The Vigo ria gathers coastal landscapes, fishing villages, and cultural visits. This three-day itinerary suggests various stops to explore the area and its surroundings without limiting yourself to the city center.
What to See in the Vigo Ria
How to Get There
Day 1
-
Start in Baiona, historic center, and walk around the Fortress of Monterreal** (current Parador, where you can take a coffee break).
-
We head towards Vigo on the PO-552, which gives us panoramic views of the ria.
-
In Vigo**, we visit Monte do Castro, which offers the best views of the city and the ria.
-
We stroll through the Old Town**, passing by Pescadería street (where the oyster bars are), the Concatedral, Plaza de la Constitución, and the Sireno, at Puerta del Sol.
Day 2
-
Visit the Cies Islands*, or get to know the bottom of the river: the San Simón Cove.
-
Visit the Meirande Museum, about the Battle of Rande.
-
Take the boat from the Museum to the San Simón archipelago and explore San Simón and San Antón.
-
In Arcade, walk the path that goes from the dock to Pontesampaio.
- * On the islands you can take different tours. It is a natural paradise, and the boat trip is already a stroll in itself. (There is no village). The most recommended route is the one that takes you to the Lighthouse. If it’s a sunny day, it's essential to do it early, bring sunscreen and a hat.
Day 3
-
Start in Hío, where you will find one of the most original cruceiros in Galicia.
-
Head towards Donón**. If the weather is still good for walking, you can climb up to Facho, where besides a fort and an archaeological site, you will enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the Rias Baixas.
-
Enjoy the trail that connects the 3 lighthouses of Cabo Home.
What to eat?
We focus especially on the products from the river. In Arcade, oysters are famous, which are also served very fresh on Pescadería street in Vigo. In Redondela, the specialty is choco. The most common way to eat it is in pie. This Galician specialty, the pie, can be filled, besides chocos, with any other seafood or meat: the classics are tuna or meat, but they also make them with octopus, zamburiñas, xoubas, etc.
Practical information
- To visit the Cíes Islands, it is necessary to obtain a prior permit. It is important to do this in advance during the high season, as spots tend to fill up. Get it here.
- There are two companies that provide transportation to Cíes from Baiona, Vigo, and Cangas: Mar de Ons and Piratas de Nabia.
- If you are driving, you can leave your car parked at Vigo the Castro, very close to the Old Town (although you will have to walk uphill to retrieve it) or in the parking lot of the A Laxe Shopping Center (1 hour free), or on Jacinto Benavente Street.
- There are public restrooms in the A Laxe Shopping Center.
The best experience
"Sailing to the Cíes Islands. Sailing while feeling the breeze and the sun, enjoying the trip and the surroundings, to then fall in love with this natural paradise."
GABRIELA GARCIA
Travel Blogger
The best accommodation