Why go?

Vigo is the principal city of Galicia in Northern Spain and one of Europe’s largest fishing ports. Built on the remains of an ancient fort and Roman settlement, its historic centre has a contemporary, avant-garde vibe. The city is characterised by a series of bays known as the Rías Baixas, surrounded by green mountains and blessed with a mild climate all year round. Although Galicia is increasingly popular as a holiday destination, most tourists have been slow to catch on to Vigo’s charms, which means there is still much to discover in the city.

What to do

Vigo’s old town, the Casco Vello, is a jumble of ancient buildings and alleyways which, in summer, erupt with weekly fiesta celebrating everything from bread to sardines. The Sardine Fiesta takes place in August – as well as the Fiesta del pan de maíz in the Cabral district, a gastronomic celebration of cornbread, and Valadares’ festival in praise of octopus. The central square, Praza da Constitución, buzzes with cafés, but the nearby streets are stuffed with traditional crafts that hark back to the days of trading in Vigo – hat-makers, basket-weavers, fine lace-makers and countless tapas restaurants serving octopus a feira (with paprika, olive oil and salt) and filloas, little pancakes filled with honey, sugar, custard or jam. A stroll along pretty Rua Real reveals some of the oldest buildings in Vigo, dating as far back as the 1600s, while a wander down Paseo de Alfonso XIII brings you to an olive tree (the symbol of the city) and an open viewing balcony overlooking the old town. From here you have a spectacular view of the busy harbour, where boats head out to sea and fishermen haul in the catch. Vigo holds one of its biggest festivals in July to celebrate the summer solstice. The night of St Juan takes place on 23 June with a huge bonfire in the historic O Berbés quarter of the city. Make time to visit the Museo Quiñones de León. Located in a grand 17th-century palace 3km south of Vigo, surrounded by a beautiful garden, it contains more than 1,500 works of art, including paintings and sculptures.

Where to stay

The Hotel Puerta del Sol (00 34 986 222364, hotelpuertadelsol.es) is popular because of its location on the central Praza da Constitución. Guest rooms have terracotta walls and rustic wooden furniture, the perfect base for your explorations. Hotel Zenit (00 34 986 417255, vigo.zenithoteles.com) is a beautiful historic building with great transport links to the city’s main sights. Inside, low-lit rooms come with sweeping views of the sea. For something a little more glamorous, the avant garde Gran Hotel Nagari Boutique and Spa (00 34 986 211111, granhotelnagari.com) has contemporary rooms with shiny leather furnishings. The bar serves tapas including sobrasada – paprika sausage – and patatas bravas, potatoes with spicy tomato sauce.

Where to eat and drink

A restaurant on the aptly named Rúa Pescadería (fish market street) should be your first port of call for classic Spanish seafood. Alternatively, buy some fresh oysters from one of Vigo’s many street sellers and wash down with a few glasses of albariño wine. The family-run El Mosquito (00 34 986 433570, elmosquitovigo.com) is well worth a visit for the pickled mussels, octopus and much-loved local speciality – Galician pie made with fish or meat. Or try the Spanish rice chicken casserole at A Curuxa Taberna (00 34 986 438857), a tapas bar in the old part of the city. Gastronomes will love Maruja Limón (00 34 986 473406, marujalimon.es), where the talented head chef Rafael Centeno Moyer creates a veritable feast for the eyes – and palate. Try the fresh, marinated mackerel with strawberries and local vegetables and you’ll soon understand why this restaurant was awarded a Michelin star earlier this year.

Time running out?

Before you leave, make sure you pick up a bottle of the region’s fresh, aromatic albariño.

Travel Information

Travel Information

Currency is the euro. Vigo is a six-and-a-half-hour journey from London (transferring in Madrid) and an hour ahead of GMT.

Getting There

Iberia (0870 609 0500; iberia.com) runs daily flights, stopping in Madrid and then onto Vigo. Vueling (0911 263 2632; vueling.com) flies from London, direct to Vigo three times a week.

Resources

Vigo Tourism Praza do Rei 1 (00 34 986 224757; turismodevigo.es) and the Spanish Tourist Office (00800 1010 5050; spain.info/uk) provide practical information on visiting Vigo.