Vigo sits in a fine natural harbor at the south of the the Rias Baixas, a group of three estuaries opening out into the north Atlantic. The Rias Baixas have great beaches for the summer and are anchored by the cities of Vigo, Pontevedra and (further inland) Santiago de Compostela. Vigo was a major emigrant port for generations of northern Spanish immigrants – Argentina still has strong traces of it’s Gallego migrant community. Vigo is not as grand as Santiago, however it is a neat port town that misses the tourist masses. There are regular rail and bus connections between the two cities. Before you leave Santiago, take a last look from the Parque de Galeras.
Vigo is a base from where you can travel out to the beaches on the Illas Cies, located at the head of the Ria, from ferries in Vigo harbor.
The waterfront has de-industrialized and has a good promenade featuring an octopod Jules Verne statue and the ferry terminal for the islands.
As ever in Spain, Vigo’s old town is a mass meeting point and you should be ready to have a mobile evening trying out the various places.
Vigo exhibits the quirkier side of Spain, which you can experience visiting the multi-level. Mais Palá bar on Rúa de Manuel Núñez, is loaded with a distracting interior and side rooms. If you don’t spill your drink climbing up the narrow stairs you are good to stay. You are in the Celtic part of Spain so keep an eye out for informal music sessions- the Cervexería Nós had a band with bagpipes, guitar and fiddle going on the Friday evening I visited.
Mais Palá
Tapas are good in Vigo with fresh seafood at the bar or table.
A Mordiscos
A walk to the top of the Castro gives great views of the Ria and a walk around the renaissance-era castle, built over previous structures that were the original fortified settlement.
Franco-era Nationalist Civil War Memorial
Logistics
Hotel América Vigo, good mid-range hotel near the waterfront.
A Mordiscos, Rúa Real 22, old town tapas, my favorite.
Cervexería Nós, Rúa de Venezuela 13, craft beer and folk music.
Craft Vigo, Rúa Fisterra 3, best focused craft beer place.
Detapaencepa, Rúa do Ecuador 18, good tapas.
El Mapuche Asador Argentino, Rúa do Canceleiro 9, great Argentine steakhouse.
Taberna A Mina, Rúa San Vicente 8, another good tapas place.
Mais Palá, Rúa de Manuel Núñez 18, funky type multi-level bar.