La Coruña, Spain

As the end destination of the famous Way of St James pilgrimage, evocative Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain gets plenty of love. But less than 45 minutes’ drive away lies a largely overlooked city, La Coruña, which has a wealth of history, enviable beaches and throbbing nightlife. Visit María Pita square to see the javelin-wielding statue of the old city’s heroine defender and the grand façade of the Palacio Municipal; just nearby you can admire the twin bell-towers of the Iglesia de San Jorge. Don’t miss the Torre de Hércules, a lighthouse with Roman era origins – check out the lovely views from the top, and go people-watching along the Passeo Maritimo. When the sun sets, sample some tapas in the Panaderas area – but if you really want to burn the midnight oil, join the party animals in Santa Cristina, Oleiros.

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