The Best Travel Guide to Vigo

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Vigo

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Overview

Vigo The guide was updated: 2022-09-26

Vigo, a port city in Spain's north-west set scenically on the bank of Ria de Vigo estuary, is the world's largest fishing port. Vigo enjoys fine seafood fresh from the Atlantic, as evident in its numerous cozy taverns. The wildly beautiful Cies Islands, along with one of the world's finest beaches, Rodas, are only a short ferry trip away.

Facts

Population:	293,642
Currency:	1 euro = 100 cents
Hotels:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	EU Emergency: 112 Police: 091 Guardia Civil: 062
Newspapers:	Faro de Vigo (Spanish)
Opening hours:	The 2.30 to 5pm siesta is widely observed; most shops are closed on Sunday, and some do not open on Saturday evenings.
Tourist information:	Vigo Tourist Office Estación Maritima (ferry ticket office) +34 986 430 577 Daily 10am-5pm www.turismodevigo.org Galician Regional Bureau Rúa Cánovas del Castillo 22, Vigo Mon-Fri 9.30am-2pm & 4.30-6.30pm, Sat 10am-1.30pm

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Section in Vigo

More often than not used as a transit base or intermediate point between destinations elsewhere on the mainland and the magnificent Cies Islands, Vigo has much more to see than you might have expected. With art museums, some of the world's finest seafood, breezy seaside promenades and an attractive old town, Vigo is worth lingering in for quite a while.

Casco Vello (Old Town)

Casco Vello (Old Town)

In stark contrast to the modern part of the city and its industrial port area, the Casco Vello enchants with 19th-century architecture, narrow streets and charming squares of the old town. Casco Vello is an easy uphill hike from the port. Note that some businesses close on Sundays.

Castro Fortress

Castro Fortress

Vigo's Castro (Celtic era) archaeological site grants visitors a glimpse into what the Galician settlement of today once was (between roughly 2 BC and 3 AD). Guided tours of the Castro are organized Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-2pm & 4-6pm. Hike up the mountainside to take in the ancient city from afar.

Cíes Islands

Cíes Islands

The Cíes Islands, just off the coast of Vigo, are home to one of the world's finest beaches (Rodas Beach), and are easily accessible by sea. Only 2,200 visitors per day are allowed on the islands, so do reserve your spot in advance if traveling during high season or at the weekends.

Samil Beach

Samil Beach

Samil Beach (or Praia de Samil) is, perhaps, the finest stretch of sand in the area, easily accessible from downtown Vigo. Only 5km away from the city centre and with opportunities for dining and relaxation (including open-air kids' pools and beach facilities), the beach is an excellent choice for a day trip.

Castro Park

Castro Park

Make your way uphill to Parque do Castro via Camelias Street - although the climb is somewhat steep, the views over the Vigo estuary from here are simply unbeatable. The Castro de Vigo (dating back to the 3rd century BC) and Castello the Castro can both be visited en route.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum of Contemporary Art

Contained inside what was once built to become a public prison, the Vigo Museum of Contemporary Art is a local cultural center that boasts a regular rotation of exhibitions, showcasing various forms of artwork (from painting to modern design). There is no permanent exhibition, however, so do check what's on when you're in town.

Quiñones de León Museum

Quiñones de León Museum

Housed inside a former castle, and with splendid park grounds in its immediate surroundings, the Quiñones de León Museum is worth the short trip from central Vigo if only for its well-maintained French garden (some say, a miniature of the one in Versailles). The museum itself contains archaeological artefacts discovered in Vigo and surroundings.

Los Caballos Monument (The Horses)

Los Caballos Monument (The Horses)

Juan José Oliveira's 1991 creation will quite probably strike you as one unlike any other you've ever seen - the ensemble of horses ascending to the skies up a waterfall was partially inspired by the wild horses historically inhabiting the region.

Monte da Guía

Monte da Guía

Hike up to the top of Monte da Guía, northeast of the town, and take in the panoramic view of the city of Vigo and Ria de Vigo river, with the splendid Cies Islands looming in the background. There is a scenic little chapel at the hilltop. The hill is a half hour's walk from the Vigo Guixar station.

Parque de Castrelos

Parque de Castrelos

A pleasant urban park within easy reach from downtown Vigo, with a kids' entertainment area, basketball courts, and an open-air amphitheatre (hosting world-renowned celebrity musicians a few times per year) on its grounds. Climb to the top and see what remains of the Castro.

Castelo de San Sebastián

Castelo de San Sebastián

The crumblings ruins of what was once Vigo's strongest fortification date from 1656. Take in wonderful views of Vigo city, the bay, and Ceis islands from this unique vantage point.

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