Places to visit in Vigo during the Portuguese Way along the Coast
You've probably heard of the city of Vigo, or as in this case, what to visit in Vigo, which has become famous for its Christmas lights, but that's not its only attraction. This charming city on Spain's northwest coast is known for its coastal beauty, rich history and welcoming atmosphere.
It has one of the most important ports in the world and its contrasts between the old town and the most modern architecture stand out. On the other hand, it offers a wide range of leisure and cultural plans for all visitors who come to the city, without losing sight of its delicious gastronomy with fish and seafood as protagonists.
If you are planning a visit to Vigo, either for sightseeing or to make the most of your time in the city. Camino de Santiago Portuguese, here are some of the best plans and places not to be missed.
A stroll through the old town
You can start your trip exploring Vigo's Old Town, known as "O Berbés", with its cobblestone streets, traditional architectural buildings and lively squares that will take you back to the city's history. In Praza da Constitución you can enjoy a festive atmosphere and contemplate the old town hall building, and if you continue downhill you'll find the Colegiata Church, also known as the Co-Cathedral of Santa María de Vigo, with a beautiful interior.
Sometimes concerts are held here. There are still streets like Rúa Sombrereiros or Rúa Cesteiros that still show the old trades of the area. In the nerve centre of the city you will see A Porta do Sol, surrounded by imposing buildings and presided over by the famous sculpture El Sireno, which symbolises the fusion of man and sea. The Plaza de la Princesa is another outstanding place to stop for a drink on a terrace.
Mercado da Pedra:
Immerse yourself in the local gastronomy by visiting the Mercado da Pedra or also known as "the oyster street". It is one of the city's main tourist attractions, where you will find a wide variety of fresh produce, from seafood to traditional Galician products.
The oysters are bought directly from the oyster sellers and are eaten at the tables along the street. A glass of white wine with the Rías Baixas designation of origin is also recommended to accompany them.
The Bouzas neighbourhood:
This seaside neighbourhood is another of the places to see in Vigo. It's located about 4 kilometres from the city centre and was independent from Vigo until 1904. It preserves its low sailor houses, the port, the food market, the cobblestone streets and, of course, the taverns where you can enjoy the best fresh fish.
In this area, which you can reach by car, bus or walking along the promenade, you can visit the Church of San Miguel de Bouzas and visit the Museum of the Sea to learn more about the fishing history of Galicia. Bouzas also has its own festivities with concerts, a gastronomic fair, craft stalls and open-air dances.
Alameda Park:
La Alameda is located in the heart of Vigo, near the old town and the port. This beautiful park is one of the city's most emblematic green spaces and is a quiet place to stroll, relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In addition to grassy areas and fountains it has several monuments and sculptures of historical and cultural significance to the city. It often hosts cultural events such as the book fair or the Christmas market with stalls of various kinds.
Monte do Castro:
Vigo is known for its slopes; the constant up and down. If you climb the Castro you'll get a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. The park also offers nature walking trails, and when you reach the top, the view of the Vigo estuary and the Cíes Islands will reward you for the climb.
Samil and O Vao beaches:
Another of the city's attractions are its beaches, which are far from the city centre, but can be reached by car or bus. Samil beach is the most famous as it is the urban beach and one of the busiest. It has a wide variety of services with children's play areas, sports facilities with basketball courts and swimming pools and is connected to an extensive promenade with views of the Cíes Islands. Throughout the year it hosts activities and concerts, especially in summer. O Vao has almost 1 kilometre of fine white sand and is usually frequented by young people.
It is a popular place for water activities; just a few metres away there is a school where you can rent equipment for paddle surfing or kayaking, among others. The beach is connected to a promenade that allows visitors to take a pleasant stroll by the sea and even have a drink while enjoying the sunsets and live music at the beach bars.
If you want to get away from the more crowded beaches, there are some less crowded ones such as the coves of Tombo do Gato, La fuente or Alcabre or the inland beach of the island of Toralla.
The natural paradise of the Cíes Islands
You can't miss exploring the Cíes Islands, an archipelago declared a Maritime-Terrestrial National Park. A short boat ride from the port of Vigo, these islands offer white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and hiking trails. It's the perfect plan for a day of adventure.
Conclusions
As you've seen, this is a simple suggestion of the places you should visit if you come to Vigo, but there are many more. The city of Vigo has a lot to offer, from its rich history to its beautiful landscapes and delicious gastronomy; for that, you can take a look at Where to eat in Vigo during the Portuguese Way along the coast. Whether you prefer to delve into the local culture or relax on the beach, this Galician city will leave you with beautiful memories. Get ready to discover the magic of Vigo!
