Vigo, the Gateway to Atlantic, is all set to welcome
you in wonderful surroundings, which are totally influenced by its
water reforms, landscapes and friendly atmosphere. Travelling in Vigo
is just like exploring heaven with your own eyes. With its ideal
location expanding around the Ria de Vigo (Bay of Vigo), you can sit
back and pamper yourself. It is truly an amazing city, which is a great
combination of ancient history, beautiful beaches and a modern
cosmopolitan outlook. It is one of the largest cities of Spain,
inhabited by thousands of people extending the metropolitan
population of the city.
Top 10 Vigo Landmarks
Islas Cíes:
The Islas Cies, which
is also known as the Cies Islands are a cluster of islands, situated
away from the coast of Pontevedra in Galicia, Spain. These islands
were declared natural reserve in 1980 as well added in the Atlantic
Islands of Galicia National Park. The islands consist of a nudist
beach and famous camping area, but the tourists have to take
permission of the Vigo port authority if they are interested in
tenting, sailing, anchoring or skin diving in the Cies Islands.
 |
| Cies Islands |
Museo de Arte Contemporanea:
The
Museo de Arte Contemporanea also known as the Museum of Contemporary
Art Vigo (MARO) is located at the Prince Street. The museum is a
unique example for those involved in the study of historical
heritage. On the 22nd of October 2002, MARCO was
inaugurated by representatives of Vigo City council, the banking
entity Caixanova, the Xunta de Galicia (Galician autonomous
government) and the County Council of Pontevedra. This group has
created MARCO Foundation, a legal body under the jurisdiction
(auspices) of the Foundation Services of the Xunta de Galicia to
direct and finance the museum's activities. On 11th of
January 2006, the Spanish Ministry of Culture extended helping hands
to the Museum of Contemporary Art of Vigo.
Playa Samil Beach:
The Playa
Samil, the largest beach of Vigo, is famous as the Samil Beach. To
west end, it is covered by the mouth of the Lagares River while the
Cies Islands provide an exquisite background against the white
bleached sand of the beach. The 1700 metres long beach is well
connected to the urban public transport with special privilege for
physically disabled. It offers leisure facilities such as public
swimming pools, garden areas, basketball courts, tennis and paddle
courts, a skating rink and terraces. Other services include catering
premises, clubs and cafés.
Berbés Quarter:
The Berbés
Quarter came into existence as a small fishing village near the sea,
but with time it spread more in the direction of the mountain. At
present, it stands like the vestiges of fishing quarter with
narrow-fronted houses and arcades where a long time ago fish were
sold. However, a number of taverns and the Stone market are kept
back in their usual state so that these places offer tasty seafood
to the visitors.
 |
| Berbés Quarter: |
Porta do Sol:
The Porta do Sol is
a shopping cum historical centre conquered by O Sereo and it is the
work of the Francisco sculptor Leiro. In 1896, the construction of
the Elduayen Street, which lies between the Porta do Sol and the
Paseo de Alfonso XII led to the destruction of several parts. This
resulted to the reconstruction of middle-class buildings and the
division of the old walled town into two parts. The Porta do Sol
includes a cast-iron figure on the top of two columns, which
resemble like an imaginary figure that is a hybrid of fish and man
looking out to sea.
Museo del Mar de Galicia - Galicia Marine
Museum:
The Museco del Mar de Galicia is a modern museum
extending in vast outdoor areas surrounded by a wall and the
Atlantic Ocean. The museum offers a vision of both past and present
fishing as well as it highlights marine life of Galicia with a
number of demonstrations. The Galicia Marine Museum puts light on
marine ecosystems and their biodiversity that helps understand the
importance of sea. Also it consists of a small lighthouse where you
find an incredible view of the Ria of Vigo.
Castro fortress:
In 1665, the
Castro Fortress was constructed to protect the city from continuous
attacks by the British Navy. During that time, the Castro, the San
Sebastian Fortress and the city wall were a strong defensive system
of the city. This defensive system was not very much effective
because it couldn't stop hostile interventions. At present, the
fortress has become a famous tourist attraction because of beautiful
gardens, open spaces and superb views.
 |
| Castro fortress: |
Santa María Collegiate Church:
The
Santa María collegiate church is the city's most popular church
situated in Vigo's old town. It is dedicated to the Cristo de la
Victoria (the Christ of Victory) dating back to the Middle Age. It
was demolished and rebuilt in the 19th century, where the
construction is visible even these days. The cornerstone was set in
1816, and the works were not completed until 1836. The church has
three barrel vaulted naves, wherein the outside naves are narrow
while the central one is wide. These naves are separated by the
twelve Doric columns offering a great view.
Verbum, Casa das Palabras:
The
Verbum, Casa das Palabras was designed by Cesar Portela, the
Galician architect. It is an interactive museum situated opposite to
the sea of the Samil beach. The museum is divided into four floors
as semi basement, ground floor, first floor and terrace. All floors
are unified by a light box, which relates to each other uniformly.
Also, the stairs and lifts of museum are kept in the light box
structure. The museum is thematically based on four general subjects
such as languages, sciences, literature and technology.
Parque del Castro:
The Parquet del
Castro is an inner city park situated in the centre of the city. The
park consists of a large stone cross, a monument and the ruins of a
pre-Roman settlement. Because of its position onto hilltop, the park
offers a spectacular view of the city. Many visitors get attracted
to its sandy paths, palm trees, mossy embankments and stone benches.
It has a small section, which comprises the remains of a great fort
known as the San Sebastian. The park is an ideal destination for
those interested in spending a few times away from the busy life and
traffic of the city.
Top Bars
La Iguana Club:
The La Iguana
Club is a famous in Vigo. It is a focal point for those interested
in fun, party and entertainment. The club is an eye candy, where you
get full entertainment by several bands of different genres. It has
an amazing atmosphere with a special experience of lively nightlife.
Go there for lots of cocktails, wines and beers.
20th
Century Rock:
The 20th Century Rock is a
wonderful American bar with mind boggling interiors. The bar has a
structure of old tram and a car where you can sit and enjoy. The
disciplined staff offers a warm welcome to visitors. This place is a
stopover for navy ships. For a complete night out, you must visit
the place on Fridays and Saturdays.
Detras Do Marco:
The Detras Do
Marco is a bit different from a usual bar. It is an art bar whose
walls and interiors have dedicated to the works of art. It is an
ideal place for those interested in get-together and reunions. Also,
the bar organises photographic exhibitions, creative workshops and
animation shows and offers a dynamic atmosphere where you can learn
plenty of things.
Top Vigo FAQs
Q.1) Where is Vigo located?
Ans: Vigo is located at the Ria of
the Vigo on the Atlantic Ocean. It incorporates the 14th
largest metropolitan area of Spain.
Q.2) What is the population of
Vigo?
Ans: The population of Vigo is
297,332 as estimated on 2009 with a density of 2,725.3/km2.
Q.3) What is the time zone of
Vigo?
Ans: Vigo follows CET (UTC+1)
while in summer (DTS) time zone is CEST (UTC+2).
Q.4) How much is the area of Vigo?
Ans: The total area of Vigo is
109.1 km2.
Q.5) What is the postal code and
area code of Vigo?
Ans: The postal code and area
codes of Vigo are 36201-36216 and +34 986 respectively.
Q.6) What are the languages spoken
in Vigo?
Ans: As per 2008 data 57% of the
population speak Galician, 43% speak Spanish.
Q.7) How is the climate in Vigo?
Ans: Vigo enjoys oceanic climate
where summer is warmer (and drier), but winter tends to be milder.
The average annual temperature in Vigo is 15°C.
Q.8) What are the main sights to
watch in Vigo?
Ans: The main sights to watch in
Vigo include the Casco Vello (historic centre), the Porta do Sol,
the Policarpo Sanz, the Alameda area (modern centre), the Príncipe
and Urzaiz Streets (commercial area), the Celtic Castro ruins and
the Castro fortress.
Q.9) What are the name of famous
newspapers of Vigo?
Ans: The Faro de Vigo is the
oldest newspaper in Spain, which is still in circulation and another
is the Atlántico Diario.
Q.10) What is the currency of
Vigo?
Ans: The currency of Vigo is EURO.
Q.11) What is the Latin word of
Vigo?
Ans: The name Vigo has been
derived from Latin word 'vicus'.
Q.12) What are the important
phrases used in Vigo?
Ans: Important phrases used in
Vigo
YES: si.
NO: no.
HELLO: hola.
GOOD BYE: adios.
GOOD MORNING:
buenos días.
GOOD AFTERNOON:
buenas tardes.
GOOD NIGHT: buenas
noches.
PLEASE: por favor.
SORRY: lo siento.
THANK YOU: gracias.
DOCTOR: médico.
PHARMACY: farmacia.
Q.13) What are the common words
used in Vigo?
Ans: The common words in Vigo
BIG/SMALL:
grande/pequeño.
HOT/COLD:
caliente/frío.
OPEN/CLOSED:
abierto/cerrado.
GOOD/BAD:
bueno/malo.
NEW/OLD:
nuevo/viejo.
PUSH/PULL:
empujar/tirar.
ENTRANCE/EXIT:
entrada/salida.
LADIES/GENTLEMEN:
señoras/señores.
FAR/NEAR:
lejos/cerca.
LEFT/RIGHT:
izquierda/derecha.
TAXI: taxi.
BUS: autobús.
BREAKFAST:
desayuno.
LUNCH: comida.
DINNER: cena.
MENU: menú.
WINES: vinos.
DESSERT: postre.
THE BILL: la cuenta.
Q.14) What are emergency numbers
in Vigo?
Ans: Emergency Numbers:
Q.15) Which religion is mainly
followed in Vigo?
Ans: Like other Galicia cities,
Vigo also follows mainly Catholic religion.
Q.16) What is the electric current
voltage in Vigo?
Ans: The electric current in Vigo
is 220V, 50 Hz.
Q.17) What are the visa
requirements in Vigo?
Ans: For Vigo visa requirements,
you can visit
visa
requirements page. This will provide detailed information that
you might be looking for.
Getting Around in Vigo
Vigo stays in a visual percept because of its
outstanding beaches, waterfronts and landscapes. The city is famous
for beautiful gardens, parks, beaches and historical sites.
Travelling in Vigo is easy if you have detailed information about
the different modes of transportation. The city has a
well-maintained public transport network, which includes taxis,
local buses and passenger boats. Many tourists also like to walk
around the city. The city is served by Vigo-Peinador Airport where
flights to London, Paris and Brussels are often available for the
passengers. Most of the tourists also like to travel by a ferry,
which operates between the Port of Vigo and the Cíes Islands, part
of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. The city is
walking on the path of progress with a huge reformation in the modes
of transportation, especially after the establishment of the AVE
train station.
Bus System
Because of ongoing development, Vigo is stepping
forward on the path of progress. It provides well-resourced means of
the public transport service operated by the Vitrasa (Viguesa de
Tranportes S.A.) since 1968. Bus system incorporates over 40
different bus routes that link to different locations right through
the city. The company includes a fleet of 116 buses that connect to
neighbourhoods and other municipality parishes. Special rebates are
offered to travellers, but bus system runs from six in the morning
until eleven in the evening. It has limited hours of working on
weekends and holidays. The Green Card has an e-payment option which
is inexpensive too. However, this kind of facility is provided to
pensioners, school and university students.
Taxis
Taxi is a great alternative for those who don't
want to travel by buses. One big advantage of taxi is that you have
your own privacy. Exploring different sites, places and spots by
taxis offer a unique experience where you are free to move anywhere
in the city. There are three main Vigo taxi companies, which offer
telephone service as well as you can hire one at the taxi stand.
Some taxi stands are 72 Avenida Balaídos, 1 Castrelos, 25 Gran Vía,
106 Torrecedeira, Grove, 5 Praza Suárez Llanos and Urzaiz.
Rail
Travelling by trains is entirely a unique
experience, where you have ample options to cover distance places in
less time. Vigo-Guixar railway station, a new railway station in
Vigo, is ready to handle millions of passengers. Vigo is connected
by rail routes to different neighbouring cities.
Car Rental
Rent a car in Vigo to explore the city as per your
convenience. Contact a car hire company that can offer you a
different range of cars. Depending on your requirements, you can
either hire a luxurious car or prefer to select a spacious one, which
can accommodate everybody on a trip. Go anywhere such as beaches,
churches and drive near the coastline. Experience the city in
entirely new ways. Carry your international license, a map and guide,
wherever you go. Get familiar with the city traffic rules and streets
if you are interested in driving a car in the city.
