View of the Santa Maria church with the Marvao castle in the distance in Vigo, Spain
Located in Vigo's Old Town, Museo Municipal de Vigo tells the broader story of Vigo and the rest of Galicia. Learn about the region's main historical claim to fame, the Camino de Santiago — a pilgrimage leading to the Galician church where, legend has it, the remains of the Apostle James are housed. Or head to Museo do Mar de Galicia, which focuses on the region's seafaring culture and legacy.
Interior of the Monte Real Castle
Put on a wider lens by hiking up to Castelo do Castro, where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city and its port. Another place to appreciate an eclectic cross-section of local Vigo life is Plaza Porta do Sol, a popular meeting point where you can enjoy some of the city's finest people-watching.
Take the 45-minute boat ride to the Cies Islands. Here, you'll find calm white-sand beaches with pristine blue waters, surrounded by views of the dramatic mountainous landscape. There are also caves to explore here, as well as some of the area's best bird-watching.
You'll notice lots of oyster sellers throughout Vigo's city center, but if you're looking for a meal that's less raw, sit down for a casual tapas lunch at Old Town eateries. Highlights include chipirones — grilled baby squid with lemon and herbs — and calamares en su tinta, calamari served in its own ink. Wash it down with a glass of albarino from Rias Baixas, a nearby Galician winemaking region where they produce crisp, dry white wines.
You'll find the most picturesque shopping in Vigo amid the seafood sellers or O Calvario Municipal Market. Since you probably won't be able to take fresh fish back with you, walk down the Rua Cesteiros shopping street to bargain for local souvenirs and handicrafts, much of which centers on traditional basket weaving.