Discover Vigo: Culture, Coast and Historic Routes

Culture

MARCO, the Museo de Arte Contemporánea de Vigo, is located in a former prison and courthouse in the city of Vigo dating from 1880. The building features a pedestrian promenade and a staircase connecting it with the streets behind it and its surroundings.

The Museo do Mar de Galicia presents the history of fishing activities in Vigo. The topics covered include fishing and shellfish gathering. Aquaculture and preservation methods are also included in this presentation. The aquarium at the Museo do Mar de Galicia showcases the main ecosystems in the area between the museum's own quay and the cliffs of the Cíes Islands.

Vigo Vello includes Baroque buildings. The district also features vernacular architecture.

History

Once a year, La Reconquista transports Vigo's historic district back to the 19th century for a weekend. During La Reconquista, the historic area becomes a 19th-century open-air market. The open-air market features soldiers, fishermen and farmers in costume.

The Villa Romana de Toralla dates from the 4th and 5th centuries AD. The villa offers two tours. The first is a visual outdoor tour with information panels about the site. The second runs between the remains of the villa.

Coast and Nature

The Cíes Archipelago lies at the mouth of the Ría de Vigo. The archipelago has been designated a nature park since 1980. Since 1988, it has been designated a ZEPA bird protection area. Since 2014, it has been designated the ZEC Illas Cíes special area of conservation.

The western side facing the ocean is characterized by cliffs more than 150 metres high. The eastern side facing the Ría de Vigo features beaches. Diving and snorkelling are possible in the bathing areas of the Cíes Islands.

The Cíes Islands include the ruins of monasteries and castros. There are also salting factories and Carabineros warehouses.

Routes and Activities

Samil Beach has three swimming pools. The beach also has basketball courts and a roller-skating rink. Free parking, restaurants, cafés and green spaces are also part of this beach.

The Camino de Santiago through Vigo is approximately 20 kilometres long, depending on whether the coastal or inland route is taken. As a coastal route, it is comfortable and flat. The inland route is somewhat wilder and situated at a higher elevation, leading through the mountains around the city.

Parque de Castrelos has a marked training course. There are also numerous running routes. Salinae has been adapted for people with reduced mobility.

The historic sites thus range from Roman remains to Baroque and vernacular architecture. At the same time, the designated landscapes of the Cíes Archipelago combine marine ecosystems, distinctive coastal formations and beaches. Vigo also offers different forms of activity side by side: swimming, water sports, running and the Camino de Santiago with its two route options.

Other Places

Other places in the same overarching area include Cores, Figueiras, Ponte Caldelas, Meis, Ardia, Silleda, A Cañiza and A Telleira.

To the overarching travel overview: Pontevedra.