La Coruña Cruise Port Guide: How to Get Around & What to Visit
La Coruña is a vibrant coastal city in northwest Spain, known for its Roman lighthouse, charming old town, and stunning ocean views.
I visited La Coruña a few times while working on a cruise ship and had the chance to explore the medieval old town, climb the Tower of Hercules, browse the local shops, and take a day trip to Santiago de Compostela.
The cruise port is right in the heart of the city (A Coruña in Galician, La Coruña in Spanish) and it’s very easy to explore on foot.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the La Coruña cruise port, how to get around, and the top things to do during your stop.
La Coruña Cruise Port Overview & Getting to the City
Cruise ships dock at Muelle de Trasatlánticos quay, just a short 5-minute walk from the city center.
The terminal has a small building with basic facilities, including a tourist information desk (be sure to grab a free map), a few souvenir shops, and security screening.
As you exit the terminal, you’ll find a large parking area for shore excursion buses on your left.
To reach the city center on foot, walk straight ahead past the glass-fronted Los Cantones Village shopping center. Cross Avenida da Mariña, and you’ll arrive at Rúa Real, the city’s main pedestrian shopping street.
Los Cantones Village itself also offers a variety of shops, cafés, and bars, perfect for a quick break or some retail therapy.
In addition to being a cruise port, La Coruña is a key commercial hub, handling cargo and agricultural goods from across Galicia. The port plays an important role in the region’s industrial and financial economy.
Getting Around La Coruña from the Cruise Port
La Coruña is a walkable and mostly flat city, which makes it easy to explore on foot or even by bike. The most scenic part of the city — the historic center — sits on a peninsula, just a short walk from the cruise terminal.
The beach is also close by, around 15 minutes on foot from Rúa Real, the main shopping street.
🚌 Public Transportation & Taxis
If you prefer not to walk, public buses and taxis are available just a few minutes from the terminal on Avenida da Mariña. This street is known for its elegant glazed balconies and pretty marina, and you’ll likely spot it from the ship before you even disembark.
While many top attractions are within walking distance, you can hop on bus #3 to reach sites like the Tower of Hercules and other parts of the city.
Taxis are readily available and often offer private city tours or transfers to nearby towns, including Santiago de Compostela, the famous pilgrimage city and capital of Galicia.
👉 Book a private transfer from the port to Santiago or the airport
👉 Browse top-rated tours in La Coruña and nearby towns on Viator and Get Your Guide
📶 Wi-Fi, Opening Hours & Local Tips
- Free Wi-Fi is available at Los Cantones Village shopping mall and most cafés and restaurants around the city center.
- Keep in mind that many shops close for siesta between 13:30 and 16:00, though larger stores and supermarkets usually stay open.
- Museums are typically closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting independently.
🚆 Train, Airport & Car Rental Info
If you’re heading elsewhere after your cruise:
- La Coruña train station (Estación de La Coruña) is located about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) or a 10-minute drive from the cruise port. Check schedules at www.renfe.com.
- The nearest airport is Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport, approximately 66 km (41 miles) away, or around a 45-minute drive from the port.
- If you’re planning to explore the region on your own, you can also rent a car in La Coruña for more flexibility.
👉 Check the best hotels in La Coruña if you’re staying overnight
📘 Planning a Mediterranean Cruise?
If you’re heading to the Mediterranean next or planning another cruise, check out my Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide!
It covers 45 popular ports, including many that often appear in Western Mediterranean itineraries alongside La Coruña — like Lisbon, Málaga, Cartagena, and more.
The guide is packed with insider tips, practical info, and top things to do in each port, based on my firsthand experience working in the Shore Excursion Department onboard cruise ships.
Top Things to Do in La Coruña from the Cruise Port
La Coruña cruise port sits just five minutes from the city center, so you can reach many of the main sights on foot.
You’ll also find great day trip options, including Santiago de Compostela and Lugo, if you want to explore more of Galicia during your stop.
Things to Do Within Walking Distance
🗼 Tower of Hercules (UNESCO Site)
The Tower of Hercules (Torre de Hércules) is the oldest working lighthouse in the world and one of La Coruña’s most iconic landmarks.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 1st century AD, built by the Romans on a 57-meter-high hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Standing 55 meters tall (180 ft), it’s the second-tallest lighthouse in Spain and has been guiding ships for nearly 2,000 years.
The surrounding area is just as impressive — you’ll find a sculpture park, the massive statue of Breogán, Iron Age carvings, and even a small Muslim cemetery nearby.
The tower sits around 2.6 km (1.6 miles) from the cruise port — about 40 minutes on foot or a 15-minute drive. If you prefer public transport, you can take bus number 3, which stops near the site and also connects to other key spots in the city.
The walk is scenic but partly uphill, with the last stretch needing to be done on foot. At the base of the hill, there’s a parking lot, public toilets, and a Visitor Center where you can get tickets to climb the tower.
The site is partially wheelchair accessible, and since the tower is exposed to strong coastal winds, it’s best to dress accordingly.
👉 Check out Tower of Hercules tours and skip-the-line tickets
🏰 Saint Anton Castle
Saint Anton Castle (Castillo de San Antón) is a 16th-century fortress built to protect the entrance of La Coruña’s harbor. It formed part of a wider defensive network of towers and fortifications guarding the city.
Today, the castle houses the Archaeological and History Museum, where you’ll find prehistoric tools, medieval sculptures, ancient weaponry, and exhibits on the castle’s own military past.
While the displays are only in Spanish and Galician, the setting alone makes it worth a visit, especially the views from the ramparts overlooking the bay.
The castle is located about 1.3 km (0.8 miles) from the cruise terminal, an easy 15-minute walk along the waterfront.
🏛️ Maria Pita Square
Just a 5-minute walk from the cruise dock (600 meters), Praza de María Pita is the heart of La Coruña.
The square is framed by elegant buildings and dominated by the Town Hall (Concello da Coruña), one of the city’s most impressive landmarks. Around the square, you’ll find plenty of shops, cafés, and restaurants, perfect for a short break or some people-watching.
At the center stands the statue of María Pita, the local heroine who famously defended the city against Sir Francis Drake’s attack in 1589.
Take a moment to admire the surrounding architecture, especially the iconic galerías, the glass-enclosed balconies that shield homes from Galicia’s winter winds. These distinctive façades earned La Coruña the nickname “the glass city”.
Right next to María Pita Square is Marqués de San Martín Square, home to the beautiful Baroque Church of Saint George (Iglesia de San Jorge).
👉 Explore La Coruña on a guided walking tour
🏘️ Ciudad Vieja (Old Town)
Just a 15-minute walk from the cruise dock (1 km / 0.6 miles) and close to Saint Anton Castle, Ciudad Vieja is La Coruña’s atmospheric Old Town, filled with winding cobblestone streets, quiet squares, and centuries of history.
Wander past charming tapas bars, traditional Galician houses, and a number of historic landmarks.
Highlights include the 12th-century Iglesia de Santiago, Santa María do Campo, Iglesia de Santo Domingo, and the peaceful Convento de Santa Bárbara.
For beautiful views over the harbor, don’t miss San Carlos Garden (Jardín de San Carlos), a lush, walled garden dating back to the 14th century and the final resting place of Sir John Moore.
🛍️ Shopping, Wine & Food Tasting
I’ve visited La Coruña many times, and it’s easily one of my favorite ports for shopping and food — second only to Cartagena.
Just a 5–10 minute walk from the port, you’ll reach Rúa Real, a lovely pedestrian street lined with galerías and filled with gift shops, clothing stores, and shoe boutiques.
A few blocks away, Rúa Orzán is the place to go for bars, local eateries, and tapas spots. You’ll also find Playa del Orzán, one of the city’s most popular beaches, just a short stroll from there.
Galicia is famous for its wines, especially Albariño, with award-winning vineyards and wine cellars spread throughout the region.
If you want to experience the local wine culture, consider booking a wine tasting tour or food and wine pairing through a local agency or your cruise line.
I once joined a wine and food pairing led by a sommelier at Hotel NH Collection A Coruña Finisterre, and it was one of the best excursions I’ve done. The hotel is located right next to the marina — only a 5-minute walk from the cruise dock.
👉 Check out top-rated food and wine tasting tours in La Coruña
🏖️ La Coruña Beaches: Playa del Orzán & Playa de Riazor
La Coruña stretches along a beautiful coastline, perfect for a relaxing walk or something more active like biking, rollerblading, or even a Segway ride.
If you’re visiting in summer, head to Playa del Orzán, a wide urban beach ideal for sunbathing, surfing, or playing beach volleyball. It’s backed by a scenic promenade with panoramic views of the bay and easy access to nearby cafés and shops.
Right next to it is Playa de Riazor, another local favorite. This beach is great for a peaceful stroll or an early morning run along the shore.
Both beaches are easily accessible on foot from the cruise port.
🌺 Gardens of Méndez Núñez
Just a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal (750 meters), the Gardens of Méndez Núñez offer a peaceful break from the busy city center. To get there, simply turn left when exiting the port.
Dating back to 1868, this landscaped park features century-old trees, colorful flower beds, fountains, and sculptures, along with open paths for strolling and a small play area for kids.
It’s a great spot to relax with a coffee, take photos, or enjoy a bit of quiet before or after sightseeing. You’ll also find public toilets and a café inside the gardens.
🐠 Aquarium Finisterrae
Aquarium Finisterrae is a scenic and educational stop along La Coruña’s coast, located not far from the Tower of Hercules.
Opened in 1999, it’s a public science center focused on marine life and ocean conservation, with a special emphasis on the ecosystems of Galicia and the Atlantic Ocean.
Inside, you’ll find interactive exhibits, large tanks with sharks, rays, and native fish, and even an outdoor area where you can watch playful seals up close.
One of the highlights is the Sala Nautilus, an immersive, Jules Verne–inspired exhibition room designed to give visitors a deep emotional connection to the sea.
The building itself sits right on the shoreline, offering beautiful ocean views and a great photo stop even if you’re not entering the aquarium.
Best Shore Excursions & Day Trips from La Coruña
⛪ Santiago de Compostela
Located about 76 km (47 miles) or a 50-minute drive from La Coruña cruise port, Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia and one of Spain’s most historic cities.
Best known as the final stop of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, the city is home to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, believed to be the burial site of St. James the Apostle.
The cathedral’s grand western façade looks out over Praza do Obradoiro, the city’s main square, surrounded by other important buildings like the university and the old royal hospital.
The medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a pedestrian-only zone filled with bars, restaurants, shops, and landmarks such as the Museum of Pilgrimage, Monastery of San Paio de Antealtares, Praza da Quintana, and the Mercado de Abastos — Santiago’s traditional food market.
Tour buses usually park about 15 minutes from the Cathedral, so some walking is involved.
Taxis and private transfers can get closer to the center, though the narrow cobblestone streets may be challenging for wheelchair users.
👉 Explore Santiago de Compostela day tours from La Coruña port
🏘️ Betanzos & Local Medieval Towns
Located just 27 km (17 miles) southeast of La Coruña — about a 25-minute drive — Betanzos is one of the best-preserved old towns in Galicia. It’s also one of the stops along the English Way of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
Known as Brigantium in Roman times, Betanzos sits on a hill above the estuary where the Mandeo and Mendo rivers meet the sea.
Thanks to its well-preserved architecture and historical importance, the town has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site.
Betanzos is home to three remarkable Gothic churches:
- Igrexa de San Francisco (14th century)
- Igrexa de Santiago (15th century), known for its unique main portal with a horseback statue of Saint James
- Igrexa de Santa María do Azogue, built between the late 14th and early 15th centuries
Betanzos is often included in guided day trips from La Coruña, sometimes combined with other small towns or scenic inland stops across Galicia.
👉 Explore day tours to Betanzos and nearby villages
🏰 Lugo & Playa de las Catedrales
Located about 103 km (64 miles) southeast of La Coruña — roughly a 1 hour and 10-minute drive — Lugo is the capital of its province and one of the most historic cities in Galicia.
The city is best known for its fully intact Roman walls (Muralla Romana de Lugo), built in the 3rd–4th centuries AD to protect against tribal and Germanic invasions.
These massive stone walls stretch over 2.1 km (6,946 ft) and reach a height of 15 meters (49 ft), with 46 towers still standing. Today, visitors can walk along the entire wall, enjoying panoramic views of the Old Town inside.
Inside the historic center, you’ll find a mix of medieval streets, squares, and churches, including the 12th-century Lugo Cathedral, the Episcopal Palace, and the City Hall, with its stunning 18th-century Baroque façade.
Lugo is often included in full-day excursions from La Coruña, sometimes paired with a stop at the spectacular Playa de las Catedrales (Cathedrals Beach), a natural wonder known for its massive rock arches sculpted by the Atlantic Ocean.
FAQ: Visiting La Coruña on a Cruise
❓ How far is La Coruña cruise port from the city center?
The cruise terminal is in a fantastic location — just a 5-minute walk to the city center. As soon as you exit the port, you’re right by shops, cafés, and the historic streets of La Coruña.
❓ Can I walk to the main attractions from the port?
Yes, most places are easy to reach on foot. María Pita Square, the Old Town, beaches, and shops are all nearby. The Tower of Hercules is about 40 minutes on foot, or you can hop on bus #3 or grab a taxi if you prefer not to walk.
❓ How do I get to the Tower of Hercules?
You can walk along the coast (it takes around 40 minutes), take bus #3, or go by taxi — the ride takes about 15 minutes from the port. The walk is scenic but slightly uphill near the end.
❓ Are there tours or shore excursions from the port?
Yes! One of the most popular day trips is to Santiago de Compostela, especially if it’s your first time in the region. You can book this through your cruise line or a trusted local operator in advance.
❓ Is La Coruña crowded when cruise ships are in port?
It can get a bit busy in the Old Town and near the main squares when multiple ships are docked, but overall it still feels manageable. If you’re in port for 6–7 hours, you’ll have enough time to see the highlights and enjoy a relaxed lunch.
❓ Where’s the nearest beach?
Playa de Riazor and Playa del Orzán are both walkable from the port — about 20–25 minutes away. These urban beaches are great if you just want to relax by the sea without leaving the city.
❓ Are there any local tips or helpful services near the port?
Yes — you’ll find a tourist information desk inside the terminal where you can grab a free map. There’s also free Wi-Fi at Los Cantones Village (right by the port) and in many cafés around the city.
Helpful Resources for Your Cruise Stop
🌐 Useful Websites for La Coruna Cruise Port
- Find La Coruna cruise port on Google Maps
- La Coruna Cruise Ship Schedule
- La Coruna Tourism Board
- Visit Galicia – Official tourism site for the Galicia region
- Local Weather Forecast
⚓ Ports Often Paired with La Coruña
La Coruña is a frequent stop on Atlantic and Northern European cruise itineraries. It’s often paired with:
- Bilbao, home to the Guggenheim Museum
- Lisbon, known for its historic trams and hilltop views
- Cádiz, gateway to Seville and Granada
- Vigo, a starting point to explore Galicia’s coastline and seafood culture
- Barcelona or Southampton, common embarkation ports
- Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza, part of extended Mediterranean routes
- Funchal (Madeira), famous for its gardens and mountain views
- Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Bruges, and Le Havre on Northern Europe and transatlantic sailings
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand
Adventour Begins contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. For more details, please see our Disclosure Policy
I was just in La Coruna this past week. We did the wine tasting at the NH Collection hotel. Do you remember what brands the wines were that you did at your tasting?
Hi, amazing, I hope you had a great time! Unfortunately, I can’t remember the wine brands, it was a long time ago 🙂