Vigo
 
 
 

VIGO TRAVEL GUIDE

Recommended destinations to discover selected by highly-rated travel experts.

 
 
 

VIGO

 

Why Travel to Vigo?

Vigo is a surprising coastal city situated in the province of Pontevedra, Galicia, separated from the capital city of Madrid by 600km. Why is it a surprising city? Because people normally when thinking about travelling to Spain haven’t even heard of it and when they come to discover it they are totally surprised by the beauty, things to do, food, etc...  a great place to base when exploring the region of Galicia.

Vigo is the largest city of Galicia with a total population of 300,000 inhabitants, as well as one of the largest fishing ports in the world. This city has a good combination of things to do within the city and on the bay like sailing, windsurfing, scuba-diving, etc... The size of Vigo city is just perfect, not too big or too small with art museums, markets, and excellent restaurants from traditional seafood to Michelin-starred cuisine.

Vigo’s Rich Gastronomy

A city important for its automotive industry (Citroen, the French-owned car makers have their largest factory in Vigo employing many people that live in the city) and for its rich and highly regarded gastronomy, thanks to the fresh seafood that the Ria de Vigo, Rias Baixas provide. Food tours are one the most popular activities among the tourists that visit this destination. Enjoy tasting the delicious seafood dishes such as Pulpo à feira (Octopus Galician Style), baked scallops, merluza a la gallega (Hake Galician style), etc.... all paired with some of the finest wines, most notably the white wines made of the Albariño grape in the D.O. Rias Baixas wine region in Galicia. A great way to walk the streets of the city making selected stops to try the amazing food of Vigo.

What to see in Vigo

Some of its tourist attractions are the Monte O Castro (Celtic Hill-fort remains) which was the city's origin, inhabited by the local Celtic tribes, then taken over by the Romans when they conquered the area.  You can see the remains of the Celtic huts and at the top a fort overlooking the whole bay of Vigo, a great spot for photos! The Neo-classical Collegiate of Santa María and the urban centre with its harmonious combination of quiet streets and broad avenues including the elegant squares of Plaza Compostela and Plaza de la Constitución. Wander around the Casco Vello (Old Quarter) stopping for some wines and tapas in the many bars. Getting outside the city you can take a ferry boat ride or charter a private yacht to Cies Islands a natural paradise at the mouth of Vigo’s Bay, part of the Atlantic Islands National Park, a must-see when visiting while you are in Vigo. Don't forget to book ahead in the summer season as the amount of passengers is limited to 2,200 people per day on the islands. per day.  Home of one the most beautiful beaches Playa de Rodas (Roda’s beach) was awarded “the best beach in the world” by the recognized British newspaper “The Guardian”. Down the coast from Vigo is the quaint historic nautical town of Baiona, with a spectacular Parador hotel within the wall of the old Monterreal Fortress. The fort is located on the Monte Boi peninsula which was a Celtic hillfort originally. There is an old part of the town to enjoy a stroll and taste the local seafood, wines, etc... This village witnessed the discovery of America when La Pinta arrived on March 1st, 1493. Every year thousands of people come to celebrate the Fiesta Medieval de la Arribada to reenact the arrival and commemorate this historical event. From Vigo, you can also take a ferry boat over to the other side of the bay and explore the Peninsula of O Morrazo. Wander around fishing villages like; Cangas do Morrazo, Moaña, Bueu, etc... there are also some excellent coastal trails to walk with spectacular views. Spend the day from Vigo touring the wine country of the Rias Baixas appellation of origin. The wine region is divided up into 5 sub-zones; Val do Salnes, Ribeira do Ulla, Soutomaior, O Rosal, and Condado de Tea.

A city with a different vibe

This city is unique in Galicia, with a charm hard to explain that it captivates visitors from all over the world, you will have to visit Vigo Spain to be able to experience the Atlantic Rias Baixas vibe in person!

Our food experts have chosen the best tour operators offering tours with food, wine, and walking holidays in Vigo. You can check our full list of top food tours to Vigo and recommended boutique hotels in the sections of this Vigo travel destination guide.

Population: 300,000 inhabitants

 
 
 
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RECOMMENDED TOURS, EXPERIENCES & TASTINGS

Our top 10 best tours, experiences & tastings in the destination selected by our experts. Slow Way Food Tours, Green Walking Holiday and Exclusive Food & Wine Tours/Tastings.

 
 
 
  Half Day...
  109,00 euros 
 

Vigo Food Tour to Eat Your Way along the City...

 

On this Vigo food tour, our foodie guide will take you on a food walk through the streets of the new and old parts of the city centre. There is no better way to discover vigo than walking and eating as the local Vigueses do!

 

  18 User Reviews

 
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Half Day...  
170,00 euros  
 

Albarino Wine Region and Baiona Coastal Village...

 

Wine tour from Vigo or Baiona to the O Rosal valley sub-zone of the D.O. Rias Baixas, the Albarino wine region and then continue along the coast to Baiona.

 

  

 
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  5hrs30mins...
  159,00 euros 
 

Sustainable Mussel Boat Cruise and Tapas Food...

 

Dive into the delicious gastronomy of Galicia with a relaxed cruise on the Bay of Vigo and a gourmet food tour through the city streets of the Old Quarter stopping by the best-selected tapas places. Learn about the fishing tradition and the sustainable way of mussel cultivation and enjoy an onboard tasting of mussels...

 

  0 User Reviews

 
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Full Day...  
140,00 euros  
 

Galician Seafood Cooking Class and Ferry Boat...

 

Visit Galicia starting from the wonderful city of Vigo on this Cooking like a Galician Tour combined with a ferry boat trip across Vigo Bay where you will enjoy the beautiful landscape and dramatic coastline. Get to know the Galician gastronomy and culture in a cooking class led by a local chef with fresh products from the area.

 

  

 
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  05hrs. approx.
  125,00 euros 
 

The Origins of Vigo: Celtic, Roman, Historic...

 

Discover the origins of Vigo! Starting with the Celts, then the Romans took over, after that numerous sea-faring battles on the bay of Vigo over the centuries with the largest sunken treasure of its time. A city famed for the best seafood in Spain, which we will savour on this gastronomic city tour!

 

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1hr or more  
On Request Best Rate euros 
 

Private Driver-Chauffeur Car or Minivan Transfers...

 

Private Chauffeur/Driver Car services in Vigo, Galicia. You can be picked up and dropped off from your hotel, airport, or a location specified within city limits. Choose from our selection of vehicle types (eg. Mercedes Benz E-Class Sedan, Minivan)

 

  

 
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  7 Days / 6...
On Request Best Rate euros 
 

Camino do Vino Way in Ribeiro Wine Country to...

 

El Camino de Ribeiro way is part of a longer and ancient pilgrimage route which has only recently been resurrected between Braga and Santiago de Compostela.

 

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4 Days / 3...  
960,00 euros  
 

A Gastronomic & Nature Short Break in Baiona,...

 

Experience the Rias Baixas region in Galicia with this wonderful short break in Baiona, enjoy excellent food and wine while immersing yourself in nature and local culture. Taste delicious seafood paired with local wines and have fun on a safari of Serra da Groba admiring wild horses. Discover plenty of things to do in Baiona!

 

  

 
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  4 Days / 3...
On Request Best Rate euros 
 

Vigo: Rías Baixas Atlantic Coastal City Foodie...

 

Our short break food, wine and walking journey starts in the urban coastal city of Vigo. The first few days we explore the Rias Baixas, taking a boat ride to a fishing village for a walk around the market. Then a hands-on Galician Coastal Cooking class with a chef.

 

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3hrs. approx.  
235,00 euros  
 

Safari 4x4 on Serra da Groba where the Galician...

 

Join a guided wild horse safari around A Groba Hill in Baiona, Galicia, Spain. Led by an experienced local horse expert who will take you on a journey to discover the beauty of wild horses and their behaviour in their natural habitat...

 

  

 
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TOP RESTAURANTS

The best places to eat selected by our foodie experts in the food destinations we cover.

 
 
 
  5hrs30mins...
  159,00 euros 
 

Sustainable Mussel Boat Cruise and Tapas Food...

 

Dive into the delicious gastronomy of Galicia with a relaxed cruise on the Bay of Vigo and a gourmet food tour through the city streets of the Old Quarter stopping by the best-selected tapas places. Learn about the fishing tradition and the sustainable way of mussel cultivation and enjoy an onboard tasting of mussels...

 

  0 User Reviews

 
See details
 
Full Day...  
140,00 euros  
 

Galician Seafood Cooking Class and Ferry Boat...

 

Visit Galicia starting from the wonderful city of Vigo on this Cooking like a Galician Tour combined with a ferry boat trip across Vigo Bay where you will enjoy the beautiful landscape and dramatic coastline. Get to know the Galician gastronomy and culture in a cooking class led by a local chef with fresh products from the area.

 

  

 
See details
 
 
 
 

RECOMMENDED HOTELS

Our travel experts have researched the best hotels in the destinations we cover. Stay in unique accommodations from modern city centre hotels to wine country manor house with amazing food & wine. If you can not find a suitable option just let our experts know and we will suggest something different for you.

 
 
 
  
On Request Best Rate euros 
 

Gran Hotel Nagari Boutique & Spa

 

Inspiring, Avant-garde, Sophisticated. Grand Boutique and Spa Nagari Hotel 5* has been designed combining style and comfort with all the services that every five star hotel requires. Opened in 2010, Gran Nagari Hotel devotes much of its facilities to use and enjoy the Spa and other amenities designed to the welfare and revitalization of all guests.

 

  0 User Reviews

 
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TRAVEL JOURNAL

In our Travel Journal read posts and articles about upcoming tours, expert reviews of hotels, wineries, destinations, etc...

 
 
eatanwalkabout Home: Blog
25 September 2023
 

 
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