Vigo, seafaring tradition

Despite being poorly maintained, it is still worth visiting Vigo’s old seafaring neighbourhood, which features the essence of a coastal city whose industry still reflects its seafaring wisdom.

A must visit in the morning to try fresh oysters accompanied by fine Alabariño wine at a reasonable price. A market where you will find all kinds of things, being famous for so-called “brand” clothes also at a knockdown price. A real experience. You are advised to visit the tourist office located right in the market of A Pedra, because it is always handy to have a map.

The best way of reaching El Marco is first of all visiting El Arenal, where stately homes, the “Naútico” (yacht club), “Alameda” (park) will lead you to the city’s main thoroughfare, García Barbón, which reflects Vigo’s economic boom in the 20th century, with a good number of modernist buildings before you come to El Marco: a former public prison and courthouse reconverted into a Contemporary Art Museum that is worth visiting, apart from being very close to a large shopping area.

This is the thousand-year-old origin of the city of Vigo. Panoramic views of the city and its “ria” (estuary), a park set in a Celtic settlement, full of trails and services guaranteeing a good time.

For local residents, a meeting place for families, concerts, live performances, where you can have a good time strolling around its trails, lake with swans and ducks and its prestigious museum: The Quiñones de León Museum, featuring 29 permanent exhibition rooms with a top-quality art collection –a real surprise. It is curious visiting the Sensorial Garden, an itinerary designed for the blind that stimulates other senses…

To the surprise of many, Vigo has a small zoo, which will delight young ones. A good option…

Another option, for those who want to go for a dip, weather permitting, is sailing across the “ria” to Cangas, a seafaring town opposite Vigo, which can offer an interesting afternoon of leisure on its urban beach or in one of its pavement cafeterias. There is a frequent boat service to cross the “ria” in a short time.