Cíes Islands: Vigo's treasure. These three islands, Monte Agudo, O Faro and San Martiño, make up the Maritime-Terrestrial National Park that the Romans knew as the islands of the gods because of their enormous beauty. Monte Agudo and O Faro are connected by Rodas beach, a paradise like few others and considered one of the best beaches in the world. Cíes is part of the Illas Atlánticas National Park: a paradise of beaches with crystal clear waters, with a great natural wealth of flora and fauna. In the Cíes you can enjoy its beaches, go hiking and diving. To visit the Cíes you can take a day trip by boat or, if you prefer, spend a weekend camping. You must book in advance both boat and permits as this is a natural park and the number of visitors is limited.
A Pedra oysters: known as "oyster street". You can't visit Vigo without passing by this street full of stalls and restaurants, where you can taste all kinds of oysters, shellfish and fish harvested in the estuary itself. Tradition dictates that the molluscs are bought directly from the oyster pickers. The best way to accompany the seafood is with white wine, of course, albariño with designation of origin from the Rías Baixas.
Porta do Sol: the point where the old town meets the city's main shopping avenues and the port. Here you'll come across El Sireno, a half-fish, half-man sculpture by Francisco Leiro, which represents the union of man and sea. A typical feature that Vigo is proud of.
O Castro mountain: one of the unique features of Vigo is this mountain in the middle of the city. It was the site of the first settlement of its inhabitants between the third and second centuries BC and one of the city's largest parks. If you want the best possible view of the estuary and Vigo, you're in the right place, so don't forget to carry your camera and cell phone. The jewel of O Castro is its walled castle with its gardens and viewpoint. You can reach the top of the hill on foot. It's a steep slope, but you have the incentive of enjoying spectacular views as you ascend. You also have the option of driving up.
Samil beach: Vigo's largest beach, over a kilometre long and ideal if you're travelling with children. Fully equipped with various recreational and leisure areas, it is spectacularly beautiful and its surroundings make it perfect for watching the sunset with the incomparable setting of the Cíes Islands in the background.
La Lonja: Vigo's fish market is famous for moving much of the fish and seafood consumed in Spain and Europe. It's one of the most important visits in the city but if you want to watch the hectic auction, you'll have to get up early in the morning. We recommend you ask the tourist office about this possibility.
Bouzas district: Vigo's seaside neighbourhood par excellence. Its historic elements and cobblestone streets give it a very charismatic touch. In the Bouzas district you can enjoy the most traditional commerce with its food market, and if you're lucky enough to visit it on a Sunday morning, you'll find its usual street market in the Alameda square. From a gastronomic point of view, Bouza combines traditional food establishments with designer tapas bars. And if you've had too much to eat, what better way to enjoy the seafront promenade to burn off those extra calories. Another option is a visit to the parish church, built on a rock in the 16th century and rebuilt a century later. By the way, if you happen to come to Vigo in July, ask about the Seafood Festival – you'll have a great time.
Calle de Príncipe: Vigo's shopping street par excellence, the street where wallets tremble. The most important Galician and international firms are distributed along the street, where you can find everything: fashion, footwear, accessories, jewellery shops, cafés, restaurants, etc. As a curiosity, it is worth mentioning that it used to join the road to Madrid. Once in this street, take the opportunity to visit the traditional market of O Progreso, which offers you the chance to buy fresh fish.
Rande bridge: cable-stayed bridge that crosses the Vigo estuary. This engineering work is part of the Atlantic Motorway and is one of Vigo's landmarks. It's worth crossing it by car as it offers interesting views of San Simón Island, the Cíes Islands and the majestic Vigo Estuary. At night it's a pleasure to admire it.
Castrelos Park: known as Finca de la Marquesa. This is Vigo's largest park and the true lung of the city. Here you'll find historic French and English-style gardens. The park, crossed by the River Lagares, houses the Pazo Quiñones de León Museum.
Castrelos is also a park for practising sports and a place for the youngest members of the family to enjoy, thanks to its large children's playground.
Balaídos stadium: very close to Castrelos Park is the home of the Real Club Celta de Vigo. In addition to admiring the stadium, the area is full of typical bars and restaurants if you want to make a stop before continuing your visit to the city.
