A Coruña

The oldest working lighthouse in the world, in continuous operation since the Roman era. The tower was originally built in the 1st or 2nd century AD and enclosed in a neoclassical shell in 1791. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb the 234 steps to the top for panoramic views across the Atlantic and the city. The surrounding sculpture park and coastal path are also worth exploring. Standing at the base of a 2,000-year-old lighthouse on the edge of the Atlantic is a powerful way to begin a p

The waterfront promenade stretches over 13 km around the peninsula, making it one of the longest in Europe. Walk along the section between the old town and the beaches for the best views. The glass-fronted galerias (glazed balconies) that line the waterfront buildings are a distinctive feature of A Coruna and give the city its nickname "the City of Glass." In the afternoon, the light reflects off the glass facades and the sea simultaneously.

The medieval old town occupies the narrow neck of the peninsula. The Iglesia de Santiago (12th century) is the oldest church in A Coruna and a fitting place to begin a pilgrimage to Santiago. The Iglesia de Santa Maria del Campo has a beautiful Romanesque portal. The narrow streets between the two churches are full of tapas bars, small shops, and local atmosphere. The Jardines de San Carlos, a peaceful garden containing the tomb of Sir John Moore (the British general killed at the Battle of Elvi

The area around the Plaza de Maria Pita and the old fish market is packed with restaurants serving some of the freshest seafood in Galicia. Try the navajas (razor clams), the zamburinas (small scallops), the berberechos (cockles), and of course the pulpo a feira. The restaurants here cater to locals, not tourists, and the quality is outstanding. Order a mariscada (mixed seafood platter) to share if you are feeling generous with yourself. This is one of the great seafood cities of Europe.

The A Coruna variant of the Camino Ingles is 75 km to Santiago, which is below the 100 km walking minimum required for the Compostela certificate. If earning the Compostela is important to you, you should start from Ferrol instead (119 km). If the certificate is not your priority, A Coruna is a wonderful starting point with excellent transport connections and a magnificent city to explore before walking. The two variants merge at Hospital de Bruma, from where the final stages to Santiago are sha