A Coruña, the other starting point of the English Way

The oldest and least-travelled starting point of the English Way. We stroll through the Herculean city before the first stage: its old town, the Tower of Hercules and the church where the route begins.

A Coruña is the other starting point of the English Way: the port where, for centuries, pilgrims from England, Ireland and northern Europe arrived by sea to set out on foot towards Santiago. Today almost everyone starts from Ferrol, and the departure from A Coruña —75 km in 4 or 5 stages— remains the great unknown of the route.

Why does almost nobody start in A Coruña?

The reason is simple: the Pilgrim's Office requires proof of at least the last 100 km on foot to grant the Compostela, and from A Coruña to Santiago there are 75. Those who leave from here do not receive the certificate, so most pilgrims prefer Ferrol, whose route does exceed 100 km. It is a pity, because historically A Coruña was the great landing port for pilgrims arriving by sea, and its departure keeps that seafaring flavour intact.

There is one exception with plenty of history: the Celtic Camino. Pilgrims from Ireland and the British Isles who certify 25 km walked along the trails of their homeland can add them to the 75 km separating A Coruña from Santiago, completing the 100 that grant access to the longed-for Compostela. That is why anyone walking these stages tends to cross paths with backpacks of Celtic accent.

A Coruña Town Hall in María Pita square

What to see and do in A Coruña?

Before taking the first step, the Herculean city well deserves a full day. These are the essentials.

A Coruña old town

The Old City is the medieval heart of A Coruña, born around the port from which pilgrims departed and arrived. Its Azcárraga and As Bárbaras squares, the collegiate church of Santa María do Campo and the San Carlos garden — where the British general Sir John Moore rests, one more nod to this city's old bond with the isles — deserve an unhurried walk. A step away lies María Pita square, the city's urban parlour, perfect for regaining strength before the first stage.

Church of Santiago

It is the oldest church in the city, built in the second half of the 12th century by the Compostela school, with its three semicircular apses facing the Old City. Here the pilgrims who survived the sea crossing gave thanks to the Apostle before setting out, and a pilgrims' hospital operated next to the church. Declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1972, it is the traditional starting point of the English Way from A Coruña: its very own kilometre zero.

Tower of Hercules

The oldest working Roman lighthouse in the world and the symbol of the city. It sits somewhat apart from the old town, but no pilgrim should leave A Coruña without going over. We tell you all about it in our article on the Tower of Hercules.

If you want to experience the full English Way, here you have all the information on the English Way route and on our organised English Way from A Coruña. And if you are coming from abroad, we explain how to get to A Coruña.