One of the great pleasures of arriving by cruise ship at La Coruña (Spain's second largest seaport), is the proximity of the port to the Old Town. As liners approach they are greeted by the 104m (341ft) Hercules Tower, the world's only working Roman lighthouse, and dock in front of the city's emblematic Galerias de la Marina. These multi-storied buildings, fronted by elegant fully glazed balconies (solanas) date from the early 19th century. Although La Coruña is an attractive destination in its own right, it is better known to cruise holidaymakers as a gateway to Santiago de Compostela, 76km (47 miles) south.

La Coruña boasts one of the longest sea promenades in Europe and two good beaches. Its Old Town is a charming mix of monuments, religious institutions and gardens. Within easy day-trip distance is the exquisitely preserved medieval cathedral city of Santiago de Compostela, centred on the shrine of St James (Santiago). The shrine marks the end of a centuries-old Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) pilgrim route, which still attracts thousands of people from around the world. The city's Old Quarter is a honeycomb of great architectural charm and historical significance, perfect for wandering around.

Highlights:
• Cathedral: one of the world's great cathedrals, this Baroque masterpiece hides its original 12th-century façade inside the building.
• Parador Hostal dos Reis Católicos: on the same square as the Cathedral, this is the oldest hotel in the world, formerly the Hospital Real, built 1501-9 - call in for a drink, a meal, or just a look round.
• Conevento de San Martiño Pinario: another jaw-dropping Baroque gem.

La Coruña Tourist Information
Translatlantic Dock, Plaza de María Pita, La Coruña, Spain
Tel (+34) 618 790 665.
Website: www.coruna.es

Santiago de Compostela is famous for black jet ware (jewellery and amulets) and silverware. You can find ceramic tiles, lace, clogs and other artisan goods in the craft shops of the Old Quarter. The markets, on the Virxe da Cerca, sell traditional Galician produce and crafts. Other best buys include leather goods (especially suede coats), handcrafted wooden furniture and toys, religious relics and local wine.

The region, Galicia, is famous for its shellfish, especially good in casseroles, and a number of regional seafood dishes such as hake à la Gallega. Local wine is recommended and cider from the neighbouring region of Asturias is also a popular drink.

Summer (June to September) is warm, though rarely very hot, and winters are cool. It can rain throughout the year, heavily from October to January and strong winds also blow in at this period.

Spain

GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Euro (€) = 100 cents.

Spanish.

Galicia, on the northwest coast of Spain.

245, 000.

Parliamentary monarchy since 1978.

There is no official religion, but the majority of the population is Roman Catholic.

Smoking is still permitted in many bars and restaurants though, even where bans are notionally in place, the law is often flouted.

Tipping: Some restaurants include service in the bill. Tipping is discretionary - around 10% in restaurants and for taxi drivers and guides.