Traditions and culture in La Coruna

La Coruna has a rich maritime history which stretches back around 2,000 years and played a pivotal role in the infamous Spanish Armada, which weighed anchor on its shores in 1588.

The following year, Sir Francis Drake attempted to seize it but saw his plans scuppered by Maria Pita, who has subsequently achieved heroine status, crystallised in the shape of a statue in the main square.

Napoleon also positioned some of his troops in the town for six months in 1809, but the British eventually managed to escape, although General Sir John Moore died in the battle of Elvina and is buried there.

Most of the acknowledgements of La Coruna's history have since made way for the industrial developments of the 19th and 20th centuries - periods also characterised by the large number of Galicians setting sail for the Americas.

Things to do in La Coruna

Anyone taking a holiday in La Coruna will find that there are plenty of attractions in the Cidade Vella to fill the day, such as the beautiful Xardin de San Carlos gardens or the Castro de Elvina castle.

The seafront promenade, or Paseo Maritimo, surrounds the peninsula and offers the opportunity for a pleasant afternoon stroll from La Marina all the way through to O Portino, located on the outskirts of Monte de San Pedro.

Sun-seekers will undoubtedly be drawn to the Orzan and Riazor beaches, which are located on the western side of the peninsula, although the water is perhaps colder than elsewhere in the Mediterranean.

The more sporty tourists who book flights to the region also have the chance to take in some top-class action in the shape of local football team Deportivo La Coruna, who are currently faring well in the Primera Liga.

La Coruna is aware of its subtle appeal as a holiday destination and as such, there is plenty of accommodation to choose from, so finding a good value hotel should be fairly straightforward.

Weather in La Coruna

The climate in La Coruna can be broadly classified as temperate maritime, guided by its position on the Atlantic coast.

However, the summers are relatively dry and sunny, with an average temperature of 19C in August.

On the other hand, the winters and autumns can often be unpredictable, with the possibility of heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Destination checklist for La Coruna

La Coruna has a population of 244,388.

The city is one hour ahead of GMT.

The currency in La Coruna is the euro.

The official language spoken is Spanish.

The city's international dialling code is +34.