Orzán and Riazor

Orzán and Riazor form the great ocean-facing frontage of central A Coruña. Unlike the harbour, sheltered towards the estuary, this sweep of sand looks directly out to the Atlantic. The city therefore presents two very different maritime faces within a narrow area. Walking the promenade explains that geography better than a map. A breakwater separates the beaches, although from a distance they appear as a single curved bay. Picasso played along these shores during his childhood in A Coruña, connecting artistic memory with moving water and urban life. Notice the sequence of homes, avenue, sand and sea. The setting offers a walk throughout the year, but watching the waves must not be confused with safe conditions for swimming.