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  In our small-group shore excursion 

• Pickup and drop-off directly from port
• Discover Santiago de Compostela, or
• Explore Vigo and Baiona on a half-day tour
• 100% on-time return to ship
• No charge if ship does not dock at port
• Small group tours make the excursion better!

We also have private tours for any group size

Discover beautiful Galicia on a shore excursion from the port of Vigo

There are 2 main routes to choose from when arriving at the port of Vigo.  The half-day excursion to Vigo and Baiona or the full-day tour to the pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela.

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Latest reviews

• Free Walking Tour of Vigo 8.00 04/17/2024 Anonymous London , United Kingdom I travelled by myself
• Free Walking Tour of Vigo 10.00 04/18/2024 Val United Kingdom

14 excursions and activities in Vigo

Ferry to the Cies Islands

Free Walking Tour of Vigo

Civitatis Travel Insurance

Private Tour of Vigo

Santiago de Compostela Tour For Cruisers

If you arrive in Vigo on a cruise , you can't miss this tour of Santiago de Compostela . We'll visit its cathedral and explore the most iconic landmarks.

Transfers in Vigo

Vigo Famous Figures Free Tour

Ticket to Gallery Selfie Vigo

Civitatis eSIM Card Spain

Vigo Electric Bike Tour

Vigo Christmas Lights Free Tour

Ferry to Ons Island

San Simón Island Ferry Tickets and Tour

Vigo Estuary Boat Trip

12 activities near in vigo.

Aldán Estuary Boat Trip

Ons Islands Return Trip

San Simón Island Excursion

Redondela Free Tour

Cíes Islands Boat Trip

Cangas de Morrazo Private Tour

Ons & Sálvora Islands Day Trip

Pontevedra Estuary Boat Ride + Mussel Tasting

Cies Islands Boat Tour

Ons Island Boat Transfer

Cies Islands Boat Transfer

Ons Island Boat Trip

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Vigo Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Vigo. We've got 56 adventures going to Vigo, starting from just 6 days in length, and the longest tour is 26 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the largest number of tour departures.

56 Vigo tour packages with 237 reviews

• In-depth Cultural

Portuguese Camino

Everything was amazing! Our group leader really took care of us,from making sure we were all ok to getting us to some of the greatest places to stop for break or lunch and supper. She made sure we all could keep up & she was always smiling . I would definitely do this tour again !

• Hiking & Trekking
• Christmas & New Year

"Camino de Santiago" (Way of St James): Coastal Portuguese Way from Baiona. 120 kms

• €70 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Food & Culinary

Portugal Real Food Adventure, featuring Galicia

Trip was good, but could be much better if changes are made.

North of Spain & Portugal, 8 days

Maria was a great guide-experienced and attentive. She interpreted everything for us well. She listened and she worked hard to make the tour a great experience for us.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

North of Spain & Portugal from Barcelona

the most beautiful country

• Coastal Walks

The Portuguese Camino - Coastal Way to Santiago

Walking the Camino to Santiago de Compostela is an amazing experience. This self guided tour was a wonderful way to do it. The stops were well spaced out and the hotels were clean, comfortable and efficient. The food was adequate and at times quite good. The luggage service was fantastic. It was great hiking with just a day pack knowing your luggage would be at your hotel when you arrived at the end of the day. We found the maps and notes provided difficult to follow but extremely useful to get back on track if one gets “lost”. In general, the Camino was extremely well marked and one could follow the signs easily. Google maps was helpful finding our hotels which were not always directly on the way. Our stop in Padron was less than ideal - The Hotel Rosalia was quite a distance from town, was located directly across from the train station, and was a ways off the Camino. The room had a very strong odor of disinfectant that didn’t disperse with all the windows open. Other than that, the hotels were quite good and all were very clean. A special shout out to Hotel Restaurante Costa Verde in Viladesuso for the excellent fish.

Prime North of Spain and Portugal 8 days

Portuguese Way of St. James - Coast

Luxury Pilgrimage: Portuguese Coastal Way of St. James

• Coach / Bus

Northern Spain & Portugal 16-Day Tour from Barcelona

Great tour, excellent guides, Carlos exceded from Barcelona to Porto , from Porto to Caceres great lady guide, from Caceres to Madrid, also excellent lady guide...

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Northern Spain and Portugal from Madrid

The itinerary of this tour was excellent and 2 of 3 guides were great but the guides changed through the tour and the passengers were told the day before the change. The same thing occurred with passengers transferring 3-4 times in 16 days. I requested an English speaking tour but I was the only one amongst 20 Spanish speaking passengers and although the guide did his best, the atmosphere is not the same and it is difficult to make connections with the other passengers. There was another coach with only English speaking passengers but I was not allowed to join them. Throughout Spain not a single hotel had 1 Engligh speaking TV channel and subtitle function to English was disabled in all hotels. There was also no tea/coffee making facilities in the room and I paid for 4 star hotels so I had expected this would be provided.

EL CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

Best trekking trip ever. Lovely to be with Gunes and Leyla, with their fun, friendly and thoughful approach, comfort of being in the good hands. See you next time?

Lisbon & Northern Spain

We just returned from Lisbon / Northern Spain with Globus. In general we had a very positive trip, particularly with Lisbon, San Sebastian and Barcelona. The pace was quicker then my previous tours (four two nights and three one nights); on the plus side you do get to see a lot, but overall we concluded that a slightly slower pace is better as sometimes you just need a little bit of extra time to get a feel for a location. Most of the stops on the drive were fine (we did hit bad weather up north, so honestly that impacts your impression) and the optional excursions were generally very good - particularly France in the Basque region and Montserrat. The included meals were also pretty good - better than previous tours we have been on, including Globus. Hotels were uneven - some very good, most pretty good, one or two poor (Tryp Apollo in Barcelona). Most hotels did have very good breakfasts. That being said, what really made the trip memorable was the group we were with - and our amazing tout director Luis. He was by far the best tour director we have ever experienced; he was knowledgable, funny, informative, and on top of everything. There was not one glitch the entire tour; even when a participant became ill and needed medical attention, he handled everything seamlessly. He was always around, easy to find, and amazingly patient and graceful with questions I am sure he has heard a million times. Our driver was also excellent, handling some really tiny turns / streets with more agility than I could with my compact car, lol. He was also a gentleman through out. Overall I do recommend this tour, just be prepared for the pace - and keep fingers crossed that your welcome poster has the name Luis as tour director !!

Explore Spain & Portugal - 11 Days

• Sightseeing

Northern of Spain, Galicia & Portugal (Multi country)

The bus tour surpassed my expectations.

What people love about Vigo Tours

Everything was amazing! Our group leader really took care of us,from making sure we were all ok to getting us to some of the greatest places to stop for break or lunch and supper. She made sure we all could keep up & she was always smiling . I would definitely do this tour again !

Lots of good food, drink and company guided by a very capable and nice guy. Met all expectations.

Overall very happy! Amazing driver Guillermo made all the difference. I just wish he had a nicer car to drive. This car was not comfy at all. The sights, the itinerary were fantastic. Guide is required, but was not always available.

• Spain Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• 10 Days in Spain: Best Itineraries 2024/2025

Home » Travel Guides » Spain » 15 Best Things to Do in Vigo (Spain)

15 Best Things to Do in Vigo (Spain)

Vigo is Iberian Spain’s westernmost city, right on the Atlantic Ocean and with lush mountain landscapes all around. The city is a seafood fan’s dream, where oysters hardly travel more than a mile to your plate.

Vigo’s location also gives it a microclimate with temperatures up to five degrees warmer than other Galician cities. Even so, if you’re put off by the sweltering temperatures on the Mediterranean in summer, then the fresh ocean beaches and more temperate climate in Vigo will be more to your taste.

Let’s have a look at the best things to do in Vigo :

1. Castro  Fortress

Surely the best introduction to the city and its epic landscapes is to survey them from the granite walls of this 17th-century fortress.

From this commanding position the Vigo’s estuary, harbour, historic quarter, mountainscapes and the Cíes Islands will all be on show.

The fortress was an artillery installation, designed to repel attacks on Vigo by the British Navy during the Portuguese Restoration War.

Within the walls are formal gardens with lawns, neatly-tended flower beds and a fountain at the centre, all with photogenic 360° views of the city.

2. Parque del Monte Castro

The park around the fort isn’t so much an urban pleasure garden as a wild mountain right in the middle of the city.

If you fancy a workout you can tackle Monte Castro on foot, and even though it’s a challenging walk there are lots of interesting features to divert your attention.

One is the Iberian settlement on the lower slope, where they’ve restored three Bronze Age conical stone dwellings.

You’ll also see the anchors that were placed on Monte Castro to commemorate the Battle of Rande, which took place in the Vigo Estuary in 1702 between the Anglo-Dutch and Franco-Spanish forces, during which several treasure-laden galleons went missing.

3. Cíes Islands

Allow a day or two for this stunning uninhabited archipelago that sits at the entrance to the Vigo Estuary.

During the summer there are two companies (Mar de Ons and Nabia Naviera) running ferries at roughly half-hour intervals from the harbour to the islands.

You can stay overnight at the campsite (which provides tent rentals), but you’ll have to book early as the 800-berth site fills up quickly.

On the battered western side you’ll hike along granite cliff-tops more than 100 metres high but a different environment awaits you on the sheltered east, where white sandy beaches gleam in the sun.

4. Beaches on the Cíes Islands

The Cíes Islands’ beaches deserve another entry, because you may not encounter more exquisite bays anywhere in the world.

Indeed, Playa de Rodas often qualifies for the top ten lists of the best beaches on the planet, and is an almost-paradisiacal place if you want to sunbathe and swim in summer.

It’s a landward beach, shielded from the open ocean and with perfect white sands that add an aquamarine glow beneath the water on sunny days.

On the other side of Punta Muxiero is Praia de Figueiras, 350 metres in length and a little less popular but no less ethereal than its neighbour to the south.

5. Fish and Seafood

You have to  try the divine oysters that are caught right in the Vigo Estuary: At Calle de las Ostras (street of the oysters) they’re perfect raw with a pinch of lemon and a glass of the local Albariño wine.

The fish and seafood in Vigo are amazing; they say that this is down to the temperatures and type of plankton in the local waters.

If you don’t know where to start, just order a mariscada: This is a big platter of seafood with crab, seafood and lobster.

If you go out for tapas then fish and seafood will be on the menu there too in the shape of dishes like chipirones (fried baby squid) or xoubas, little sardines.

6. Galician Wine

Vigo is in Galicia’s Rías Baixas wine region, which like most of this part of Spain makes, pleasingly acidic whites with the Albariño grape variety.

They are the ideal pairing for the region’s amazing seafood.

If you visit the city between February and May you should drop in at a Furancho if you get the chance.

These are cellars, often part of private homes, where the year’s wine surplus is sold off in a convivial, typically Galician setting.

The wine is usually served with tapas dishes such as ham and chorizo.

There are more than a dozen furanchos around Vigo, normally marked with a wooden sign on the road side.

7. Casco Vello

Vigo’s old-town is set on a slope that meets the estuary at the old port, with alleys that lead onto handsome arcaded squares like Praza da Constitución.

This is the part of the city where fishermen’s houses and grander buildings like plush townhouses and the 19th-century church of Santa María were set side-by-side.

Almost all were built with Galician granite, which gives the old-town a dignified atmosphere distinct from many Spanish old quarters.

Many of the street names correspond to old trades, and Rúa Cesteiros you can still find basket-weavers in business and of course, Calle de las Ostras.

8. The Ensanche

In the 19th century Vigo grew dramatically as the canning industry became one of the city’s main sources of income.

Most of the entrepreneurs behind this boom were from Catalonia, and the posh Belle Époque apartment buildings they constructed are still standing in the Ensanche district, east of the Casco Vello.

This is Vigo’s centre for nightlife and shopping, and also boasts the leafy Alameda Park, where you can rest your feet for a few minutes.

By the estuary you can walk along the breakwater out to a red lighthouse, which is possibly the best place to watch the sun go down.

9. Samil Beach

You don’t have to go as far as the Cíes Islands for a day at the beach – there are 45 in total around Vigo.

Most convenient is Samil, just where the Lagares River meets the Atlantic, and when you’re sitting on these sands or walking along the promenade you’ll have the Cíes Islands and Vigo’s mountains as your scene.

The beach is 1,700 metres -long and has a load of leisure facilities like swimming pools, basketball courts and a five-a-side football pitch.

In the summer ice cream stands and bars are open behind the beach.

And on the days it gets really hot many people take shade on the pine-shaded lawns next to the promenade.

10. Ermita de Nosa Señora da Guia

On the northeast side of the city, right next to the estuary is the 100-metre Monte da Guía.

Cloaked in evergreen and deciduous woodland, it’s one of the largest parks within the city, and offers an instant escape from the traffic and activity on Vigo’s streets.

At the top, and with far-reaching vistas, is the shrine of Nosa Señora da Guia.

This chapel with its lofty central tower may look baroque, but is actually from 1952, and is built on an earlier 16th-century hermitage.

Take some time out in the manicured gardens to let the vistas sink in.

11. Quiñones de León Museum

The regal home for this art museum is the Castrelos “pazo”, a stately 17th-century manor house.

The collection here is of 20th-century works by Galician artists, as well as a few pieces that are part of collection at Madrid’s Prado museum but stored here.

If you take a turn in the grounds you’ll be forgiven for wondering if you’ve ended up in one of London’s royal parks.

There are large lawns with thickets of birch, plane and beech trees, and a rose garden adorned with the beautiful Príncipe de las Aguas fountain.

12. MARCO – Vigo Museum of Contemporary Art

This art museum opened in 2002, regenerating a complex that had been abandoned for decades.

It’s an incredible space right in the middle of the city, making use of Vigo’s former courthouse and jail, which were built in 1861. The prison had a “panopticon” utilitarian design, according to the principles of the English philosopher Jeremy Bentham, and the former prison courtyards were fitted with glass-roofs to create halls flooded with light.

There are no permanent exhibitions; rather the museum has a program of thematic shows, workshops and cultural events.

13. Museo do Mar de Galicia

Also from 2002 is this museum that was designed to include parts of an old cannery on Vigo’s waterfront.

The exhibits demonstrate Galicia’s long connection to the ocean, and also inform you about the ecosystems just off the coast.

Check out the room devoted to oceanography and underwater exploration, with some antique diving equipment and navigation instruments.

In the 19th century whaling was a big local industry, and there’s an original harpoon on display.

You’ll also find out about the massive fishing operation that takes place on the Galician coast, hauling in tons of tuna, sardines, octopus and shellfish for the Spanish market every day.

Vigo is a low-lying enclave surrounded by a protected mountain landscape densely wooded with oaks, pines, eucalyptus and chestnut trees.

So why not bring your walking shoes, as the you’ll be treated to yet more awesome views of the ocean and the city.

For really committed hikers there’s the GR-53, a 25-mile path that rides atop the chain of low peaks that encircles Vigo.

If you only want to a walk a section then there are plenty of access points from trails that lead right to the edge of the city.

A shorter, more family-friendly walk would be to trace the course of the Eifonso River, on the way stumbling upon old hermitages and mills with water wheels.

On the Vigo side of the estuary but closer to the ocean is another coastal town full of character.

Baiona also gets a lot of Spanish visitors in August fleeing the heat for breezier weather on the Atlantic.

Before tourism the economy was supported by fishing, and there’s still a quaint old harbour that is framed by the dark green hills of the headland to the north.

Behind it, unfurling along a small peninsula to the west of the town are the walls of the 16th-century Castillo de Monterreal.

Since the 60s the castle’s inner buildings have housed an upmarket Parador hotel.

15 Best Things to Do in Vigo (Spain):

• Castro  Fortress
• Parque del Monte Castro
• Cíes Islands
• Beaches on the Cíes Islands
• Fish and Seafood
• Galician Wine
• Casco Vello
• The Ensanche
• Samil Beach
• Ermita de Nosa Señora da Guia
• Quiñones de León Museum
• MARCO - Vigo Museum of Contemporary Art
• Museo do Mar de Galicia

THE 10 BEST Vigo Private Tours

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15. Private Walking Tour around Vigo with Beer or Wine

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Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

Depending on where you point your lens, Vigo is a historic and cultured city or a gritty industrial port. Home to Europe's largest fishing fleet, this is an axis of commerce in northern Spain. Yet its central areas are very walkable and full of intriguing nooks, and it's the main gateway to the beautiful Illas Cíes. Above all, Vigo is a welcoming and confident city whose citizens really know how to enjoy life, especially after dark in the many buzzing tapas bars, restaurants and clubs.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Castelo de Soutomaior

The Soutomaior castle-palace, amid enormous and beautiful gardens, is well worth a 21km drive northeast from Vigo. Displays inside the castle, which dates…

Parque do Castro

Directly south (uphill) from the old town, this verdant park is a magnificent place to be when the sun is dropping into the ocean behind the Illas Cíes…

Praia de Samil

A long swath of sandy beaches stretches southwest of the city. Best is 1.2km-long Praia de Samil, beginning about 5km from the city centre. It's backed by…

Centro de Visitantes Illas Atlánticas de Galicia

This centre in the Old Town presents photos, information and an attractive audiovisual display on the nature and history of the Illas Cíes in the mouth of…

Concatedral de Santa María

The Casco Vello's main church was built in 1816, in neoclassical style – long after its Romanesque predecessor was burnt down by Sir Francis Drake.

Castro de Vigo

The Castro de Vigo, a pre-Roman settlement of circular, thatch-roofed dwellings, dates back to the 3rd century BCE and has been partly reconstructed…

Museo de Arte Contemporánea de Vigo

Vigo is something of a modern art centre, with several museums and galleries to prove it. The Contemporary Art Museum is the number-one venue for thought…

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Aug 21, 2020 • 1 min read

Vigo has started putting up its lights as it plans to have the world's largest display for the holiday season.

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In the Galician province of Pontevedra, situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, lies the city that lends its name to the southernmost estuary of the Rías Baixas: Vigo.

Its fishing origin has left an historic quarter with a strong maritime flavour, which contrasts with the modern facilities of its marinas. This city is an excellent base from which to visit the towns and villages along the Vigo estuary and the Cíes Isles that form part of the National Park of the Atlantic Islands. The cuisine of the Galician coast, based on fish and seafood, is an added incentive for visiting this region.

The port of Vigo , one of the finest natural ports in the world, was the origin of this city fringed by mountains. Its maritime qualities, already exploited in Roman times, have given rise to the present-day marinas and the transatlantic harbour, as well as to the fishing and canning industries. All of this has contributed to the urban development of Vigo, which includes the traditional port area and boasts major historic buildings and wide tree-lined avenues. Cidade Vella The historic quarter, the so-called Cidade Vella , is articulated around the old maritime quarter of O Berbés, near the port. Situated in this quarter, which has Tourist-Historical Interest status, are the arcades around the Plaza de la Constitución, fishing streets and emblazoned houses. One of the main features of this network of tiny streets, in which most façades have glass-encased miradors, is the Collegiate Church of Santa María, the Procathedral of Vigo-Tui. Neoclassical in style, this edifice is constructed on the remains of a Gothic church burned down by the pirate Francis Drake. Also worthy of visit in this area is the do Pedra market, a fascinating place for buying and sampling Galician oysters. The newer part of Vigo occupies a triangle formed by the Puerta del Sol, Colón and Urzáiz. Lining the wide avenues are notable buildings, one such being the García Barbón Cultural Centre, designed by Antonio Palacios. The modern sector contains one of the best miradors over the Vigo estuary, the Monte do Castro mount. Located amidst the forests and leisure areas are the remains of the hill-forts that constituted the early settlement, as well as the ruins of the 10th-century O Penso Castle, the layout of which was used for the construction of the 17th-century Tower Castle still standing. The large Municipal Park of Castrelos is located on what once was the estate of the Quiñones de León country house . Amidst Neoclassical gardens and ancient trees, the Municipal Park contains an interesting collection of Roman steles, furniture and statuary, and an art gallery exhibiting European works from the Baroque period as well modern works by Galician artists. The park also boasts an open-air auditorium where key music events are held. The mounts of A Madroa and A Guía that lay around the city of Vigo provide magnificent viewpoints from which to admire the surrounding landscape. Also worthy of a visit is the Zoo , situated on Mount A Madroa, whilst the Municipal Park also contains the hermitage of Nosa Señora da Guía. The Galician Museum of the Sea, situated at the Punta do Muiño in the parish of Alcabre, comprises buildings, gardens, a square and a wharf. The work of Aldo Rossi and César Portella, this complex houses various items related to the sea. The Vigo Estuary The city of Vigo is easily accessible thanks to the motorway and airport, and there are also excellent nautical facilities and a golf course in the vicinity. At its maritime station it is possible to purchase passages to the coastal towns of Cangas and Moaña on the other side of the estuary, and even to the Cíes Isles. Part of the National Park of the Atlantic Islands , the sheer cliffs and dunes of these isles are the home of thousands of migratory birds. The route along the Vigo Estuary affords the contemplation of historic country houses such as Baiona . Its parador, an incomparable viewpoint over the Atlantic, combines elements of the past, such as the medieval fortress, with vestiges of Galician stately architecture. The restaurant serves both traditional and highly imaginative dishes made with products from the region, such as sea bass with razor-shells in turnip green sauce. The beaches of Nigrán, the oysters of Arcade and, further inland, the Mondariz Spa , are just some of the area's numerous attractions. Another attraction of the province of Pontevedra is its capital city, which is situated on the estuary of the same name. The network of streets and squares that make up its historic quarter contain major civic and religious buildings. The palace of the Counts of Maceda houses the city's parador , which provides privileged accommodation for over-night stays. Another of the major ports along the Pontevedra Estuary is Marín, famous for the Naval Military School. Other places of interest, and also boasting excellent beaches, are Combarro, Sanxenxo and Portonovo; so too, the Ons Isles, which close the estuary and form part of the Galician National Park. The Arousa Estuary leads to Villagarcía de Arousa, O Grove and the island of A Toxa, which boasts one of Galicia's most impressive spas. Visitors to Cambados can stay at its parador, housed in the former Pazo de Batán country house dating back to the 17th century. Towards the south of the province, almost on the Portuguese border, the itinerary continues with the Monte Aloia Nature Reserve, which contains highly interesting archaeological remains; the historic city of Tui , the point of entry into Spain for the Northern Road of the "ruta jacobea" pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, where the parador is situated amidst mountains and rivers; and A Guarda at the mouth of the river Miño, where the hill-fort of the Monte Santa Tegra is a worthwhile visit. All of these places offer the opportunity to sample the delicious cuisine that Galician tradition has preserved and that is now exploited by the most innovative chefs. The Rías Baixas provide hake, turbot and sea bass, not to mention a whole range of shellfish including goose barnacles, oysters, clams, mussels and cockles. These raw materials are served in stews and pies, on their own or combined with other flavours and textures. Veal and Galician potatoes, known as "cachelos", both have Label Guarantee status and are used in the tastiest of dishes. Wines with the Rías Baixas Label Guarantee make an excellent accompaniment to any of these dishes. Local cuisine sampling can be rounded off by a slice of Santiago cake (an almond-based sponge) and a "queimada", a traditional beverage obtained by flaming the local eau-de-vie.

What to visit

Select from the list or hover over the map to find out about points of interest.

Galicia Marine Museum

"Quiñones de León" Municipal Museum, Vigo

La Guía Municipal park

Quiñones de León Municipal Park

Concatedral de Santa María de Vigo

Nosa Señora da Guía Shrine

Marco. Vigo Museum of Contemporary Art

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The Reconquest of Vigo

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1. Private walking tour in Vigo

2. Santiago de Compostela and A Coruña Private Tour, Vigo Shore Excursion

3. Morning electric bike tour of Vigo and photography contest

4. Tuy and Baiona Private Day Tour from Vigo - Shore Excursion

5. Albariño trails Private Wine Tour/Shore excursion from Vigo

6. Private Walking Tour from Casco Vello to Mercado da Pedra in Vigo

7. Vigo Private City Tour with Hotel or Port Pick-up

8. Porto to Sant. Compostela with stops Braga-Viana-Vigo-Pontevedra

9. Full-Day Excursion to Santiago from Vigo for Cruisers Only

10. New 2-hour Electric Bike Tour and Photography Contest

11. One-Way Private Transfer From/To Vigo Airport

12. Essential Walking Tour through the Emblematic Places of Vigo

13. Private Tour to Oporto from Vigo Cruise Terminal or Hotel

14. Private Gourmet Culinary Tour of Galicia (1 to 4 days)

15. 8-Day Guided Tour from Santiago to Lisbon

16. Full Day Santiago de Compostela Private Tour from Vigo, Shore Excursion

17. Private Shore Tour Galicia South Atlantic Coast, Portugal &Wine

18. Vigo Shore Excursion: Small Group Santiago De Compostela Full Day Tour

19. Vigo Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game

20. Discover the Charm of Bajo Miño and Portugal on a Private Tour

21. Private Tour of Vigo and Baiona

22. Tour Vigo and Santiago Compostela: Departure from Braga and Guimarães

23. Santiago de Compostela Private Tour from Vigo with Hotel or Port Pick-up

24. Private Sailing Tour with Romantic Dinner in the Vigo Estuary

25. Vigo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour

26. Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Airport (OPO)

27. Creative workshops

28. Private Walking Tour around Vigo with Beer or Wine

29. Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Hotels

What travellers are saying.

• Great Electric Bike Tour through Vigo
• Full-Day Excursion to Santiago from Vigo for Cruisers Only
• Private walking tour in Vigo
• Porto to Sant. Compostela with stops Braga-Viana-Vigo-Pontevedra
• Vigo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour
• Galiwonders
• Brúxula Servicios Turísticos
• GALEGRÍA VIAJES
• Portugal Private Touring
• Ocean Secrets
• Bluscus Turismo Marinero
• Tours 4 Cruisers
• Eat & Walkabout
• Alecrin Actividades & Aventura
• Buceo Islas Cies
• Naviera Nabia

Best things to do and see in Vigo

Vigo is one of the largest cities in the Spanish province of Galicia , as well as one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Spain. It is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and at the small river mouth of the Vigo River, along with the Cíes Islands. Its historic Old Town is lorded over by its Neoclassic Cathedral , although that is not the only famous landmark you should get to know when you visit this beautiful city. 

If you do a free walking tour in Vigo (in the morning or in the afternoon) accompanied by a local guide you can get to know the city in a different, fun and unique way, since you will get to discover some of the city’s secrets on the tour, as well as its lesser-known corners. The essential places that you can’t miss are its Rías Bajas, the Samil Beach, the Galician Sea Museum, the San Sebastián Castle, the MARCO Contemporary Art Museum, the Port of Vigo, the Casco Vello, (Historic Old Town) the Hermitage of Our Lady the Guide on an overlook by the city, or the Islands of San Simón and San Antón.

The free walking tours in Vigo, all have opinions and reviews by other tourists who have already tried their tour and have shared their evaluations on both the route and the guide, so you can choose the most interesting tour for you and your schedule. 

Free walking tour near Vigo

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Vigo’s Old Town

Explore narrow streets and discover historical buildings.

We suggest a short walk through ancient Vigo : a one mile route across the streets of the Old Town, where you'll discover that the centre of Vigo hides a past carved in numerous stone buildings. This route through ancient Vigo’s architecture will help you experience the city’s history on foot.

The route begins in the cruise ship pier, next to the tourist information office, where you can still see the underground remains of the ancient city wall. After walking up to the Praza da Princesa square and the Porta do Sol , from the top of Paseo de Alfonso XII avenue and to your right, you’ll see O Berbés square. If you continue your stroll you’ll reach the lower part of the area, where there’s a square of arcades; this was once a beach where fishermen moored their boats and you can still see the city’s oldest seafaring buildings.

From this lower part of the city, you can walk up calle Real street, dotted with stately houses, such as Bárcena, Pazos and Figueroa and, most importantly, Casa de Arines or Ceta , dated from the 15th century and the oldest and most emblematic in Vigo’s Old Town; it’s currently the headquarters of the Camões Institute of the Portuguese language.

Just before reaching the end of calle Real, a small right turn will lead you to the narrow Cesteiros street , full of artisan shops . Once in Praza da Constitución , where you’ll find the old town hall, walk back down on the left towards the Colegiata , the city’s most important church. From there you’ll see the end of the route: the cruise ship pier, as well as part of the city and the estuary, thanks to the viewpoint over A Pedra square and the gateway that leads to A Laxe Shopping Centre and Vigo’s berths.

Download the brochure in PDF:  http://issuu.com/turismodevigo/docs/vigo_antiguo

Vigo’s Old Town is full of slopes and stairs, but there’s always an alternative route accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Practical information

Distance: 1.2 miles.

Duration time: An hour and a half with stops.

Difficulty: Medium-high.

Type of route: Circular.

9 Best Things To Do In the Port of Vigo (Spain) + Port Guide

Welcome to the port of Vigo (Puerto de Vigo)! (Post updated: March 2024)

Renowned for its seafood, wines and beautiful old town, Vigo is the busiest fishing port in Galicia and a frequent stop in Mediterranean cruise itineraries. In this article, read about:

• Vigo cruise port (Vigo cruise terminal, getting around)
• 9 best things to do in Vigo and  Vigo shore excursions

Visit our cruise port guides for  Bilbao ,  Valencia , La Coruna ,  Cadiz , Gibraltar , Cherbourg , Le Havre , Lisbon

Port of Vigo

Cruise ships dock at Muelle de Transatlánticos quay, located only a 5-10 minute walk from the old town. Vigo cruise ship terminal features a modern terminal building featuring basic facilities including souvenirs, security screening and toilets. A brand new tourist information office is situated right across the terminal.

Upon exiting the cruise terminal building, you’ll spot a wonderful marina packed with boats and a large A Laxe shopping mall where you can find some shops (a large Mediamarkt store is very popular), outdoor cafes and free wi-fi .

Keep walking along Rúa Cánovas del Castillo esplanade, cross the street, and in a few minutes, you’ll reach the famous Mercado da Pedra market in Rúa Teófilo Llorente Street. From there, keep walking uphill and you’ll reach the old town and the city’s main pedestrian street.

Getting Around Vigo Port

• Vigo cruise terminal is very easy to navigate and wheelchair-accessible . You need only a few minutes to exit the terminal and there is a ramp for wheelchair users if you are not able to use the stairs.
• If you are joining a shore excursion, the parking for tour buses is on your left upon exiting the cruise terminal building.
• You’ll find taxis outside the port gates and they are metered. They usually offer tours for Santiago de Compostela. Check for more information at the tourist information office.
• The area around Port Vigo is flat, however, there is a bit of an incline to get to the old town. If you want to avoid walking uphill, enter the A Laxe shopping mall (in front of the ship) and use the elevator to climb to the top floor where the food court is. The shopping mall’s top floor is connected to the old town via the elevated walkway and once you cross it, you’ll find yourself in Mercado da Pedra and the old town. This is extremely useful for people with walking difficulties and wheelchair users, as you’ll skip the inclines and uphill walk. An alternative option is to take a taxi to the old town which will cost you around 5-10€ per vehicle one way.
• The currency in Spain is EURO (€). ATMs/exchange offices are available in the city and may be available onboard your cruise ship (check with the Guest Services desk).
• Free wi-fi is available in the shopping mall in front of the ship, as well as in cafes, restaurants and wi-fi designated spots in the city.
• The majority of shops and pharmacies, except for the big department stores, are closed between 13:30 and 16:00 ( Spanish siesta time ) on working days. Museums and landmarks are usually closed on Mondays.
• Vigo ferry terminal is located 100 meters from the cruise terminal, and here you can catch ferries to the town of Gangas and Cies Islands. Ferry tickets are available only at the tourist information office.
• Vigo-Urzáiz is the main railway terminus that provides high-speed train connections with other cities in Galicia including La Coruna and Santiago de Compostela, the region’s capital. It is located 2 km/1.2 miles (a 25-minute walk or a 10-minute drive) from the port of Vigo. Vigo-Guixar railway station is another train station located 1.5 km/0.9 miles (a 20-minute walk) from the Vigo cruise terminal. Check the train timetables at https://www.renfe.com/es/en
• Vigo Airport (Aeropuerto de Vigo) is located around 10 km/6.2 miles (a 20-minute drive) from the Vigo port. Santiago Airport , the main one in Galicia, is located 100 km/62 miles (a 1-hour drive) north of Vigo.
• There may be Hop on Hop off bus tours/tourist buses available, however, check this information with a tourist information office.
• Book a private transfer to/from Vigo cruise port
• Check out Vigo rent-a-car deals
• Explore Vigo tours and activities
• Find accommodation in Vigo

9 Best Things to Do in the Port of Vigo

Before I share the best things to do in Vigo, I invite you to grab your copy of the “ Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide” , the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports (including Vigo) , packed with practical information, expert tips & unforgettable experiences! (PDF format/200 pages)

1. Mercado da Pedra

This amazing seafood market is one of the most authentic places in Vigo, located less than a 10-minute walk from Vigo port. It is tucked in Rúa Teófilo Llorente alley filled with seafood restaurants where you can taste freshly shucked oysters and buy souvenirs.

The street itself is a bit inclined so passengers with walking difficulties or wheelchair users may find it challenging to handle. In that case, I suggest you access Mercado da Pedra from La Laxe shopping mall’s top floor via the pedestrian bridge mentioned above. Also, keep in mind that this seafood market is a very touristy place and prices here may be slightly more expensive than in other places in Vigo. The food is delicious, though, and the overall experience is well worth it!

2. Casco Vello (Old Town)

Mercado da Pedra is part of Vigo’s old town, a beautiful historic quarter filled with elegant Renaissance buildings, authentic restaurants, wine houses, tapas bars and shops. The old town area starts right outside the port Vigo and includes some of the city’s major landmarks such as the 19th-century, Neoclassical Concatedral – Basílica de Santa María de Vigo .

The Old Town consists of numerous winding streets, small squares, stores and taverns that can only be accessed on foot. Plaza de la Constitución is the central town square, while Praza da Igrexa (the square where the Cathedral is situated), Praza da Pedra and Praza da Princesa are also lovely and reflect the Vigo’s authentic vibe.

A stone’s throw from Casco Vello, you’ll find the Castelo de San Sebastián , the ruins of an old fortress that is nowadays a public park that you can explore free of charge. The park offers nice views of the harbour, Vigo’s Bay and the port, and it is best accessed from behind the Concello de Vigo (Vigo’s Town Hall). Keep in mind that some streets of Vigo’s Old Town are cobbled and inclined, so it may be challenging for people with walking difficulties. It takes only a 10-minute walk to get to the Old Town from the dock.

Explore Vigo walking tours

3. Rúa do Príncipe

Once you access Plaza de la Constitución, keep walking straight and you’ll reach Praza da Princesa (you’ll see a big Ale-Hop store across the street). Here, you cross the street (Praza Porta do Sol) and you’ll reach the main pedestrian street in the town – Rúa do Príncipe, where you’ll find banks, pharmacies, clothing, cosmetics, jewelry and other designer and local stores. On the side streets, you’ll find some restaurants and cafes where you can eat and drink at an affordable price.

4. Castelo do Castro

If you want to admire the best panoramic views of the city, head to the Castelo do Castro ( Fortress of O Castro ), a medieval fortress and a hilltop park with prehistoric stone ruins dating from the Iron Age.

The fortress was built in 1665 during the Portuguese Restoration War to protect the city from attacks by the British Royal Navy, Portugal’s allies. Nowadays, it is a beautiful park with gardens, fountains and magnificent views of the city. If you are into jogging, running and fresh air, this is a must-see place!

Castelo do Castro is located 1.5 km/0.9 miles (a 25-minute walk) from the port of Vigo and to get there, you need to be able to climb a lot of stairs or walk the curving paths uphill to the top. At the top, there are no vendors or toilets available, so make sure to bring water and use the facilities before climbing. You may find escalators on the way up on some of the winding streets, but back down you need to go on foot (I suggest you check this out with the tourist information office as they may provide more details).

5. Samil Beach

Praia de Samil (Samil Beach) is the main and the most breathtaking beach in Vigo and one of the most beautiful ones in Galicia. It is located 6.7 km/4.1 miles (a 15-minute drive) southwest of the port of Vigo.

Playa Samil is a 1.7 km (5.600 ft) long stretch of white sands backed by a beautiful waterfront promenade with numerous sports facilities, parks, parking lots, pools and a few cafes and restaurants. It is ideal for couples, families with kids and all people who want to spend an enjoyable beach day on the coast of Galicia. To get there, you can take public transport (check with a tourist information office for more details) or a taxi.

6. Wine Tasting at Bodegas Granbazán

The coast of Galicia is stunning as well as Galician seafood and wines. Rías Baixas region, which consists of four estuarine inlets located on the southwestern coast of Galicia, is renowned for its Albariño wines , a variety of white wine grapes grown in Galicia and Northwest Portugal. There are many wine tours offered and if you’re a wine lover, I suggest you go for a tour of a winery and taste Galicia’s premium wines.

I joined a cruise ship shore excursion to Bodegas Granbazán , situated 53 km/33 miles (a 45-minute drive) north of Vigo, and it was perfect! Not only do you get a chance to admire Galicia’s magnificent coast and verdant hilly landscapes, but you also get to taste the region’s renowned wines in this picturesque place set in the heart of the Rías Baixas region. The experience usually includes wine tasting and a tour of the winery and vineyards surrounding this dream estate.

Explore Vigo wine-tasting tours 

7. Pontevedra

Pontevedra is a beautiful city on the coast of Galicia and the capital of the Province of Pontevedra. Surrounded by the verdant scenic hills, the city is located on the edge of an estuary at the end of the Ria de Pontevedra, in the heart of the Rías Baixas. It is located 30 km/18.6 miles (a 30-minute drive) north of Vigo Pier.

Pontevedra is known for the well-preserved Old Town and the Baroque church of the Pilgrim Virgin , an 18th-century scallop-shaped chapel that is the major symbol of the town. It is dedicated to the Virgin who, according to tradition, guided pilgrims from Baiona (in the southwest of the province of Pontevedra) to Santiago de Compostela, in the north. 

Other city landmarks include the 16th-century Gothic Basilica of Saint Mary Major , the ruins of the Gothic church of St. Dominic dating from the 14th century that today house the Pontevedra Museum , the Convent and the Church of San Francisco , and others.

Check out Pontevedra tours from Vigo 

8. Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia and the famous pilgrimage site that was the third most important religious site after Rome and Jerusalem in medieval times. It is the final stop of Saint James’ Way and is known for thousands of pilgrims who have been coming here for centuries.

The medieval city is world-famous for its imposing Santiago de Compostela Cathedral consecrated in 1211, the burial place of the relics of James the Apostle discovered in the 9th century. The city’s medieval old town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is centered around Plaza del Obradoiro , the main square dominated by the monumental cathedral.

On the square, you’ll find the 18th-century Neoclassical palace of the Town Hall (Pazo de Raxoi) and Hospital Real de Santiago de Compostela , the 5-star hotel that is said to be the oldest in the world. The medieval old town is known for its narrow cobblestone streets filled with restaurants, cafes, tapas bars and souvenir shops.

While exploring the old town, make sure to visit charming squares such as Praza da Quintana de Vivos , Praza da Immaculada with the beautiful Monastery of San Martiño Pinario , the second largest monastery in Spain and parks such as Park Alameda , the 16th century with historic monuments and a colorful garden.

Useful info :

• Santiago de Compostela is located 90 km/56 miles (a 1-hour drive) north of Vigo port. If your itinerary includes a stop at La Coruna cruise port , you can also visit the city from there (shore excursions are offered).
• If you join one of the bus tours to Santiago de Compostela, keep in mind that the bus parking is situated a 15-minute walk from Santiago de Compostela’s old town and the cathedral. Toilets are available at the parking lot. The walk may involve inclines and uneven surfaces, so guests in wheelchairs and with walking difficulties may find it challenging. Taxis and cars may come closer, but the old town is a pedestrian zone so be prepared for a moderate amount of walking.
• You can tour the Cathedral and visit its interior and the museum for a fee. Find more information on Santiago de Compostela Cathedral’s official website

Check out Santiago de Compostela tours from Vigo

Situated 36 km/22 miles (a 35-minute drive) southwest of Vigo cruise port, Baiona (Bayona) is another historic town known for a charming medieval old town and a beautiful marina tucked in the picturesque bay.

This coastal town is known as the port where La Pinta , the fastest of the three Spanish ships used by Christopher Columbus in his transatlantic voyage to the New World, moored when it returned to Europe on March 1, 1493, making Baiona the first port that received news of the discovery of America. Today, a replica of the ship can be seen and on every 1st of March, the “Festa da arribada” (Arrival Fiesta) takes place to commemorate this important event.

One of the main city landmarks is Monterreal Fort (Fortaleza de Monterreal) with its Príncipe Tower (Torre do Príncipe), located on Monterreal Peninsula overlooking Cíes Islands and the southern  Rías Baixas region. Nowadays, visitors can admire Parador de Baiona , a 4-star hotel housed in the medieval fortress. Another landmark is Santa María Collegiate Church (Colexiata de Santa María de Baiona) which dates back to the 18th century.

Explore tours to Baiona from Vigo

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