Visit Vigo
Vigo is in the province of Pontevedra in the Galicia region of Spain.
Vigo is Galicia's largest town. It sits on one of the lovely Rias Baixas.
Explore Vigo
Vigo is situated on one of the beautiful Rias Baixas and is sheltered from the Atlantic weather. It is the largest fishing port in Europe and home to the Pescanova fishing company - the largest fishing company in the world. It makes a pleasant base for exploring the region though does not have any major sights.
Nevertheless the old city has pleasant winding streets which open out into sunny plazas filled with lots of tapas bars. The fish tapas in particular are very good - not suprisingly given its important fishing fleet! Wander down the Rua Real and surrounding streets where there is an interesting mix of fishermen's houses and much grander buildings.
The Rua Real was once the main street of Vigo and runs from the port to the church of Maria. Some of the original fishermen's houses on this street date back to the 16th century.
From here wander down to the seafront where you can buy fish from the morning's catch.
Due to its industrial and fishing success Vigo continued to grow in the 19th and 20th century and the area surrounding the old centre is full of attractive buildings from this period. Vigo's theatre and its 'Moderno' building are particularly good examples to look out for.
The municipal museum, the Quinones de Leon museum is also housed in a lovely building, a 17th century manor house surrounded by an attractive garden.
Vigo has an exhibition centre housed in the restored Casa Barcena building. It has an art collection, an indoor garden and an educational centre focused on Earth, the solar system and the galaxy.The centre is called the Afundacion Social Centre.
Vigo is surrounded by beaches. The best ones are probably to the west of Vigo heading towards the sea. These are good quality, blue-flag beaches and with the hills rising up behind and on the opposite side of the Ria they are very attractive.
The Ria can be crossed on the high suspension bridge which spans the river Ria at Vigo.
Where to visit nearby?
Vigo is close to Baiona which is the coastal town where Christopher Columbus came to after discovering the New World. There is a full size replica of his ship in the town.
Off the coast of Vigo are the Atlantic Islands of Galicia. There are four archipelagos; Cies, Ons, Salvora and Cortegada, and these form the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. The visitor centre for the park can be found in the old town of Vigo in the Cambon building on Rua Palma.
For great views over Vigo and the Rias Baixas walk to the top of the Monte O Castro hill. There is a fortress at the top and on the lower slopes is the Yacimiento O Castro archaelogical site.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Pontevedra guide and the Galicia guide.
Map of Vigo and places to visit
Vigo places to visit
Baiona
Baiona is where Christopher Columbus landed here after voyaging to the New World. An exact replica of th Pinta, Christopher Columbus' ship is in the harbour.
Baiona guide
Tui
Tui has a 13th century hilltop cathedral and stretches of anceint walls can be seen here as well as an attractive old quarter.
Tui guide
Combarro
Combarro is famous for its large collection of horreos (grain silos) lining the waterfront.
Combarro guide
Pontevedra
Pontevedra is a lovely town with cobbled alleys, colonnaded squares, masses of flowers and even a very welcoming night out in one of the tapas bars.
Pontevedra guide
A Guarda
A Guarda is home to the remains of a Celtic settlement which can be seen here.
A Guarda guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Galicia