Looking for a new destination for that short break?   I have just returned from Galicia on the north coast of Spain (know as green Spain),  which has a lot to offer, and only 1 hour 40 minutes from Heathrow to La Coruna.

Different from the  southern cities of Spain, La Coruna has a very chic cosmopolitan feel with a beautiful waterfront.  Lined with tradition Galicia houses with the glazed balconies overlooking the fishing boats in marina and port. From here, there are busy shopping streets with many upmarket shops that are very much at the forefront of fashion, as this is the home of the world renowned Inditex group (Zara being one of their brands). Because of this many other famous names have shops here giving a fantastic experience for the enthusiastic shopper.  There are no tourist gift shops on these streets giving a real charm as they are lined with 19th and early 20th century buildings from the Art Nouveau period.

If shopping is not your thing the city has thousands of years of history – from the oldest working light house in the world built by the Romans (The Tower of Hercules), now set in the sculpture park, to the Castle of San Anton.  You can also visit the burial place of Sir John Moore the famous British general who was able to hold off the Napoleon’s  much larger army, giving the thousands of British troops chance to escape by sea from the port of La Coruna to Britain.

Picasso also lived in the city until the age of 15 and you can visit his home to look at copies and some originals of both his and his fathers early works. The city has 5 beaches and a 13 kilometres of sea promenade with spectacular cliff top walks.

The old town gives you a fascinating insight to the history of the city with its medieval churches and nobles houses.  Many streets are lined with cafes and Tapas bars offering an array of locally caught sea food.  The vast array of locally caught fish can be seen at the fish market. La Coruna also has several  Michelin star restaurant.  One of the best is Abort De Veira; offering a superb taster menu, it is situated on Monte de Peedro, accessible by a panoramic lift giving you wonderful views of the city.  I stayed at the NH Collection Finisterre this offers 4 star luxury  overlooking the port just a few minutes from the shops and restaurants.

If you decide to stay a little longer you can visit the city of Santiago De Compostelo – the final destination of Pilgrims walking the English way. There are 25 trains a day from La Coruna, with a journey time of around 30 minutes, giving you the opportunity to visit the Obradoiro Facade, the final resting place of St James one of the twelve apostles. If you would like to stay overnight the place to stay is on the main square the Hostel Dos Reis Cayolicos a 15th century pilgrim hospital which has now been converted into a 5 star Parador.

If you are looking for a short break with a difference I would highly recommend this area, so why not call or pop in and have a chat to find out more.