What to Pack: La Coruna

Summer Attire June-August

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing. The weather is mild, but sudden showers occur.

Packing List

T-shirts, shorts, skirts, and light dresses (cotton, linen).
A light sweater or cardigan for cooler evenings near the coast.
A Lightweight waterproof jacket is advised year-round.

Shoulder Seasons May-Oct & Winter Nov-April

Layering is for these seasons, with a focus on warmth and rain protection.

Layering Essentials

Long-sleeved shirts, light sweaters, and a fleece or warmer jacket.
A waterproof and windproof outer layer is required.
Warm layers, Gloves, and a hat for winter. A Scarf is also useful.

Footwear Recommendations

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Ideal for urban exploration, cobbled streets, and the long Paseo Marítimo. Consider ECCO Men's Soft 7 Sneaker or similar.

Urban Exploration

Waterproof Footwear

Highly recommended, especially outside of summer, due to frequent rain. For longer walks, Merrell Women's Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe is an option.

Rain Ready

Swim & Style

Pack Sandals/Flip-flops for summer and beach outings. Dressier shoes are appropriate for evening outings or fine dining.

Beach & Evenings

Essential Documents

Travel Papers

Keep all your important documents organized and accessible throughout your trip.

Passport and visa documentation (if applicable).
Travel insurance policy information with emergency contacts.
International driving permit (IDP) if you plan to drive.
Vaccination records and health documentation (e.g., EHIC for EU citizens).

Printed and digital copies of reservations (flights, hotels, car rentals, tours).
Emergency contact information (family, embassy/consulate).
Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable).
Keep digital copies on your phone/cloud and physical copies separate.

Tech & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Bring the right electronics to stay connected and capture your memories.

Device Essentials

Spain uses Type F and C plugs (230V/50Hz). A universal Travel adapter is advisable.
Most smartphones are compatible. Consider a local SIM card (Airalo is an option).
Portable chargers like Anker Power Bank are useful.

Capturing Memories & Digital Security

Choose suitable camera gear and secure your data while abroad.

Camera & Security

Mirrorless camera or good Smartphone camera. GoPro HERO12 Black for water activities. (B&H Photo)
Use a VPN (NordVPN, ExpressVPN) for secure public Wi-Fi.
Backup photos/documents to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox).

Recommended Apps for Travel

Navigation & Translation

Google Maps/Apple Maps (download offline maps); Google Translate (download offline language packs for Spanish/Galician).

Transportation & Communication

Renfe for train travel; TRANVÍAS A Coruña for local bus; WhatsApp for communication; Cabify/Bolt for ride-sharing.

Financial Management

Your bank's mobile app for managing finances and monitoring transactions abroad.

Health & Wellness

Personal First Aid & Prescriptions

Prepare a small kit for health and personal care. Pack medications with necessary documentation.

First Aid & Meds

First aid kit: pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, bandages, blister treatment. (Adventure Medical Kits, J&J Kit)
Anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness remedies.
Prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's note/prescription.

Sun & Personal Hygiene

Protect your skin from the sun and carry essential personal items.

Essentials

Reef Safe Sunscreen (SPF 30+) and After-sun lotion are useful.
Insect repellent is less critical but useful in warmer months.
Travel-sized preferred toiletries, as common brands are widely available.

Water & Illness Remedies

Water Safety

Tap water in La Coruñan is generally safe and potable.
Some travelers prefer Bottled water.
A reusable LARQ Self-Cleaning Water Bottle is an option (LifeStraw also offers filters).

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness remedies are pertinent for boat trips.
Over-the-counter medications for common issues like allergies or colds.
Carry a Lightweight travel scarf for modesty at religious sites.

Activity Gear

Camino de Santiago Gear

If extending your trip onto the Camino de Santiago:

Small backpack
Comfortable hiking boots/shoes
Quick-dry clothing
Blister kit, Hiking poles

Beach Activities

For relaxing at Riazor and Orzán beaches:

Swimsuit
Flip-flops
Beach towel
Sunscreen and hat

Rent vs. Bring

Consider renting certain items upon arrival for convenience:

Bicycles are easily rented in La Coruña.
Surfboards/Wetsuits are available for rent at surf schools near beaches.
Specialty items unique to La Coruñan experiences are minimal.
General Travel gear focus on comfort and versatility.

Cultural Dress Code & Activity Attire

Dress Code Considerations

Spain is generally relaxed regarding dress; casual attire is acceptable.
When visiting churches or religious sites, dressing modestly (shoulders and knees covered) shows respect.
Carrying a Lightweight travel scarf is useful for spontaneous visits to such places.
Casual dress is fine for most restaurants; smart-casual for finer dining.

Activity Specific Attire

For hiking/walking, Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy Hiking shoes are advisable.
For swimming, pack a Swimsuit, flip-flops, and a Beach towel.
The city invites exploration; versatility in clothing serves well.
A Lightweight waterproof jacket comes recommended.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Do not forget these small but useful items for your comfort and peace of mind.

Essentials for Travel

Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs for flights or trains.
Pacsafe anti-theft bags.
A Travel money belt for passports and cash.
Luggage locks for bags.

Reusable & Practical Items

Minimize waste and maximize convenience with these eco-friendly choices.

Eco-Friendly Packing

A reusable water bottle (tap water is safe).
A reusable shopping bag (plastic bags often charged for).
Reusable utensils for meals on the go.
Most common items are readily available; specialty items might be harder to find.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Fill up with safe tap water.

Solid Toiletries

Shampoo bars, solid soaps.

Foldable Shopping Bag

For markets and groceries.

Digital Copies

Reduce paper waste.

Destination-Specific Considerations

For Rainy Weather

A compact umbrella for sudden showers.
Waterproof footwear for comfortable walking.
A reliable waterproof and windproof jacket.

For Coastal Exploration

Binoculars for bird watching or coastal views.
Local hiking maps for exploring the Rías Altas or Costa da Morte.
A sun hat for protection on the Paseo Marítimo.

Packing Pro Tip

Consider rolling your clothes tightly to save space and minimize wrinkles, or use packing cubes to organize your luggage effectively.

Place heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase and distribute weight evenly for easier carrying.

What to Pack