Tower of Hercules
Explore the Tower of Hercules, the world's oldest working Roman lighthouse and a UNESCO site offering stunning coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos.
Tower of Hercules
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the Tower of Hercules, the world's oldest working Roman lighthouse and a UNESCO site offering stunning coastal views.
"The oldest working lighthouse in the world, a UNESCO site with incredible views."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Tickets often sell out; book in advance to guarantee entry to the interior. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Prepare for ~200 stone steps to the top. A moderate climb! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ancient Roman Lighthouse
Interior of the Tower
Explore the oldest working lighthouse in the world, a UNESCO site with Roman origins.
+1
Panoramic Ocean Views
Top of the Tower
Ascend to the summit for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and A Coruña.
Sculpture Park
Surrounding Area
Wander through the open-air park featuring sculptures inspired by Celtic nations and mythology.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Comfortable Footwear is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Tickets often sell out; book in advance to guarantee entry to the interior. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Prepare for ~200 stone steps to the top. A moderate climb! :athletic_shoe:
🚶♀️ Explore the Sculpture Park
Don't miss the unique sculptures around the tower.
📸 Capture Sunset Views
The golden hour offers spectacular photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Tickets often sell out; book in advance to guarantee entry to the interior. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Prepare for ~200 stone steps to the top. A moderate climb! :athletic_shoe:
🚶♀️ Explore the Sculpture Park
Don't miss the unique sculptures around the tower.
📸 Capture Sunset Views
The golden hour offers spectacular photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Caution
Be wary of people asking for money in the parking lot; consider public transport.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Tower of Hercules as a must-see landmark in A Coruña, highlighting its historical significance as the world's oldest working lighthouse and the breathtaking views from its summit. The well-preserved Roman structure and the surrounding sculpture park add to its appeal. Some visitors note the challenging climb inside and recommend booking tickets in advance due to frequent sell-outs.
"We visited as part of a cruise stop in August. It's Worth being driven to the foot as its an uphill walk. The views get amazing with each step but it does require some exertion.
If you want to see the roman ruins inside you need to book tickets. They are not sold at the entry so best check online.
If you're tall, you will not be able to walk up straight in some areas but the lightening is good and artefacts are well labeled.
There are stone stairs, at least 200, leading to the top of the tower which has even more majestic views. I advise pacing yourself and not being in a hurry to enjoy it fully and take time to catch your breath. Unless you're fit, don't have kids or the elderly with you. If you're claustrophobic this is not for you. Would highly recommend and would revisit at a more leisurely pace in the future. Don't forget to buy the tickets before arriving! You will certainly get your step count in!"
Melinda Barthel (NotJustAMum)
"Ticket boot is placed far away from the tower, so if you're coming a different way (from beach) you're going to miss it and you cannot enter. Online tickets are sold out as a rule. Anyway you can walk around and enjoy the wind from the ocean 🌊"
Mersida B
"Definitely the most important landmark of the city and most likely one of the most of northern Spain and Spain itself you’ll get not only immerse at the ancient story of this place, but also in a great views of the whole city and the ocean
this place is amazing very well conserved and the tickets were actually very affordable. No doubt you should make this one of her stops my wife and I visit this during the morning and it was very affordable.
The climb is moderate hard, bring, of course comfortable clothes and shoes it takes 15 minutes to 20 minutes climbing stairs to get up there, but you can rest up there enjoying a great views
just heads up. Be careful of people asking for money in the parking lot. Just stay away if you can get there by public transit better."
Marcos O. Diogo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tower of Hercules is located on a peninsula in A Coruña. You can reach it by car, but parking can be challenging and sometimes involves people asking for money; public transport is a better option. Many visitors enjoy walking along the promenade from the city center, which offers beautiful coastal views.
Yes, there is parking available, but it can get crowded. Be cautious of individuals soliciting money in the parking areas. Consider using public transport or walking from the city if possible.
Absolutely! Walking along the promenade towards the Tower of Hercules is a popular and scenic way to arrive, offering lovely sea views.
A Coruña is accessible by train and bus. If arriving by air, the nearest airport is A Coruña Airport (LCG), from where you can take a taxi or bus to the city center.
Yes, local buses serve the area around the Tower of Hercules, making it accessible via public transport from A Coruña city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for the interior of the Tower of Hercules are generally affordable. It's recommended to check the official website for current pricing and to book in advance, as they can sell out.
Tickets for the interior are best purchased online in advance as they often sell out. The ticket booth can be located far from the tower itself, so planning ahead is crucial.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for the interior access, as they frequently sell out.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Tower of Hercules website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours before your visit.
You can walk around the exterior of the Tower of Hercules and enjoy the surrounding park and coastal views without a ticket. However, to enter the tower, see the Roman ruins, and climb to the top, a ticket is required.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can explore the Roman ruins of the original structure, learn about its history in the museum, and climb approximately 200 stone steps to the summit for panoramic views.
The climb involves around 200 stone steps and is considered a moderate to challenging climb. It's advisable to pace yourself and take breaks. It may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, claustrophobia, or very young children.
The Tower of Hercules is the oldest working lighthouse in the world, built by the Romans in the 1st or 2nd century AD. It has been in continuous operation for nearly 2,000 years and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Yes, the surrounding area features the Sculpture Park with Celtic-inspired art,
While children can enjoy the exterior and the sculpture park, the climb inside the tower may be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. Parents should assess their child's capabilities.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views for photography. The surrounding cliffs and the sculpture park also provide unique angles.
Drone usage regulations can vary. While some videos show drone footage,+2 it's essential to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the area.
Late afternoon and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light for photography. However, mornings can provide clearer skies and fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Generally, photography is allowed inside, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage within the museum or tower. The lighting inside is good for capturing the historical artifacts.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the tower and the expansive views. A tripod can be useful for sunset shots, but be mindful of space constraints. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The views from the top are also a highlight that can captivate younger visitors. However, parents should be aware that the interior can feel confined, and the climb might be too much for very young children or those with mobility concerns. 🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Walking along the promenade to reach the tower from the city center is also a cost-free and scenic activity. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for the late afternoon or sunset for the best light, casting a warm glow on the tower and the sea. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Tower of Hercules
+1 The tower has been continuously in operation for nearly two millennia, a testament to Roman engineering and its strategic importance as a navigational aid at what was once considered the edge of the known world. +1The tower has undergone significant renovations and remodels over the centuries, most notably in the 18th century, which gave it its current neoclassical appearance.
Beyond its primary function, the tower is steeped in legend. One popular myth attributes its construction to the giant Geryon, who was defeated by Hercules.
Experiencing the Tower of Hercules: What to Expect
Once at the summit, the panoramic views are truly spectacular. You'll be treated to sweeping vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, the rugged Galician coastline, and the vibrant city of A Coruña.
For those interested in the historical context, the interior museum is well-curated and provides fascinating insights into the lighthouse's past.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit