A Coruna Province travel guide and discussion

🇭🇰 HONG KONG: How much did 9 days for two cost us? We spent 9 calendar days in Hong Kong from August 25th to September 2nd. Before leaving, we finally tallied up almost all our expenses—and it turned out quite clearly. The key figure: 💰 53,233 rubles for two for 9 days, including accommodation. And what's interesting is that the budget was almost perfectly split in half: 🏨 Hotel via Trip.com — 26,865 rubles for the entire stay 🏙️ Total city living — 2,315 HKD ≈ 26,368 rubles for two So, almost half of our total expenses were just a place to sleep. On average, it came out to about 5,900 rubles per day for two, including the hotel. Without accommodation – approximately 2,930 rubles per day for two. Where did our city expenses go: 🍜 Food and drinks – 1,335 HKD ≈ 15,206 rubles for two people This is the largest item after accommodation. It includes everything: cafes, restaurants, ready-made food from stores, water, Coca-Cola, sweet tea, coffee, buns, noodles, milk, Kinder Pingui, cookies, bananas, and other fruits. And yes – those 6 bananas for 19 HKD ≈ 216 rubles are also somewhere around here. 😁 🚇 Transportation – 592 HKD ≈ 6,743 rubles for two people We subjectively found transportation in Hong Kong to be expensive. A typical half-hour trip sometimes cost around HKD 13.20, approximately ₽150 per person. The X15 bus from Victoria Peak was HKD 16.30, approximately ₽186 per person. We calculated transportation costs based on the money we deposited on Octopus, rather than on a per-trip basis—otherwise, it's easy to double-spend. 🌇 Victoria Peak — HKD 164, approximately ₽1,868 for two people HKD 82, approximately ₽934 per person. We didn't take the paid top observation deck—we found a free one and stayed there until evening to watch the city gradually light up. 🔬 Science Museum — 40 HKD ≈ 456 ₽ for two people That's 20 HKD ≈ 228 ₽ per person. We went on August 31st. 🧺 Washing and drying — 120 HKD ≈ 1,367 ₽ We did laundry twice — 60 HKD ≈ 683 ₽ each with washing and drying. And both times, a simple wash somehow turned into an international transaction. The first time, a girl from mainland China helped pay for the washing machine, then another guy helped with the dryer. The second time, we had to figure out the payment again, with some help from others. It's the little things like these that stick in my mind more than some attractions. 🎁 Souvenir for the food vendor — 20 HKD ≈ 228 ₽ ➕ We definitely spent another 44 HKD ≈ 501 ₽, but we couldn't remember what exactly. Total in the city: 💰 2,315 HKD ≈ 26,368 ₽ for two After Hong Kong, we had… 3 HKD ≈ 34 ₽ left. So, that's it: 2,315 HKD ≈ 26,368 ₽ spent * 3 HKD ≈ 34 ₽ left = about 2,318 HKD ≈ 26,402 ₽ available. So, we were able to almost completely replenish our budget. In short: 🏨 Accommodation — ₽26,865 🍜 Food — ₽15,206 for two 🚇 Transportation — ₽6,743 for two 🌇 Victoria Peak — ₽1,868 for two 🧺 Laundry — ₽1,367 🔬 Science Museum — ₽456 for two 🎁 Souvenirs and other items — ₽729 Total: 🇭🇰 9 days in Hong Kong 👫 2 people 💰 ≈ ₽53,200 including accommodation And one more important point: during these 9 days, we visited more than 20 free locations – parks, markets, temples, embankments, observation decks, and historical sites. So, Hong Kong turned out to be expensive in terms of accommodation and transportation, but at the same time very generous with places where you don't even need to buy a ticket. In the next post, we'll compile all these free spots into one list—along with those that are really worth saving. Honestly, after all the talk about Hong Kong being expensive, the final result was quite reasonable for us. Especially considering that almost half of the total cost was for the hotel. But we'll still remember the transportation like this: "Why did we pay so much for a half-hour drive again?" 😂

If you're looking for a way to slow down, challenge yourself, time for introspection, you need to get over something or you just want a chance to have long deep chats with new people... I can't recommend walking this coastal trail enough! With just 10 days (even if I recommend to have 3-4 extra ones to visit Porto and Santiago) you can walk from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, all along the ocean on one of the most stunning and peaceful coastal trails! Originally a religious pilgrimage, today the Camino de Santiago is walked by many for different reasons that often have nothing to do with religion at all (this was my case too!), what's still needed is a open heart, respect for the nature and places you'll be going through and willingness to share (spaces, stories, meals...) and be grounded and humble. You'll spend your nights mostly in communal albergues, most of them are on first come first serve basis, cheap on purpose to allow anyone to be part of this experience, usually 5-15€. Other accommodations of different types and tiers are usually available (might need to book in advance, I used Trip.com for hostels occasionally and for my stay in Porto!) but I truly recommend to enjoy this to the fullest by sharing your days and nights with other people walking the same path as you. You can use the official Camino de Santiago website to plan your itinerary to perfectly fit your needs and physical abilities, you might need more or less days than I did or you might prefer to take breaks along the way to enjoy the stunning beaches along the ocean. I met incredible people, ate delicious food and got a chance so visit many smaller hidden gem towns and nature spots that normal travelling wouldn't normally let you stop by... Can't recommend it enough, hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did, feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in the comments! #slowtraveling #localfood #travel2026 #travel #naturalwonders #thingstodo #seascapes #myitinerary #portugal #spain #coastaltrails #santiagodecompostela #porto #caminodesantiago

This summer has mostly been about exploring the local gems of Galicia rather than making grand discoveries. Here’s another route for anyone looking to stroll along the ocean, breathe in the pine-scented air, and keep things easy-going. This is a short and incredibly scenic stretch of the popular Senda de Chamoso coastal trail. It’s perfect for a relaxed walk with kids or pets, a quick bike ride, or a low-key weekend in nature. Distance: 1.8 km one way (3.6 km round trip). Travel time: About 35–40 minutes one way, though it depends on how much time you want to spend at the beaches. Starting point: The end of A Madalena Beach (Playa de A Madalena) in Cabanas. Cabanas itself is near Pontedeume, and the Senda de Chamoso is right on the edge of Cabanas and Redes. Basically, everything is close by. Along the way: 1️⃣ Forest corridor. The route begins with a wooden staircase at the end of A Madalena Beach, leading you straight under a canopy of shady trees. 2️⃣ Cozy Chamoso Cove. About 1 km in, you’ll discover a small, picturesque cove with crystal-clear, calm water—a perfect spot for a break and a photo. 3️⃣ Bay views. The path follows the coastline almost the entire way, offering constant glimpses of the Ría de Ares panorama through the trees. 4️⃣ Finishing at Río Castro (Playa de Río Castro). This section concludes at Río Castro Beach, right on the border of the Cabanas and Fene municipalities. From here, you can turn around and head back at a leisurely pace or, if you’re up for it, continue along the coast toward the charming village of Redes. That would make the trip about 7 km round trip. Alternatively, you could start in Cabanas, hike the 3.5 km to Redes, and head home from there. Bottom line: This is a short and incredibly scenic stretch of the popular Senda de Chamoso coastal trail. It’s ideal for a relaxed stroll or a light weekend in nature.

I had a couple of hours to kill in Cedeira. I'd already explored the town itself, but on my last visit, I never actually made it to the castle. So, that’s where I headed. On the way, I noticed on the map that I could first hike up to the hermitage (Ermita de San Antón). It’s a quaint little white chapel perched on a hill, surrounded by pines and absolute silence, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay. It’s the perfect spot to catch your breath after the climb—even if my legs were already covered in scratches from trekking through the brush. Heading back down toward the castle, I realized I could stop by the lighthouse viewpoint on the rocky headland. This area is home to the ruins of an old fort and an ancient Celtic settlement (Castro de Sarridal). With the lighthouse standing right on the edge of the world and the open ocean beyond, it’s easily the best vantage point for the entire Cedeira bay. Moving along, I followed the coastline down to the Sonreiras viewpoint, which looks out over the beach of the same name. The bay takes on a whole new look from here: turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and the rhythmic sound of the crashing surf. It’s arguably Cedeira’s finest beach, and clearly a popular one given the crowds. The views in every direction are still absolutely stunning. Finally, I reached my goal: Castelo da Concepción (Castillo de la Concepción). The finish line. The 18th-century castle was actually closed, but I wasn't going to let that spoil things. The walk around the fortress walls was worth the effort alone. Even without going inside the castle, the walk was a solid 10/10. Between the Galician capes, the fresh ocean breeze, and the scenery, it was well worth the extra couple of kilometers.

Our pilgrimage continues with a thrilling journey. Not far from Santiago lies the small village of Pontemaceira, where a medieval stone arch bridge spans the Río Tambre River. The river is crystal clear, surrounded by lush greenery, and the village's stone houses are tranquil, almost devoid of tourists. This is also a must-pass on the way to Fisterra; the ancient bridge has witnessed countless pilgrims' footsteps. Sitting quietly by the riverbank, the fatigue of the hike is instantly soothed by the gentle embrace of the mountains and countryside. ⛪️The Iglesia Parroquial de Santa María de Portor, the iconic stone bell tower of the Camino Finisterre-Muxía branch of the Fisterra trail, is a rugged stone structure and a perfect quiet corner for immersion during the hike. 🌊The journey continues along the coast, passing Corveiro Beach and Cabanas, finally arriving at Cabo Finisterre, the ancient term for the end of the world. The views from Cape Oosioidos, Fora Beach, and the Gavotero coastline are breathtaking. The untouched coastline is rugged and magnificent, facing the vast Atlantic Ocean. A gentle sea breeze washes over you, perfectly accommodating any anxieties of your pilgrimage. If time permits, you can also choose to take a boat trip for a completely new perspective on the sea. 🐠Lunch will be at Restaurante O Semáforo on the mountaintop, offering stunning ocean views paired with authentic Galician seafood and wine.✨Remember to collect the Fistela stamp here! Leave a mark on your journey to the end of the world. As the sea breeze caresses your face and you gaze out at the ocean, the fatigue of your journey will instantly vanish. ⛪️Upon reaching the final destination, Muxía, the Santuario de la Virgen de la Barca (Basilica of Our Lady of the Stone Boat) on the cliffside holds a pilgrimage legend: Our Lady comforted the disheartened Saint James in a stone boat, and the rocks on the shore are said to be the very remains of that boat. The church's roof was destroyed by lightning in 2013 and rebuilt in 2015; it has weathered many storms. Remember to enter the church to complete the Gaimusia pilgrimage! The clifftop lighthouse overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, where reefs, ancient churches, and the blue sea blend seamlessly. After completing this pilgrimage route along the mountains and sea, all your worries are soothed by the waves, and you finally find your inner peace here. 🌊

With the arrival of warmer weather, staying indoors becomes increasingly difficult. I've already explored the surrounding area well, so now my route takes me through towns less saturated with tourists. The town with the long and beautiful name of As Pontes de García Rodríguez is a small municipality in the province of La Coruña, home to almost 10,000 people, but famous for several remarkable things. 1. The town has long been one of the main energy centers of Galicia and all of Spain, thanks to its enormous coal-fired power plant. Its 356-meter-tall chimney is the tallest in Spain. One of the largest coal mines in Europe is located nearby. This has defined the town's life since the 1970s. 2. After the quarry was closed and reclaimed, a huge lake was created in its place. It is the largest lake in Spain, not counting reservoirs. The lake is a recreational area with a beach and opportunities for water sports. Its own ecosystem has developed around it. About the name: As Pontes translates as "Bridges." The city has historically stood on the River Eume and its tributaries, where there were many bridges. Historically, the settlement was called As Pontes do Eume ("Bridges on the Eume"). In 1376, Henry II of Castile granted the city to the knight García Rodríguez de Valcárcel for freeing him from prison after the Battle of Nájera. García Rodríguez became lord of these lands, built several bridges, consolidated his control over the territory, and "secured" the name. Since then, for over 650 years, the city has borne the name of its medieval benefactor. Although locals simply call it As Pontes, it's a unique example of industrial tourism, rare in these parts. Approaching the city, you're instantly reminded of the opening credits of The Simpsons. At the same time, the city still has a small, preserved old center and many interesting murals.

Place was near to the sea with a beautiful beach. The room was sea facing. The room's condition was not good, very dull lights, bed mattress were hard and was not comfortable. The room and toilet were not clean. it was not so pleasant stay for us there.

Wandered your way to the edge of the world? Fisterra in Galicia, Spain, feels like the literal end, where wild Atlantic beaches meet mountain views and time just slows down. 🌊⛰️ If you picture a lone figure on the sand with crystal-clear waves and distant peaks, you’re already dreaming about Praia do Mar de Fóra and Playa de Langosteira. Top Spots to Visit in Fisterra: 1. Praia do Mar de Fóra (Spain): Rugged, uncrowded, and framed by rolling hills—this is THE place to chill out in true “Far West” Spain style. Aim for a midday stroll when the sun’s out, and let the Atlantic wind clear your mind. 2. Playa de Langosteira (Spain): Long, golden sand with ultra-clear waters, this is one of Galicia’s prettiest bays. Great spot for swimming or a sit-and-reflect moment looking toward the mountains. Travel Insight: Don’t rush! These wild beaches are all about soaking up the slow pace—just wandering barefoot, watching local fishermen, or snapping pics of the endless sky and glassy water is a must. And if you catch it on a sunny day, even better—the vibe flips from moody to Mediterranean, which is rare for this coast. How to Get Around: Rent a car for full flexibility—public transport’s limited, but parking is easy near both beaches. Food Rec: Try the seafood—small beachside bars dish out fresh octopus (pulpo) and razor clams. Bonus: sunset with Galician white wine is peak #TravelGoals. Tip: Pack a windbreaker (Atlantic breezes come out of nowhere!) #GaliciaBeaches #EdgeOfTheWorld #FisterraVibes #SpainTravel #Tripdotcom

#mytraveldiary Cascada do Ézaro in Costa da Morte Galicia Spain is a breathtaking natural wonder where the Xallas River dramatically plunges into the Atlantic Ocean. It is the only river in Europe that flows directly into the sea as a waterfall, making it a unique sight. The cascade is especially impressive after heavy rains, when the water thunders down the granite rocks with incredible force. Visitors can enjoy wooden walkways and viewing platforms that provide excellent angles for photos and a safe way to admire the falls. At night, the waterfall is often illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. Surrounded by rugged coastline and wild beauty, Cascada do Ézaro captures the essence of Galicia’s dramatic landscapes, offering a memorable stop for nature lovers and curious travelers alike.

#philippinestrip

#summervacay Garita de Herbeira is one of those spots where you roll up, step out of the car, and instantly go “okay, wow.” It’s way up high on the cliffs of A Coruña, and the views are just next level. You’re standing on one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, and the drop is no joke. It’s dramatic, wild, and super peaceful all at once. There’s this cute little stone lookout building, nothing fancy, but it’s got vibes. The wind up there can be intense (like, hat snatching intense), but that just makes it feel even more raw and real. You’ll see endless green hills behind you and crazy ocean cliffs in front of you. Absolute dream for anyone who loves big open landscapes. Not many people around, which is awesome. No shops or anything, just you, the wind, and the view. Perfect place to breathe, take a hundred photos, or just sit and zone out. Bring a jacket and prepare to be impressed.

#summervacay Faro de Cabo Ortegal is one of those “whoa” spots where you just wanna park yourself and stare at the ocean for way too long. Sitting at the tip of northern Galicia, this lighthouse is perched right on the edge of some seriously dramatic cliffs, with waves crashing below and nothing but sea ahead. It honestly feels like the end of the world, but in a peaceful, epic kind of way. The drive up is gorgeous, super green and twisty, and then suddenly there’s the lighthouse, just chilling like it’s guarding the whole coast. The wind up there is no joke, so bring a jacket unless you wanna become a kite. But man, the views are wild. You can see massive rock formations, endless ocean, and even the meeting point of the Atlantic and the Cantabrian Sea. Not much to “do” there except take it all in, and that’s kinda the whole point. Totally worth the trip for some serious nature awe.

#summervacay Playa de Meirás is one of those beaches that feels kinda hidden but not too hard to get to. Tucked away in A Coruña, it’s got this peaceful, laid-back vibe that’s perfect if you’re trying to dodge the crowded touristy spots. The sand is soft, the water’s super clear (and yeah, chilly), and there are these rocky little coves around that make it feel extra cozy. It’s great for just spreading out a towel, reading a book, or wandering around the shore looking for cool shells. If you’re into sunsets, stick around because the colors here get wild when the sun dips. The waves can be decent too if you’re bringing a board or just wanna splash around. There’s not a ton of infrastructure, which honestly adds to the charm, just nature doing its thing. Maybe pack a picnic and don’t forget sunscreen. Playa de Meirás is low key dreamy and perfect for a quiet beach day away from the chaos.

#summervacay Garita de Herbeira feels like the edge of the world. It’s one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, and when you’re standing there, with the wind in your face and the Atlantic stretching out forever, it’s seriously wild. The old stone lookout building gives it a cool historic vibe, but the real star here is the view. You’ve got green hills rolling behind you and a sheer drop down to crashing waves below. On a clear day, it feels endless. On a foggy one, it’s moody and dramatic in the best way. It’s the kind of place where you just stand still for a while and let the scenery sink in. It’s a bit of a drive to get up there, with winding roads through beautiful countryside, but totally worth it. There’s not much else around, so bring snacks, water, and maybe a hoodie, it's windy up there! If you’re anywhere near A Coruña, Garita de Herbeira is a must for big nature energy.

#summervacay Playa das Furnas is one of those beaches that feels wild and totally free. You’ve got this long stretch of soft sand, big Atlantic waves rolling in, and this awesome untamed vibe that makes you wanna just breathe deeper and forget your phone exists. It’s not your typical packed beach scene, more like a peaceful slice of coast where nature does all the showing off. The best part? It’s got these little rocky spots and tide pools that are fun to explore when the water’s low. You might even spot a surfer or two riding the waves, because yep, this spot is kind of a local favorite for that. It’s super open and breezy, with pine trees lining the back and no big buildings in sight. Bring your own stuff, snacks, water, towel, because it’s more about the natural vibe than beach bars and umbrellas. If you’re into wild beauty, salty air, and space to just be, Playa das Furnas totally hits the spot.

#summervacay Monte Tahume is one of those low-key hikes that totally delivers on the views without making you suffer too much. It’s not a super intense climb, but once you get to the top, you’re hit with these wide open panoramas of the Ría de Arousa, the Atlantic, and tons of green rolling hills. Total wow moment. The path is pretty chill and easy to follow, winding through pine trees and quiet trails. It smells like nature in the best way and the breeze up there feels amazing, especially on a hot day. There’s even a lookout platform near the top where you can just stop, breathe, and soak it all in. Not a super touristy spot either, which makes it feel kind of special, like your own little nature escape. No cafés or shops nearby, so pack water and maybe a snack. Whether you’re into hiking or just want a peaceful spot with killer views, Monte Tahume is totally worth checking out.

#summervacay Praia de Boca do Río in Carnota is the kind of beach that makes you forget what time it is. It’s wide, open, and totally peaceful with soft sand that just seems to go on forever. There’s this cool little river mouth (hence the name) that flows into the sea, and it makes the whole place feel super unique, perfect mix of beach and nature. You can take a slow stroll along the shore, splash around in the shallow water, or just lay out and listen to the waves. The mountains in the background give it that extra wow factor, and if you go in the late afternoon, the light is unreal. There’s not much nearby in terms of cafés or shops, so bring your own snacks and drinks if you plan on staying a while. It’s calm, not crowded, and has that untouched, wild Galician feel. If you’re into quiet beaches with a ton of space and amazing views, this one’s a winner.

At the top of the mountain you see the whole city of Ferrol.