Vigo (tours to Santiago de Compostela), Spain cruises

On the northeast coast of Spain, the vibrant Galician city of Vigo homes rich birdlife, beautiful beaches, and lush mountain landscapes.

Where industry meets culture, this forgotten city is as well known for its thriving fishing port and canning efforts as it is for neoclassical churches, medieval settlements, and Roman ruins. Join the thousands who have already visited this coastal escape and experience the thrill first-hand.

Vigo port guide

Offering a glimpse into the region of Galicia, Vigo port welcomes ships to its redeveloped harbour that ensures a lasting first impression.

First settled by the Celts in around 600 BC, the port is one of Vigo's most ancient relics. In recent years the city of Vigo has witnessed great development due to the boom in the economy thanks to the industrial era. However, Vigo has managed to preserve ancestral traditions to keep their ancient legacy alive.

On your arrival, witness the abundance of birds dancing in the sky. Gulls, petrels, pelicans, and raptors are all native birds that flock to the city skyline to feast on Europe’s biggest fish community.

Learn about the wonderful rise of Vigo and discover the natural delights it has to offer. Here’s our guide on everything you need to know about exploring the port city of Vigo.

Top landmarks and sights in Vigo

Castelo do Castro

Vigo is home to many ancient relics and medieval ruins thanks to the early Celtic settlement. Castelo do Castro is a hilltop fortress that was built during the Portuguese Restoration war in 1665. Once used to protect the city from raids by Portuguese allies, today you can explore the remaining castle ruins, restored land, and city views.

Mansion Quinones de Leon

The stunning Mansion Quinones de Leon is a museum peppered with Galician art and artefacts. With lush green garden grounds this restored manor house has a lot to offer. A true preservation and celebration of Galician history and culture dating back to the 18th century, this quaint museum is not to be missed.

Basilica de Santa Maria de Vigo

Visit the Basilica de Santa Maria de Vigo, a neoclassical church from the 19th century. Inside you will find a statue of the Christ of Victory, the city’s most important religious symbol, alongside high stone ceilings, tall columns, and two bell towers.

Ponte de Rande

Spanning from Vigo Bay across the Rande Strait is the Ponte de Rande cable bridge that stretches over 1500 metres. This well-known landmark offers sweeping ocean views and marks the evolution and progress made by what was once a quaint fishing village.

Things to do in Vigo

Beaches of Vigo

You will also discover many shimmering shores during your stay that makes Vigo ideal for a beach holiday as well as a city break. Playa Samil, Praia do Vao, Praia da Fontaina, Praia de Muinos do Fortinon, and Praia Canido are all popular beach destinations where you can relax on the sand, enjoy swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving in the sea.

Cies Island tour

From sail to the famous Cies Island just a short boat trip away. Whether you choose a full-day or half-day tour, you will get the chance to admire the underwater world and the natural delights that be admired from the uninhabited island. Yachts, catamarans, speed boats, and sailing boats are all readily available to take you on the trip of a lifetime.

Parque de Castrelos

At Parque de Castrelos, there is fun for all the family with castle ruins, picnic grounds, scenic walking routes, play parks, and hilltop restaurants. From above sea level, this city park provides town and harbour views for lasting memories.

Gran Via de Vigo

For those who enjoy the finer things in life, Gran Via de Vigois a spacious mall with fashion and lifestyle shops, a supermarket, a cinema, and dining establishments inside. A typical Spanish shopping centre where everything is available, a day spent a Gran Via de Vigois is a day well spent.

Eating and drinking in Vigo

Soak up the tastes of the Vigo coastline by trying a seafood smorgasbord of flavours. With the most important fishing port in Europe, there is no other Spanish city that does seafood quite like Vigo. Crab, crayfish, cuttlefish, octopus, squid, mussels, and oysters from the Vigo estuary are just some of the famous plates to enjoy.

In addition to the sea delicacies, Vigo also offers many interesting meat dishes. Dry-cured ham, pork, lamb, and veal are often used to create flavoursome Spanish cuisine. Empanadas (meat-stuffed pies), stews, and tapas are all unique ways meats are presented in Vigo.

Free tapas is still customary in this charming city. A long-serving tradition of Spain, you can indulge in plates of Spanish, fish, fusion, and seasonal tapas when your order a beverage. Find this deal not to be missed in the old town and at the terrace bars that line the sea.

To accompany the tapas scene, Vigo is not short of high-quality wine bars and tasting vineyards. Famous for its dry and fruity white wines, in the Galician region, you will never be far from a refreshing tipple.

Getting around, Vigo transport

The narrow streets and historical buildings of Vigo can be easily explored on foot and are a short walk from the cruise terminal port. Self-guided and guided walking tours are a great way to discover the culture, history, and flavour of Vigo city.

Hop-on-hop-off buses run throughout the city, as does a regular bus service ideal for those looking to take a circular route through the town. Taxis are also widely available, just look for the green light to indicate they are free to pick up.

To explore neighbouring islands, the ferry terminal is a short distance from the cruise port and can transport you to Cies Island and Gangas. Alternatively, you can book a boat excursion during your stay.

Vigo also has a train station which is a short taxi journey from the port.

Vigo port facilities

The port facilities at Vigo port include shops, WiFi, cafes, a tourist office, and a ferry terminal.

Vigo quick tips

Currency

The Euro is the local currency in Vigo. Usually, only the official currency is accepted, and you can exchange currency at local currency exchange services or by using the ATM machines scattered around the city.

Card payments are widely accepted in Vigo, but it is recommended you carry some cash during your visit for small payments in small establishments.

Tipping is not required in Vigo but if you wish to leave a small tip for exceptional service rounding up your bill is greatly appreciated.

Weather

Vigo has a temperate oceanic climate with mild rainy winters and warm sunny summers. Its mild climate makes Vigo a popular destination for Spanish locals looking to escape the hotter summers of the central and southern regions.

On average, temperatures reach highs of 26°C during the summer in Vigo while winter months reach lows of 7°C.

June to August is considered the best time to visit Vigo as these months have comfortable weather and warm temperatures. During this time, you can enjoy warm-weather activities and ample daylight hours.