A Coruna - By the Sea

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The coastal port city of A Coruna in Galicia has seen it all - from the arrival of the Celts in centuries BC, to 20th century nationalists during the Spanish Civil War.

The Romans built a lighthouse in the first century; it has been shining ever since - the oldest working lighthouse in the world. Julius Caesar dropped by a hundred years or so before that.

At the end of 16th century, Maria Pita took her mortally wounded husband’s weapons and continued fighting Francis Drake’s flotilla of would-be invaders and sent them packing. 


The plaza major is named after her, and the annual festival in her honour starts this week.

A Coruna still trades many of the things that Drake was keen on. It is a vibrant place. The day I arrived there was a surf lifesaving competition. 

Beach flags, board paddling, surf swimming . . .

I felt at home.

I have been swimming a few times; and Mama Mia is opening soon.



There is grand architecture,  
along with hectares of bleak multi-storey apartments on the outskirts - and engaging laneways in the old city 

A Coruna is a starting point to the Camino Ingles, along with the nearby port city of Ferrol.

A wink and a nod to those from England that unlike Francis Drake, they are welcome -  to walk on to Santiago 

I will walk the Camino Ingles sometime soon.

Tomorrow I head back to Santiago.

Happy days!



Comments

  1. Anonymous15 July 2026 at 10:25

    Fabulous Mike!! You look so tanned and healthy!! I wonder where you’re playing? Lots of love Is

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous15 July 2026 at 11:44

    Thanks Is, It is the Arume Bar in Santiago last week 😊

    ReplyDelete

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