Hilltop city view of Cangas on the Bay of Vigo, Spain
GO GALICIAN

Cruise to Vigo, Spain

The sun will shine upon you as you enter the harbor of Vigo, the largest city in Spain's autonomous Galicia region. Start your adventure by ascending the Castro Fortress — you can take in views of the city and the lushly forested mountains around it from these granite-walled 17th-century fortifications. Then, learn up about the region at one of Vigo's excellent museums: Museo do Mar Galicia features exhibits on the local oceanography and ecosystems, while the Vigo Museum of Contemporary Art hosts a changing lineup of participatory workshops and installations by innovative artists working today. Later, stretch your legs on the GR-53, a 25-mile path along the coastline and low mountain peaks around the city, or relax by the blue waters of Cies Beach.
National Language Spanish, Galician
Currency Accepted Euro (EUR)

Things To Do in Vigo

View of the Santa Maria church with the Marvao castle in the distance in Vigo, Spain

Read the Fine Print

View of the Santa Maria church with the Marvao castle in the distance in Vigo, Spain

View of the Santa Maria church with the Marvao castle in the distance in Vigo, Spain

Read the Fine Print

Located in Vigo's Old Town, Museo Municipal de Vigo tells the broader story of Vigo and the rest of Galicia. Learn about the region's main historical claim to fame, the Camino de Santiago — a pilgrimage leading to the Galician church where, legend has it, the remains of the Apostle James are housed. Or head to Museo do Mar de Galicia, which focuses on the region's seafaring culture and legacy.

Interior of the Monte Real Castle

Appreciate the Bigger Picture

Interior of the Monte Real Castle

Interior of the Monte Real Castle

Appreciate the Bigger Picture

Put on a wider lens by hiking up to Castelo do Castro, where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city and its port. Another place to appreciate an eclectic cross-section of local Vigo life is Plaza Porta do Sol, a popular meeting point where you can enjoy some of the city's finest people-watching.

A beach in Cies Islands in Spain
A beach in Cies Islands in Spain

Islands Await

Take the 45-minute boat ride to the Cies Islands. Here, you'll find calm white-sand beaches with pristine blue waters, surrounded by views of the dramatic mountainous landscape. There are also caves to explore here, as well as some of the area's best bird-watching.

A platter with oysters with two glasses of wine, bread and a sliced lemon
A platter with oysters with two glasses of wine, bread and a sliced lemon

Local Cuisine

You'll notice lots of oyster sellers throughout Vigo's city center, but if you're looking for a meal that's less raw, sit down for a casual tapas lunch at Old Town eateries. Highlights include chipirones — grilled baby squid with lemon and herbs — and calamares en su tinta, calamari served in its own ink. Wash it down with a glass of albarino from Rias Baixas, a nearby Galician winemaking region where they produce crisp, dry white wines.

A store in Vigo, Spain that sells wicker baskets and goods
A store in Vigo, Spain that sells wicker baskets and goods

Shopping

You'll find the most picturesque shopping in Vigo amid the seafood sellers or O Calvario Municipal Market. Since you probably won't be able to take fresh fish back with you, walk down the Rua Cesteiros shopping street to bargain for local souvenirs and handicrafts, much of which centers on traditional basket weaving.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 Even if you speak Spanish, you'll notice the local language is something a little different: Galician is a unique blend of Portuguese and Spanish.
2 Be sure to check the schedule for the museums and shopping centers you want to visit — most are closed on holidays.

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