The largest city in Galicia, waiting to be discovered, with beaches, museums, splendid views and a historic center full of life.
Vigo, in my opinion, it remains a somewhat underrated destination and, for this reason, many people dedicate a (scarce) day to it.
Vigo it has been my foothold for 10 days, therefore, I was able to live it fully.
Being a big city, the largest in Galicia, when you arrive, you immediately notice the large commercial port and the somewhat decadent buildings, nothing that can really strike.
If you go into it, you can discover one nice city beach, lots of green, one charming old part, ancient buildings and kind people.
I was biased because I hadn't read anything encouraging online.
I came back full of enthusiasm.
If you are just passing through Vigo, here are the things that you absolutely cannot miss.
1. Playa Samil and the Costa de Vigo
Just 7 km from the center, you will find the Samil Beach, a super-equipped and very popular beach, especially in the late afternoon, in typical Spanish style.
In addition to bars and restaurants, you will find a pine forest with various tables where you can have pleasant picnics.
Near Samil, in the direction Bouzas, you will find small and suggestive beaches, such as Praia Tombo do Gato o Praia de Espedrigada.
Instead, continuing on the opposite side, you will admire all the beauty of the Coast of Vigo.
About 2 km from the Playa de Samil, you will find the beautiful and white Praia do Vao which is connected by a bridge to the Isla de Toralla, a private island with an ugly skyscraper but with a couple of beautiful coves accessible to all.
Close enough, there is Playa Canido and, for those who are not yet tired, can reach the beautiful Playa Fortinon-Saians.
The coast is very nice to do on foot, also wasting a lot of time but, if you only have one day, I recommend you to move with the comfortable city buses that will allow you to see various places in less time.
2. Parque De Castrelos and Quiñones de León
The gardens of the Castrelos Park they are a riot of flowers, ponds and colors.
On hot days it is an excellent refuge and helps to detach from the traffic and chaos of the city.
I walked around the beautiful park until I got to the museum Pazo Quiñones de León, dedicated to Galician art.
The residence belonged to a Marquis who donated it to the city after his death; don't miss the tour gardens of the villa, really a beauty.
3. O Castro
Together with Castrelos, O Castro, is the most important park in the city, with one small difference: it is not that easy to reach it.
There are around 370 steps to do but, I assure you, that the view from up there is priceless.
Here they have settled the first settlers and, along the way, you can see the huge anchors that remember the Batalla de Rande.
The beauty of O Castro, however, is within the walls of its fortress, where the castle and the beautiful gardens. As I said, the view is spectacular.
When you get off, don't miss the little site of Castreño; here you will find examples of houses dating back to between the third and first centuries BC
4. Vello helmet
Il Vello helmet and the Historic Center of Vigo, where we find the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Praza Igrexa and many clubs and shops that wind through the different streets such as Praza de Constitucion, the most famous, or Praza de Pescaderia, where you can taste oysters.
Here the nightlife of the city is concentrated, a neighborhood in rebirth and full of life, where you can drink a beer, eat tapas or taste some typical Galician specialties.
I loved the narrow streets and old houses, I admit that I liked this neighborhood very much.
From here you can easily reach the marina, where you can stroll with a view of the ocean.
5. Bouzas
I don't know if in one day you will also be able to go to this part of Vigo, but I will point it out to you anyway.
Bouzas it can be easily reached by bus and, for a certain period, it was independent from Vigo, while now it is part of it.
I started from the center and I walked the beautiful Walk which allows you to admire the ocean, to get to the Museo del Mar.
The Museo del Mar is a small museum dedicated to the sea, with a small aquarium. Worth a visit, it's really delicious.
Nearby you will find a lighthouse and some really nice coves.
I was lucky enough to go to Bouzas during the Bouzas festival, in honor of the Cristo de los Afligidos, held in mid-July.
It was a riot of stalls, food, music and fireworks.
Ah, of course, it goes without saying that you eat very well.
