Life and history in Vigo, located in the Rías Baixas region of the Atlantic coast of southwest Galicia, are dominated by the sea. The oyster beds provide the famous La Piedra with the freshest and fattest oysters, the cruise dock, the loading and unloading ships, and the elegant pleasure boats bob in the giant port of Vigo, next to a modern bridge that cross the bay. In the 17th century, Castro Fortress tried (unsuccessfully) to protect the entrance to the Atlantic against pirates and invading nations such as England, France, and even the Turks. The narrow streets and houses of Casco Vello preserve the lifestyle of fishermen and sailors, the pristine Cíes Islands are just an hour by boat in the Atlantic and everything is guarded by an imposing statue of the Virgin Mary, María de las Afueras , carrying a tall ship in one hand and a sextant in the other.
Stroll through the Casco Vello
Direction
Casco Vello, 36202 Vigo, Pontevedra, SpainGet directions
Casco Vello, or ‘Old Town’, consists of one or two-story stone houses, often tilted at precarious angles to each other and divided by narrow streets, which descend downhill to the old port. But, there are also some fancy houses, which makes for an interesting mix. Many are now art and craft stores, displaying their wares pinned to the exterior walls. Casco Vello has become a popular neighborhood to start a night out, due to the increasing number of bars and restaurants. Locals tend to congregate on the steps of the 19th-century Santa Maria church.
Discover the history in the Castro fortress
Direction
Paseo Cronista Xosé M. Álvarez Blázquez, 16, 36203 Vigo, Pontevedra, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34986 81 01 00
Web
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The fortress, which is located on top of the old disappeared walls, was built in 1665 to defend Vigo against attacks from the English Navy and Portugal. Besieged many times, it was finally reconquered by the citizens of Vigo in 1809. Going up to the castle offers splendid views of the city, the port and even the Cíes Islands. Within the castle complex are beautiful well-kept gardens, flower beds and trees, predominantly Galicia’s national flower – camellia in all colors.
Sail to the Cíes Islands
Direction
Cíes Islands, SpainGet directions
Cíes Islands is an uninhabited archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean facing the Vigo estuary. What makes them so special is the contrast between a very rough cliff landscape in the west and two unspoiled, long, white beaches in the east. One of them, Playa de Rodas, is often considered one of the best beaches in the world. Cars are not allowed on the island and the protection of the environment is taken very seriously. It is an ideal day trip, departing by ferry from the terminal in Vigo. The clearly marked hiking trails are color-coded based on difficulty and lead along the cliffs to a lighthouse at the farthest point. They are color-coded based on difficulty. It is also a great place to swim (for children) or sunbathe. There are no hotels on the island and only a small cafe on the pier where the ferry docks. If desired, visitors can spend the night in a camp that rents out tents and sleeping bags.
Visit the museum of the sea
Direction
AV. da Atlántida, 160, 36208 Vigo, Pontevedra, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34986 24 77 50
Web
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The Vigo Sea Museum is located in an old canning factory with a very modern design. The museum is dedicated to fishing and all activities related to the sea, in particular the ecosystem of the Rias Baxas. There is an aquarium and many explanatory videos. The last activity is the investigation of the underwater heritage with the aim of housing all the shipwrecks recovered from Galicia, especially the many ships that suffered on the famous Death Coast.
Slurp Oysters on The Stone
Direction
Praza da Pedra, 36202 Vigo, Pontevedra, SpainGet directions
With so many beds of oysters at the gates of the city, it is no surprise that oysters are Vigo’s specialty. The best and most fun way to try them is at the many La Piedra stalls that are part of the port. Grab a plate, go from one booth to another, make your selection and sit on the rather rickety chairs and tables, squeeze the lemon juice on them and sip. For those who cannot eat raw oysters, there are several small restaurants just behind the stalls that will cook them for you.
Understand modern art at MARCO
Direction
Rúa do Príncipe, 54, 36202 Vigo, Pontevedra, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34986 11 39 00
Web
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MARCO stands for Museum of Contemporary Art and is worth a visit for two reasons: it is located in a former courthouse and prison right in the center of the city and it is a museum with no permanent exhibition. Flexibility and innovation are the keywords here, which is why this museum features shows, cultural events, workshops, and temporary exhibits. The remarkable glass roofs make a surprising juxtaposition with the rather stark facade.
Samil beach
Direction
AV. Samil, 31, 36212 Vigo, Pontevedra, SpainGet directions
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Galicia is known for the large amount of rain that explains the exuberant vegetation. However, there are hot summer days that invite you to sunbathe and swim at one of the 45 beaches. With over 5,000 feet of ocean frontage, Samil’s Beach is among the longest and most popular. There are many leisure facilities and a promenade that allows you to see the city and the islands in the distance. If it’s too hot, the pines provide shade.
Marvel at the Ensanche
Direction
Travesía Santiago de Vigo, 1, 36201 Vigo, Pontevedra, SpainGet directions
Web
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Ensanche is the most elegant neighborhood in Vigo. During the 19th century, wealth derived from the canning industry and wealthy entrepreneurs built fabulous Belle Époque houses that line Ensanche’s pedestrianized streets and lush Alameda Park.
Take a harbor tour around the Bay of Vigo
If you don’t have time to get to the Cíes Islands, you can enjoy a touch of the Atlantic, a view of the busy port, Vigo’s skyline, and the imposing bridge of lights with a tour of the port. It is much shorter than the ferry to the Cíes Islands, but it is still a great photo opportunity.
Keep an eye on the sailors with Maria de las Afueras
A few kilometers further south and closer to the border with Portugal is the small resort of Baiona. On a peninsula is the medieval Castelo de Montereal, now an excellent inn with beautiful gardens. Up in the mountains stands a huge statue of the Virgin Mary, called Maria de las Afueras, patron saint and protector of all sailors and fishermen. She holds a tall ship in her outstretched hand that you can actually climb on.
In the small port there is a replica of the Pinta, one of the three caravels that Columbus set out on his journey in 1493. A visit gives a vivid impression of what life on board such a small ship was like for brave explorers.
