago de Compostela, which is easy to reach by train or bus.

Climate

The climate in A Coruña is often seen as a downside, but if you're from further north in Europe, it shouldn't be an issue. Contrary to Spain's typical image, A Coruña's climate is milder with less scorching summers and relatively mild winters. If you're searching for a sun and beach destination, this isn't it. However, that doesn't mean you won't have sunny days and a summer to relish, but you should anticipate much more rainfall (especially in winter) and cloudier days.

The greenery is also quite apparent, much lusher than other Spanish regions. The map accompanying this text shows the distribution of climate types in Spain; it's somewhat generic, but helpful in understanding the main differences.

In recent years, the climate has changed, and the Spring and Autumn seasons have become shorter, but it's still far from the extremes of central Spain or the Mediterranean's scorching summers.

Culture and art

A Coruña boasts a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. The city has a good number of museums, with 16 listed on TripAdvisor, and there is always plenty of activity for the city's size. The museums offer a wide range of exhibitions, from art to science and technology. In addition to the museums, there are also several private concert halls with a lot of activity. During the summer, the city explodes with festivals, some of them large and free, like the Noroeste Pop Rock festival. These events offer a great way to experience the local culture and enjoy the warm summer nights in the city. You should also check our calendar of events.

Food

Galicia is known in other regions of Spain for its great variety of unique cuisine, particularly seafood. In A Coruña, there are numerous places where you can try these dishes. Here are some of the most common ones that you can find in local restaurants:

Empanada gallega

This is a traditional Galician savory pie made with a variety of fillings, such as tuna, chicken, or pork, mixed with onions, peppers, and other vegetables. The filling is wrapped in a dough made with flour and water and baked until crispy and golden.

Tortilla gallega

The tortilla is a very typical dish in Spain, but in Galicia, and particularly in the area of A Coruña, it is often served less cooked, giving it a softer and creamier texture than the traditional Spanish omelette.

Raxo

A traditional Galician dish made with marinated pork cut into small pieces, usually served with potatoes and sometimes peppers or other vegetables. It is a delicious and filling dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Pulpo a la gallega

This is a traditional Galician octopus dish that is usually served on a wooden platter, seasoned with paprika, salt, and olive oil.

Percebes

A rare delicacy in Galicia, percebes are small crustaceans that grow on rocks along the coast. They are typically served boiled and are prized for their unique flavor and texture.

Zorza

Another popular pork dish, zorza is made with minced pork that is seasoned with garlic, paprika, and other spices. It is often served with potatoes or bread, and is a must-try for anyone who enjoys spicy food.

Filloas

These are thin pancakes made with flour, milk, and eggs, similar to crepes. They are usually served with honey or jam, but can also be filled with cheese, sausage, or other savory ingredients.

Castañas

Roasted chestnuts are typically harvested and consumed in autumn. Local government issues permits for street vendors during this time, and you'll see them typically around Calle Real and Plaza de Lugo.

Tarta de Santiago

A classic Galician dessert, tarta de Santiago is an almond cake made with ground almonds, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest. It is often dusted with powdered sugar and features the traditional cross of Santiago on top.

People

Plenty of youngsters come from other provinces (and other countries) to study at the University of A Coruña, so the atmosphere in many parts of the city is young, with both locals and foreigners. In the Barcelona street area there are a lot of immigrants, with small businesses selling products from their countries of origin.

A handful of companies (including Inditex, of the Zara brand) generate a constant flow of young professionals, of many nationalities, constantly coming and going from the city. The relevant municipalities, besides A Coruña, are Arteixo, Culleredo, Oleiros and Sada. Plenty of people living or working in those places, and visiting Coruña often.

Nature

Galicia is known in the rest of Spain for its green landscapes and nature. As we saw in a previous section and in the climate map, the northern Cantabrian region is clearly distinguished from the rest of the country. The city is surrounded by parks, beaches, and hiking trails (you can consult wikiloc for this). There is also plenty of little coastal towns around.