A Coruna City Guide
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Spain

A Coruna City Guide

Galicia

A Coruña is a coastal city in Galicia, Spain, known for its unique glass-fronted balconies and maritime history. It offers a manageable size and friendly local culture, making it good for short and long stays. The city blends old charm with modern conveniences.

Lifestyle🍽️

🍽️
Food Scene
Excellent
9

Seafood is a highlight with dishes like pulpo á feira and mariscada. Good international options and growing vegan/vegetarian choices. Many places serve late on weekends.

Local Dishes:
Pulpo á feira, Empanada gallega, Mariscada
International Cuisine:
Italian, Asian, Latin American
Vegan FriendlyVegetarian Friendly
🌙
Nightlife
Excellent
8

Active nightlife around Orzán, Riazor, and Old Town with bars, pubs, and clubs for different tastes.

Coffee Culture
Good
7

Strong coffee culture with traditional and specialty cafes. Third-wave coffee is emerging.

💰
Tipping
Not Required

Tipping is optional and less expected than elsewhere. Small tips appreciated for good service.

Top Attractions
Tower of Hercules
Historic
Ancient Roman lighthouse with panoramic views.
Plaza de María Pita
Cultural
Main city square with City Hall.
Domus (House of Man)
Museum
Interactive human biology museum.
Aquarium Finisterrae
Museum
Focuses on marine life of Galicia.
Monte de San Pedro Park
Nature
Park with city and coastal views.
SIM Cards

SIM cards are sold at phone shops and the airport. Providers include Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and Yoigo. ID is needed for registration.

Available at:
Phone shops in city center
Airport kiosks
Recommended Apps
Moovit(Transport)
Cabify(Transport)
Glovo(Food)
Google Maps(Navigation)
WhatsApp(Communication)
Renfe(Transport)
Booking.com(Accommodation)

Services & Infrastructure

Street Cleanliness
Excellent
8

The city is clean with regular waste collection and recycling programs.

24/7 Services
Good
6

Some pharmacies and minimarts open late or 24/7 on rotation. Emergency hospital services operate round the clock.

Groceries
Mercadona
Gadis
Carrefour
Eroski

Supermarkets like Mercadona, Gadis, Carrefour, and Eroski offer international products. Local fresh markets provide produce, meat, and fish. Shops usually close Sunday and holidays, with some afternoon siestas.

Cashless Payments
Widely accepted

Most places accept card payments, but it's good to carry some cash for small purchases or markets.

ATMs

ATMs are common near banks and shopping centers. Major banks include CaixaBank, Santander, and BBVA. Check fees with your bank.

Schools
International

Public and private schools available. British Royal School offers English curriculum. Other international options nearby.

Available Schools:
Coruña British International School
Eiris International School
Obradoiro School

Work & Digital💻

Coworking Spaces
Available
7
Available Spaces:
Workplace A Coruña
Flexible plans with meeting rooms in a central spot.
Coworking A Coruña
Various desk options with a community feel.
Impact Hub A Coruña
Global network focusing on social projects and innovation.
Work-Friendly Cafés
Good
Café Siboney
Wifi and comfortable seats.
La Granera
Good atmosphere for working.
Café Universal
Popular for remote work.
Dulce de Leche
Cozy spot with wifi.
Starbucks
Reliable wifi, various locations.
Alternatives:
Biblioteca Pública Miguel González Garcés
Quiet public library with wifi.
Hotel lobbies
Many hotels offer wifi and quiet seating.
Digital Nomad Community
Limited
5

Community is growing but small. Co-working spaces help connect nomads.

Nature & Activities🌿

Green Spaces
Excellent
8

Multiple parks and coastal promenade offer good green space access.

Running
Excellent
9

Coastal promenade and parks provide safe, scenic routes. Running groups exist.

Gyms
Available

Several gyms and sports centers with varied facilities.

Available Gyms:
Metropolitan La Solana
Supera 24h A Coruña
McFIT A Coruña
BeOne A Coruña
Tennis
Good
6

Courts found at clubs and municipal sites; bookings and coaching options exist.

Padel
Good
6

Padel courts available with memberships and some rentals.

Yoga
Good
7

Yoga studios and wellness centers offer various classes, some with English instructors.

Martial Arts
Good
6

Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, Boxing, Muay Thai, and BJJ are available at various gyms.

Skiing
Poor
1

No ski resorts nearby; closest are several hours away.

Water Sports
Good
7

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are popular with rentals and tours available.

Surfing
Good
7

Beaches in the city offer good surf, best in autumn and winter. Wetsuits are needed most of the year.

Diving
Limited
5

Diving is possible along the Galician coast but not a main activity in A Coruña. Seasonal visibility varies.

Health & Safety🏥

Healthcare
Excellent
8

Good public and private hospitals available, including CHUAC and Hospital Quirónsalud. English-speaking staff may be found but not guaranteed. Pharmacies are marked by a green cross.

Hospitals:
Hospital Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC)
Hospital Quirónsalud A Coruña
Pharmacies:
Farmacia Neira
Farmacia Méndez Núñez
Farmacia Pontejos
Tap Water Safety
Safe to drink

Tap water is clean and safe to drink, meeting EU standards.

Common Scams
Pickpocketing in tourist areas, Fake petitions, Taxi overcharging

Community & Family

Family Friendly
Excellent
8

There are many parks and playgrounds, along with kid-friendly cafes and attractions like the Domus and Aquarium Finisterrae.

LGBTQ+ Friendly
Excellent
9

Generally welcoming and safe. Some inclusive venues but not a large dedicated scene.

Pet Friendly
Good
7

Pet-friendly with parks and vet services. Some restaurants and accommodations allow pets.

Communities
Expats in A Coruña (Social)
A Coruña Digital Nomads (Professional)

Quick Facts

Population
247,376
Power Reliability
Excellent
9/10

Power is stable with few outages, similar to most of Spain.

Beach Access
Available

Urban beaches like Riazor and Orzán are clean and easy to reach, popular for sunbathing and surfing.

Mountains
Available

Nearby natural parks and mountain ranges offer hiking and scenic views within about an hour's drive.

Languages
Spanish(95%)
Galician(90%)
English(25%)
Emergency
112
General Emergency
091
National Police
092
Local Police
061
Medical Emergencies

⚠️Natural Disasters Risk

🌊
Tsunami
Very Low Risk
1
🏔️
Earthquake
Low Risk
3

🌦️Seasonal Issues

Rain
October, November, December, January, February, March, April
Rain is frequent from autumn to spring.
Fog
All year
Fog is common, especially near the coast.
Extreme Heat
July, August
Heatwaves happen but less often than in southern Spain.

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