Vigo Off The Beaten Path

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The Cies Islands are a cluster of uninhibated islands that act as a barrier protecting the Ria from violent winds and turns it into a natural safe harbour. They are made up of three main islands; Monteaguda, Monte Faro, and San Martino, along with small islets such as Agoeira, Vinos, Carabelos, and O Ruzo. They were declared a natural park in the 1980 and part of the Atlantic Isles Nature Reserve in 2002. The islands are a safe natural habitat for all types of flora and fauna.

The first human settlement is the "castro" on the slope of Monte Faro which dates back to the beginning of the Iron Age. The Romans also mentioned the Cies and settled there. In the Middle Ages they were visited by the Normans and in the 11th century the first communities of Benedicine hermits appeared. In the 16th century pirates landed on the islands. The continuous invasions left the isalnds abandoned from 1700 to the 19th century when the first lighthouse was built. All that remain on the island today is game wardens and a native.

What makes it a great tourist attraction is the fantastic beaches with their white sand which compliments the clear sparkling water that washes against the shore The Cies offer more then just beaches; you can walk along its paths that take you up to the lighthouse or do a little bird watching.

It is always better to call before planning your trip because the daily number of visitors is strictly limited. Tickets can be purchased at the desk of Mar de Ons Company at Vigo Firth Ferry Station. The journey takes about 45 minutes and follow's the western part of Vigo's firth.

Vigo is situated by the sea and that coastal area is so beautiful!! I would advise everybody to go out of the city and enjoy the fantastic beaches and coastline. Although it is bathed by the cold Atlantic Ocean, and weather is so uncertain, you may still find some hidden beaches which turn out to be a good choice as they seem to be sheltered from the wind and cold water.

As you leave Vigo towards Pontevedra you cross this bridge, which is suspend in the estuary of the river. You have amazing views over the river as well as over the hills. Too bad we can't just park the car in the middle of the bridge and fully enjoy the views and surrounding landscape.

Throughout the still river water there are some infrastructures, that I presume are some kind of appliances that are used to catch local fish or seafood.

Get a bus from Pontevedra to Combarro - bus to O Grove and you woll have to ask someone to tell you where to get off and then - walk towards the water and then - wow! Now a protected area. REALLY quaint and attractive old village right on the shore with horreos everywhere ( old grain storage stone edifices a bit like coffins - with legs to protect from rats). Only costs 145 pesetas on the bus!

The Bayona is only a short drive from Vigo and is a lovely harbour area. The picture is of the statue of King Alfonso IX who was the founder and is known as the protector of Bayona.

On a mountain above the ocean in Luarca you can visit this cemetery. It's one of those wonderful quiet places.