The hidden paradise of A Coruña that’s a must if you visit the city: “An oasis of peace and beauty”

Over the next several weeks, A Coruña will become a hub of Spanish sports. The recent promotion of Deportivo de La Coruña to the top division after eight years away, combined with the First FEB Basketball Final Four and the successful season of Hockey Liceo, which has reached the league semifinals after winning the King’s Cup, will bring thousands of visitors to the Galician city for a variety of reasons.

Anyone who has never visited A Coruña is likely to associate the city with its most iconic landmark: the Tower of Hercules. The world’s only functioning Roman lighthouse is surrounded by a park that is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, running, and cycling. Visitors who climb its 242 steps are rewarded with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Spain.

The walk to the Tower of Hercules features everything from cliffside trails to sculptures inspired by ancient standing stones. Highlights include the Compass Rose mosaic, the statue of the Celtic king Breogán, The Seashell, and the House of Words, a memorial dedicated to peace and intercultural dialogue. Despite the often mild temperatures, visitors should bring a light jacket, as the area can be extremely windy.

No visit to the city would be complete without exploring landmarks such as María Pita Square, Marina Avenue, the Old Town, Santa Margarita Park, and San Antón Castle. These attractions are only part of what A Coruña has to offer, not to mention its museums and its outstanding cuisine, which is undoubtedly one of the city’s greatest treasures.

Even so, there is one destination that many visitors overlook, either because they are unaware of it or because it is located a little farther from the city center: Mount San Pedro. This relatively hidden gem is one of the best places to watch the sunset, take in spectacular views when the skies are clear, or even dine at the city’s only Michelin-starred restaurant.

In 1999, the City Council of A Coruña transformed what had once been a military defensive fortress into a public park. Standing approximately 460 feet above sea level, the site was used to monitor the entrance to the bay during World War II. As a tribute to its history, the park’s roughly 22 acres still feature artillery pieces, including military cannons, shells, and underground galleries. Other attractions include a hedge maze, a pond, and the Atlantic Dome, Spain’s only enclosed 360-degree observation deck.

The park can be reached on foot, by car, or by bus via routes 3, 3A, 12, and 14. Free parking is available on-site. Until 2022, visitors could also ride a panoramic glass elevator, designed to resemble a crystal sphere, that climbed one side of the hill from the waterfront promenade. However, it remains closed due to a major mechanical failure that has yet to be resolved.

If that description is not enough to convince you, consider the reviews from people who have visited. “It’s an unusual park, but a fun one. You can relax or switch into military mode and imagine what wartime was like,” joked one tourist. “A place to let your thoughts wander, reconnect, and breathe,” added another. “It’s an oasis of peace and beauty. Perfect for a quiet walk with your partner,” wrote a third visitor.

On Google Maps, the site holds an impressive 4.7 out of 5 rating based on nearly 12,000 reviews.

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