A Coruña in four-legged company

When the holidays come around, they often raise a question for people with pets: should I travel with my furry friend, or not? If your destination is A Coruña, you don't have to think twice.

With options such as nature areas, cultural centres and even an afternoon of shopping or tapas, travelling with your pet in A Coruña is by no means giving up the best plans.

Pets overboard!

A Coruña is a peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic, where the wide sandy beaches of the inlet are some of the main attractions. The beaches Riazor, Orzán and Matadero are an obligatory stop when you visit, and with their kilometres of coastline, your pets will enjoy running, jumping the waves, or digging for treasures in the sand.

A little further north is As Lapas beach, also known as Areal beach, right at the foot of the city's greatest monument, the Tower of Hercules. Here, too, it's common to see dogs playing in the sand and on the shore, in a sea that is calmer than that of the inlet. Nearby is the sculpture park, a veritable open-air museum that you can visit in complete freedom with your pet. If you want to visit the lighthouse, you'll have to put your friend in a carrier, as this is the only way pets are allowed to enter.

Continuing in the tower area, which includes three footpaths for two and four legs, there is another sandy area, San Amaro, where pets are also welcome to play in the sea and the sand.

Beware! Outside the summer season (1 June to 30 September), pets are not allowed on urban beaches, with the exception of Bens Cove, which is a 'dog beach' and can be used all year round.

Doggy havens in green spaces

Dogs are always welcome in the city's various canine areas. The most central one can be found in Santa Margarita Park. In the middle of a green oasis in the centre of A Coruña hides a park with a playground for dogs and enough space for them to run free. Outside this reserved area, the park has picnic locations and a pond. It's also home to the House of Science, one of the city's science museums, where pets are welcome if they are inside in a pet carrier.

In addition to the science museums, pets, as long as they are small in size, can also visit the house museums of Pablo Picasso, Casares Quiroga and María Pita.

Another outdoor destination great for dog tourism is Bens Park. Located at the far end of the seaside promenade, this is undoubtedly a popular canine territory in A Coruña, with unbeatable views of the Atlantic and a special area for dogs. Another park we recommend you visit with your pet is Mount San Pedro Park, which is undoubtedly the best lookout point in the city.

In the heart of the city centre, another option is the Méndez Nuñez Gardens, where history and nature intertwine in one of the oldest green spaces in the city.

Menu for you and them

Pets go shopping too

There is no better way to start the day than with a good coffee. At Waco Coffee, La Cantera Grand Cru, Caffé Latte, Valentín or Doña Bárbara, you can sip it in good company, as pets are welcome.

For those with a sweet tooth, the classic ice cream parlour Ibi, located in the heart of La Marina, also allows pets. For a good lunch or dinner, a main course or tapas, there are plenty of options. Near Ibi, you'll find Bistró, a petfriendly restaurant, as are Charlatán, Morriña, Five and Marea Baja.

There is also room for pets at happy hour. If you want to have a drink with your furry friend, places like Astoria offer this possibility.

In the fashion capital of Galicia, shopping is no exception to your travel plans with a pet. There are many shops - both belonging to the clothing giant Inditex, as well as smaaller boutiques that fill the streets - that allow four-legged companions.

Marineda City, the largest shopping centre in A Coruña, has several pet-friendly stores and allows pets in all common areas.

There is also no shortage of pet shops in the city. At Quinta das Mascotas, Lucana or Mi Bicho, you will find all kinds of items for our furry friends.

Furry pilgrims

A more adventurous activity you can try is the Camino de Santiago, as the English Way of Saint James has been passing through A Coruña for centuries. A two-day walk from A Coruña will have you arriving at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The stages add up to just over 70 kilometres - one of the shortest routes - making it a perfect option for your furry pilgrim to join the journey.