Vigo, Galicia

Vigo is Galicia's largest and most populated conurbation with no less than 300, 000 inhabitants currently living in the city. When the greater municipality of Vigo (covering about 110 kilometres square) is included, this figure swells to around half a million people.

Despite these facts and Vigo's status as Galicia's economic powerhouse, the city is neither a regional or provincial capital. The latter falls to Pontevedra and the former to Santiago de Compostela.

Vigo's location sees it expanding around the ria de Vigo (bay of Vigo) and initially the most noticeable features of this location are, the motorway (on which you travel) as it arcs its way around, and often above the city, and the massive port side developments.

Vigo is a vast city, but it is a clean and in parts very striking one. It is also a location that is attracting an increasing number of tourists with its mix of history, beautiful beaches and a modern cosmopolitan outlook.

Getting to Vigo

Because of its massive port and economic importance, Vigo is easily reached from anywhere in Galicia and indeed most of the major cities of Spain. Main highways connect Vigo to Santiago, la Coruna, Pontevedra and Madrid and a railway station and rapidly expanding international airport ("Peinador") add further travel options. This airport now attracts some of the budget airlines and more are destined to use it in the near future.

Vigo's port is considered to be the best in Galicia and recent years have seen it established as a departure point for cruise liners touring the Atlantic coast of Europe. The port includes a large marina and has one of Spain's most exclusive yacht clubs, but on a less grandiose scale, tourist can also take sightseeing trips down the ria.