Vigo Things to Do

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At least I think it is a cathedral. Anyway, just up from the fish restaurants are two small squares which merge into each other, surrounded by old stone houses and a large church on one side. The first time I walked through this square, it was early, so quiet and empty. It was also a Sunday, and there was a big service going on inside the church, so I came back later that afternoon to have a quick look inside. I remember going inside, I remember coming out again and seeing a troupe of Galician bagpipe player entertaining the small band of tourists who had braved the rain...but i can't remember anything about the church, sorry! Opposite, however, was a stall selling all sorts of Galician bread and cakes, for me, a far bigger boon than any church interior...

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This area was marked on my map as the fish market, but it isn't exactly a market. there are a few stalls in the surrounding streets, but they sell anything but fish. The main focus of the area is the narrow street packed full of fish restaurants and old ladies selling oysters. it's lively, busy...and slightly touristy, as the cruise ship terminal is just a couple of minutes' walk from here.

The beach is the best thing about Vigo especially if you are taking young family, there is so much to do, there are swimming pools water shoot, football pitches, skating areas, basketball pitches, play parks and picnic areas. There are plenty of places to get food and drinks too. I have been numerous times to Vigo but the best month to go weather wise is definately July or August, nice and hot although you are still on the Atlantic coast so the sea water is cooler and very choppy which we had great fun in, waves can get quite high, the sand is lovely and generally very clean, this is where we spend most of our time.

A tall bronze sculpture of 5 horses going up a torrent by Juan Jose Oliveira.
It is in the centre of Plaza de Espana and is a tribute to the wild horses inhabiting Monte del Castro. Wild horses can still be found in the hills near Vigo.

Vigomar 2005 was held this year on September 9th to the 11th at the Port of Berbes where appproximately 30,000 people attended. There were about 30 tons of seafood to eat and 1200 bottles of wine (Alberino and Ribeiro) to drink. You could buy such wonderful delicacies such as nercoras, shrimp, percebes, squid, prawns, mussels, clams, pulpo, vierias and of course empanada.

While we all ate and drank, we were entertained by local folkloric bands and also enjoyed a band of gaitas, "Tromentelo".

It was a good time to taste all the wonderful fresh and savourful food that abounds in the waters around Galicia.

This is the 3rd succesful year of Vigomar and hopefully it will continue each year in the early part of September.

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Playa Samil is an urban type beach which is about 2km long. There is a small forrest of pine trees that seperate the beach from the road. In the summer it is packed with locals and Spanish tourists. It has all kinds of services such as restaurants, changing rooms, telelphones and you can even rent paddle boats. It's a great place to take a long walk or particpate in sports.

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"Quinones De Leon" has sheltered the towns art, archeology and history since 1937. The museum was built inside a 17th century "pazo" or Galician country house where nobles used to live.

The house was founded by Benito de Tavares, whose tombstone can be seen on the capel floor. The family crest presides the main facade of the country house. The family lived there throughout the 18th and 19th century. In the late 19th century, the Marquis de Alcedo and his son decidedto restore and expand the house turning the old country house into a beautiful aristocratic palace.

On the lower floor of the museum, severl rooms have been rebuit reproducing their old architecture. The majestic double staircase is perhaps the most outstanding piece preserved from the original parts of the building. The first and second floor are now halls in which one can follow the evolution of Galician art.

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 10:00-1:30 and 5:00-8:00
Wednesday: 10:00-8:00
Saturday: 5:00-8:00
Sunday: 10:00-1:30

You can visit the gardens at any time of the day.

To me, this sculpture represents Vigo, as if it was its symbol. I have always been fascinated by this beautiful piece, … It represents 5 horses climbing up a chain, and it is as "light" as 40 tons, and 18m high. This is a work of the sculpture Xoán Xosé Oliveira.

This bronze sculpture honours the wild horses that run across unspoilt Galicia, and it was created as a tribute to them. You can still find wild horses around Vigo's hills. Every year there is a ceremony in which these wild horses are marked - the curros (festivals) of Mougás and Torroña.