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Discover Vigo's Wonders

Vigo is a city on Spain’s northwest coast. The mouth of the nearby Vigo Estuary is sheltered by the Cíes Islands, which form part of the Atlantic Islands National Park. The Cíes are known for their rich birdlife and crescent-shaped Rodas Beach. The city’s old quarter is home to the neoclassical Church of Santa María. The Castro de Vigo archaeological site has reconstructed ancient dwellings.

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Description

Arguably the underdog of Galician cities, Vigo is surprisingly the province's most populous, and one that can - given the chance - easily entice both city breakers and beach vacationers over to its side. Vigo's indisputable winning cards are its excellent seafood (it is, after all, the world's largest fishing port) and easy access to the stunningly beautiful Cies Islands, dubbed by the Romans "the islands of the Gods". There is a limit of 2200 daily visitors to the islands for preservation purposes, so booking a spot in advance is highly recommended (especially so during the summer). The town itself is appealing in equal measure. Alongside plenty of shopping and dining opportunities, there are a few museums worth checking out, and a good many hiking routes - the city's highest points are the O Castro, with its 2000-year-old archaeological site and panoramic public park, overlooking the Vigo estuary, and the Monte da Guía, just north along the coast. What the city may lack in architectural uniformity (its 20th-century growth happened rapidly) it more than makes up for with vibrancy of spirit, natural beauty, and a thriving nightlife.

Useful information

Population:

293,642

Currency:

1 euro = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

EU Emergency: 112
Police: 091
Guardia Civil: 062

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.

Do & See

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Dining

A Curuxa

When asked for a restaurant recommendations, a local would, without hesitation, most likely single out A Curuxa. The stone-wall tavern is another safe bet when it comes to dining on Galician specialities and seafood, with stand-outs such as pulpo (octopus), empanada pies, meats, and more - all paired with native Albariño wines.

Casa Marco

Heralded as one of the finest in Vigo and surroundings, Casa Marco is a superb restaurant showcasing local produce, meats and seafood at their absolute finest. Pricing is extremely reasonable for the quality. Reservations highly recommended, even on weeknights.

Follas Novas

Ranking among the finest in Vigo, this compact restaurant is one where reservations are simply mandatory - demand on the establishment's honest, quality food and impeccable service remains high on the part of both visitors and locals. The menu is varied, and one cannot go wrong with the seafood.

La Pepita Burger Bar

Having set out to "revolutionise the traditional burger", La Pepita appears to have accomplished the noble goal with flying colours. Burgers served here are all exquisitely crafted, and look nothing like your typical burger joint offerings. Traditional beef, ox, lamb, Iberian pig and veggie patties available.

Maruja Limon

One wouldn't expect to find a level of creativity and finesse this high behind the restaurant's humble facade, and yet Maruja Limon will probably deliver one of a lifetime's most memorable meals: local ingredients are sourced and handled carefully to create dishes that tend to look more like works of modern art than edibles, and yet splendidly deliver on flavour.

Rua da Ostras

This street leading up to the town's port is jam-packed with restaurants and vendors offering up some of the freshest seafood imaginable. Walk up the street away from the port to find the best value deals, and do sample the fresh oysters at a stall that suits your fancy.

Taberna A Pedra

The classic Galician tavern serves fresh, professionally cooked seafood, smack in the heart of Vigo's old town. One can't go wrong with any of the octopus dishes, just as well as other seafood offerings. Prices are very reasonable for the quality.

The Othilio Bar

With its modern take on traditional Galician flavours, The Othilio Bar elevates local cuisine to a level few have been able to match. It's hard to go wrong with any of the menu offerings, so pick whichever fine dish suits your fancy. To complete the experience, pair with a Galician Albariño wine.

Cafes

Cafetería Maracaibo

A Vigo classic, this longstanding, quintessentially Spanish eatery in Praza de Compostela is a great choice for a breakfast croissant, a serving of churros (deep-fried dough pastry served with thick hot chocolate), an evening glass of wine or even lunch, all to be had in the outdoor seating area.

Matina

Matina is an excellent choice fore breakfast, and set Sunday brunches enjoy a particular popularity as well. Dishes served are reasonable healthy, with a vast selection of fresh juices and smoothies offered. Coffee and cake alone are also a good option.

Porto Santo

The buzzing burger place is a great find - the menu is concise, yet includes a good choice of burgers, meats and Spanish/Galician tapas. Depending on the time of day, these go incredibly well with both beer and coffee. Prices are reasonable, most menu items being under €5.

Sésamo Bakery Shop & Lounge

Sésamo Bakery Shop & Lounge is a solid choice for a quick recharge or brunch in town. The set brunch menu includes your choice of a hot and cold beverage, a sweet course (yogurt, pastry or similar), and a selection of main (eggs cooked to your liking, miniature hamburgers, savoury pastries, and more). The adjacent bakery sells heavenly fresh goodies.

The Coffee Land

This excellent little place serves high-quality coffee (choice is vast, so do not hesitate to ask for a recommendation), by no means leaving it at that and offering patrons a very affordable, tasty breakfast selection along with a few light snacks and sandwiches.

Vitruvia Cafe

The cafe's warm ambience invites for a coffee (organic) and cake break on your walk in town. Vitruvia has also earned itself a crowd of return patrons for the live jazz played here frequently during the evenings. A multitude of light meals and snacks are also on offer.

Bars & Nightlife

20th Century Rock

This popular rock bar's interior is a sight to behold: walls are adorned with US pop cultural memorabilia, and the space itself contains curious exhibits, such as a full yellow cab, a statue of liberty mock-up, an odd elephant head and (be weary - unreliable!) street signs.

Bar Princesa

With a rather unlikely choice of name for what is, essentially, a rock bar, Princesa plays good music and lets the crowd spill out onto the Praza da Constitución, a square where a night out in Vigo starts more often than not. Good vibes are sure to be present.

Buqué

Seat yourself at one of the barrels that serve the bar as tables and enjoy a tasting of the region's finest wines (international labels represented if you're interested in varieties from elsewhere). Buqué is a relaxed, quaint wine bar for a low-key evening in the old town.

Cervexeria Nós

This Vigo microbrewery, is, indeed, rather compact in size, but despite its limited capacity stocks an impressive amount of local and international beers, as well as it's own in-house brewed drafts. Snacks, burgers (including vegan ones), and various tapas are on offer.

Craft

If beer is your drink of choice, do check out Craft in Rua Fisterra. The bar stocks a surprising number of draft beer varieties, with Spanish and international beers both on tap and bottled. The bar also holds courses on beer making, but these will require some knowledge of Spanish.

La Cervercería de Vigo

The celebrated local Estrella Galicia beer flows freely at this beer hall, run by the beer's very brewers. Come for a drink if pale lagers suit your fancy (non-pasteurised beer is served, too), and pair a glass with an offering of tapas or a full meal.

Van Gogh Cafe

The recently refurbished Van Gogh Cafe only closes for a handful of hours at night, luring visitors in with a cup of joe in the early morning and keeping regulars going past midnight with its impressive array of spirits (take your pick from the display behind the bar).

Shopping

A Laxe Shopping Centre

A Laxe Shopping Centre in the Vigo marina is one of the largest commercial complexes in the area, with a multitude of stores and eateries under one roof. Some local fashion labels are represented. The shopping center is popular with cruise tourists because of its convenient waterfront location.

Almacenes Gonzalez

This local deli store offers a wide array of scrumptious foods typical of the region - legs of cured ham adorn the walls and hand down from a bar right above the counter, and local cheeses are showcased alongside dried fruit, nuts and wines from the region.

Cesteiros Street

Cesteiros is an Old Town alley once inhabited almost exclusively by local basket weavers. The traditional baskets (used historically to store seafood and produce) are now showcased at the street's store fronts, and may be purchased as a souvenir of Vigo's widely renowned basketwork.

Mercado da Pedra

Make your way to Mercado da Pedra in the historic town center around lunch time - the market is known for its extensive offer of seafood, and houses several eateries serving fresh oysters, which won't cost a fortune here. Some local speciality items and deli are also sold at the market; do expect a selection more limited than that of a larger city.

O Calvario

The shopping district of O Calvario retains some of its old-time atmosphere, with many of its streets pedestrian-only. The area is populated by multiple traditional shops and eateries, and is home to the O Calvario Market, a long-time locals' favourite for produce shopping.

Rua do Principe

Vigo's main commercial thoroughfare, Rua do Principe (and the street it eventually merges with, Rua Urzaiz), is lined with all manner of shops and boutiques, primarily vending international brand clothing. There are quite a few cafes and eateries here, and the Modern Art Museum in the way of attractions.

Vaidhe

Vaidhe is a design store comparable to none other in Vigo - it stocks one-of-kind, unique items crafted and/or designed in Spain. The assortment ranges from original post cards to accessories and stationery to some innovative T-shirt designs. It's a definitive must for worthy souvenirs.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

Within Spain, Galicia is considered to be the "rainy region", but this is relative to the rest of the country, characterised by a very sunny, favourable climate. The best time of year to visit Vigo is between June and August, when daylight hours are long and warm temperatures allow visitors to take full advantage of the area's beaches.

Passport/Visa

Spain can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

Airport

The Vigo–Peinador Airport is located just 10 kilometres away from the city. It serves several airlines, and connects Vigo to multiple locations across Spain and several destinations abroad. To rech Vigo downtown, use the public bus (L9A runs every day of the week), hire a cab or rental car. Vigo is also well-connected by land: reaching the city is easy via Spanish cities of Madrid, A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, or from the north of Portugal.

Public Transport

Public bus service is convenient and efficient, provided by Vitrasa (a company whose name has grown to become synonymous with "bus"). Use their website of free phone app to find suitable routes. Tickets are purchased form the driver or at tobacco shops.

Taxi

Taxis are easily hired from multiple locations across the city. To order a cab, use one of the trusted local providers: Audiotaxis +34 986 296 957 Central Radio Taxi +34 986 470 000 Su Taxi Vigo +34 986 132 222

Electricity

220-240 Volts

Pharmacy

There are multiple pharmacies located across the city. One round-the-clock pharmacy in Vigo's downtown is:

Post

Post boxes are yellow in colour. Post offices (Correos) can be found all across Vigo. One central location is at:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Vigo, Spain?

The best time to visit Vigo is from late spring to early autumn, particularly between May and September. During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's attractions and enjoying the nearby beaches. Summer is especially lively, with various festivals and events taking place.

How many days should I spend in Vigo to see the main attractions?

A stay of 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient to explore Vigo's main attractions. This allows you to visit the Old Town, enjoy the local seafood, and take a day trip to the Cíes Islands. If you wish to explore more of the surrounding Galicia region, consider extending your stay.

What are the must-see attractions in Vigo?

Vigo offers several must-see attractions, including the historic Casco Vello (Old Town), the lively port area, and the beautiful Parque del Castro with its panoramic views. Don't miss a visit to the nearby Cíes Islands, known for their stunning beaches and nature trails.

How can I get around Vigo?

Vigo is well-connected by public transportation, including buses and taxis. The city is also quite walkable, especially in the Old Town and port areas. For trips to the Cíes Islands, ferries are available from the port. Renting a car can be useful for exploring the surrounding Galicia region.

What local dishes should I try while visiting Vigo?

Vigo is renowned for its seafood, and some must-try dishes include pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus), empanada gallega (Galician pie), and percebes (gooseneck barnacles). Pair your meal with a glass of Albariño, a popular local white wine.

Are there any local festivals or events in Vigo that I should know about?

Vigo hosts several festivals throughout the year, with one of the most popular being the Vigo SeaFest in July, celebrating the city's maritime culture with seafood tastings and live music. The Reconquista de Vigo in March commemorates the city's liberation from French occupation with historical reenactments and festivities.

What are some recommended day trips from Vigo?

From Vigo, you can take a day trip to the Cíes Islands, part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, for hiking and beach activities. Another option is visiting the nearby city of Santiago de Compostela, known for its historic cathedral and as the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

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