Four-day Fun Guide to Vigo, Spain
Explore the coastal charm of Vigo, Spain.
22 April 2023
Pablo Escudero
Spain Travel Writer
Vigo, Spain is a coastal city that offers tourists a unique blend of nature and culture. The city is home to popular attractions such as the Cíes Islands, Samil Beach, and the Castro Fortress. Visitors can also explore the historic Old Town, try traditional Galician cuisine, and participate in various water sports activities in the city's beautiful beaches.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information

- Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Junquera
- Stroll through the historic Casco Vello, with narrow alleyways and quaint squares
- Visit the Castro Fortress, a stunning 17th-century complex with ocean views
- Have a traditional seafood lunch at Casa Marco, where you can pick your own fish straight from the tank
- Visit Piedra Market, a bustling market with colorful stalls of fresh produce and artisan products
- Catch the sunset at Mirador do Castro, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the harbor
- Take a ferry to Cíes Islands, a natural reserve with clear blue lagoons and pristine beaches
- Go sunbathing and swimming at Playa de Rodas, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world
- Hike up to Faro do Peito, a lighthouse offering magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean and the islands
- Enjoy a picnic with local delicacies, such as octopus empanada and Albariño wine
- Return to Vigo and try some Galician-style grilled octopus at O Rei Pescador
- Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Zenit Vigo
- Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, a renowned institution showcasing works of Galician and international artists
- Take a guided tour of La Fábrica de Conservas Massó, a historic cannery turned into a cultural center
- Explore the Galician Center for Contemporary Art, a multidisciplinary space for visual arts, music, and literature
- Have a coffee break at Café Saveiro, a vintage café decorated with nautical memorabilia
- Watch a play or concert at Teatro Afundación Vigo, a modern theater with a varied program
- Drive to Rías Baixas, a scenic wine region famous for its Albariño grape and seafood specialties
- Visit a family-owned winery such as Pazo Baión or Terras Gauda, with guided tours and tastings
- Stop at A Illa de Arousa, a charming fishing village with local restaurants serving mussels, clams, and oysters
- Take a boat tour of Ría de Arousa, a tranquil estuary home to dolphins, seagulls, and other wildlife
- Head back to Vigo and savor some Galician-style tapas at Taberna Atlántica or O' Xantar de Pepe
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Vigo by plane is to fly into Vigo-Peinador airport, which has direct flights from major European cities like London and Paris. From there, it is a short taxi or bus ride to the city center.
Car
The best way to get to Vigo by car is to take the A-7 motorway from Madrid or the AP-9 from Santiago de Compostela. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours from Madrid and 1.5 hours from Santiago de Compostela.
Train
Unfortunately, there is no direct train to Vigo from outside of Spain. However, if you are already in Spain, you can take a train from Madrid to Vigo Guixar station. The journey takes approximately 7 hours.
Boat
The best way to get to Vigo by boat is to take a ferry from the nearby city of Cangas. The ferry journey takes approximately 20 minutes and tickets can be purchased on board or in advance online. The ferry arrives at Vigo's port, which is within walking distance of the city center.
Bus
The best way to get to Vigo by bus is to take an overnight bus from Madrid or Lisbon, which takes approximately 8-10 hours. The main bus station in Vigo is Vigo Bus Station, which is centrally located and easily accessible by taxi or public transport.