What to do in Vigo this weekend

Known as the “gateway to the Atlantic” Vigo has grown from a fishing town into a modern industrial city. In the 19th century, it was the first city in Spain to install electric streetlights and also operated the first shipping line to Cuba, where many Galicians made their fortune.

Vigo’s passion for the sea is still thriving, and forms an essential part of its culture and its people. This is a city for exploring at leisure, taking your time to discover its landmarks. If you’re planning to spend a few days in the city, Vigo has several centrally located hotels overlooking the tidal inlet that will make your visit truly enjoyable, as there are countless things to do in and around Vigo. 

What to do in and around Vigo on Saturdays

When visiting Vigo, one option is to start in the west of the city and explore its historic quarter, the port area and some of its beaches, as well as the origins of this former fishing town.

The Old City and the Port  

The port area boasts a number of striking sculptures, such as the Bather, the Merman and the Swimmer. Other sculptures pay tribute to the men and women that emigrated to America and Jules Verne. A Pedra Market is famous for its stalls selling oysters and the restaurants serving seafood.

Among the narrow and winding streets of the historic quarter stands the Co-cathedral of Santa María, built in the 19th century in the Neoclassical style. In Constitución Square, formerly known as the Plaza Mayor, we find the City Hall with its Neoclassical façade. This is also the site of the first electric streetlight to be erected in Spain. You will also find an intriguing stone carving at the corner of a hotel where you can see either the sun or the moon, depending on the angle you look at it from.

Salinae

An exceptionally well-conserved archaeological site that shows the only remaining marine salt flat from the days of the Roman Empire.

Castro Castle (or San Sebastián Castle)

The building stands on top of O Castro hill, the original site of the city of Vigo, where the early human settlements can still be seen. It is the best spot from which to admire a magnificent panoramic view of the city, the Rias Baixas tidal inlets and the Cíes Islands.  

El Olivo Viewpoint

Situated on Alfonso Walk, this is another spot from which to admire the magnificent sight of the sun setting over the tidal inlet. Its name comes from the old olive tree that has stood on this site for over 150 years.

What to do in and around Vigo on Sundays

Day two of our tour around Vigo is centred in the eastern area of the city.

Porta do Sol

This is the point that separates the historic quarter from the “Ensanche” – the area where the city expanded, and is also known as “kilometre zero”. It is the starting point for Príncipe Street, the city’s most popular shopping area. The street leads us to the contemporary art museum, MARCO, a highly recommendable visit for everyone spending the weekend in Vigo.    

Ensanche

This is Vigo’s most affluent district, and is characterised by its Modernist buildings. It is also filled with shops and museums. Another attraction is La Alameda Park, a small botanical garden that conceals a delightful stone zoo.

A Guia Hill

At the top of this delightful natural setting stands the Shrine of A Nosa Señora Das Neves. This is another viewpoint offering sweeping views of the coastline.

What to see near Vigo

The numerous leisure options on offer in Vigo this weekend also include several ideas that will take you out of the city.

Moaña

At the Maritime Station situated in the port, you can buy a ticket for a boat trip across the tidal inlet and back. The crossing takes 15 minutes and brings you to Moaña, a small municipality that is ideal for relaxing in its coves and on the beaches, after visiting the three lighthouses at Cape Home or admiring the Donón Cliffs, which rise up to a height of more than 150 m.

Rande Bridge

This is one of the landmarks of Vigo’s tidal inlet. It connects Moaña and Redondela and offers stunning views of the Cíes Islands and their magnificent scenery, not to be missed when exploring Vigo and its surroundings.

Islas Atlánticas Maritime-Terrestrial National Park

Another absolute must for anyone spending the weekend in Vigo. The Cíes Islands and Ons Island are within easy reach of the city. The Cíes Islands are the site of Rodas Beach, considered one of the finest in the world, whilst Ons is suitable for camping as well as hiking.

Galician Museum of the Sea

Located some 6 km from the centre of Vigo, the museum houses an exhibition dedicated to the history of Galicia’s fishing industry. The facilities also include an aquarium offering a fascinating insight into the ecosystems of Galicia’s tidal inlets.

San Simón

Also known as the Isla del Pensamiento, or “Island of Thought”, this is a natural area of immense ecological and historical value. In fact, it was once the site of a monastery founded by the Knights Templar, was raided by the privateer Francis Drake and was used as a concentration camp during the Spanish Civil War.