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Galicia has more miles of coastline than any other Autonomous Community, and the province of A Coruña is the cream of the crop. A Coruña is a land surrounded by the sea, with more than 360 beaches dotted along its Atlantic coast. We’ve picked out five unmissable beaches for your to-do list.

As Lapas: Beyond the famous beaches of Riazor and Orzán is a peaceful cove with one of the best views in the city. In As Lapas, you can gaze up at the Tower of Hercules as you lounge on the sand. Sheltered by its unspoilt surroundings, As Lapas is a tranquil spot with generally calm seas. Sitting here, it seems unthinkable that just a stone’s throw away the waves are breaking against the rocks below the cliff-top compass rose.

As Lapas beach, with the Tower of Hercules.

Espiñeiro: Over recent years, urban beaches have seen an exodus of people, with many of them now heading to Mera, in the town of Oleiros. A few wooden steps lead down to Espiñeiro, a beach that is generally protected from the wind and the big swells, and that gives you a whole different view of A Coruña. Mind you, make sure you get there early because the car park is only small and the locals tend to cash in on their properties’ prime locations by charging visitors to park on their land.

Area Maior: If you head down to Muros, you will find one of the most spectacular locations this side of the Atlantic. Louro beach sits at the foot of the hill of the same name, with the lagoon of Xarfas just behind it. Area Maior, a coastline of fine-sand dunes lapped by wild (and cold!) seas will soon become the star of your Instagram snapshots. And you absolutely have to watch the sunset from the seashore.

Campelo: Rumour has it that, once you have been to Campelo, no other beach will do. It is in the north east, in Valdoviño, and is the hidden gem of this surfer-friendly coastline. In summer, the small, untamed beach (be warned, you won’t find any lifeguards or beach bars here) fills with caravans belonging to the many surfers who have fallen in love with this out-of-the-way spot. Head down a few steep steps and traverse a swathe of rounded, polished stones to reach this corner of paradise.

Campelo beach (© Sandra Rego)

Sonreiras: If you keep going right to the end of the headland, to one of the northernmost points in the Ferrolterra area, you will find a fairytale cove that, as its name suggests, will give you something to smile about. We’re not joking: this corner of Cedeira is the equal of any cove in the Mediterranean. Surrounded by wild vegetation and cliffs, with crystal-clear water that lets you see right to the bottom, and cut off from the hustle and bustle, it is the perfect place to unwind.

Sonreiras beach (© Andra Sixto)

These beaches may not be the most famous or the biggest, but they have their own special charm that makes them well worth a visit.

A Coruña is well known as one of the best places for good food and long strolls along its city beaches. Less well known is the list of festivals spreading ever further through the province.

To begin with, music and ocean breeze are in the air in A Coruña at the Festival Noroeste (Northeast Festival), which is held every year during the first fortnight in August on the streets of A Coruña, while large concerts are held on Riazor beach.

This year, the line-up features major names like Patti Smith, Soleá Morente, Andhrea & The Black Cats and Nathy Peluso.

The major and most noteworthy thing about the Festival Noroeste is that all the concerts are free, thanks to an urban philosophy with quality music. This year, the festival will include 150 hours of live music from more then 80 bands on stages in different corners of the city. This makes A Coruña one of the top dates on the musical calendar in the north of the country.

Every September in Biomorto, Coruña, famous artist Luz Casal organises El Festival de la Luz, inviting dozens of singers and bands to sing in the land of her birth. A festival with music for all ages as well as myriad leisure activities for a fun day.

Pop-rock, indie and electronica come together in the middle of June for O Son do Camiño, another key festival which has only been going for a few years, but has already become a hit with young people. Monte do Gozo, one of the most famous stopping places along the Camino de Santiago, looks like a scene from a poster that’s second to none compared to anywhere else on the peninsula.

The first edition of Gulliver Fest, a travel culture festival, is to be held during the first weekend in August this year in a rural setting, 50 kilometres from the City of Glass. Gulliver Fest is aimed at both families and young people interested in music, travel and nature. A diverse selection of guests will talk about their professional projects and their experiences around planet Earth. As well as access to camping and the opportunity to enjoy a few days of relaxation, live music will be one of the main features with several local bands performing.

All year round, and especially during summer, there will be music and festivals for you to enjoy whenever you decide to come and explore the Galician province. Decide which one you’ll like best and make the most of your trip to A Coruña to enjoy a festival. ¡Vamos de parranda! Let’s party!

A Coruña, also known as “City of Glass” for the galleries adorning the buildings facing the harbour, is a unique little peninsula surrounded by the sea on almost four sides. The welcoming character of its people, the octopus á feira and one of the longest promenades in Europe (no less than 13 kilometres) make this city a place you won’t want to leave. It is also home to the oldest working Roman lighthouse, the Torre de Hércules (World Heritage), from where you can admire the beauty of the Atlantic ocean and watch the waves break on the enormous cliffs.

A Coruña is a delight for the senses.