Vigo – A sunny spot in the South of Spain

Why go?

Vigo is the principal city of Galicia in Southern Spain and one of Europe’s largest fishing ports. Built on the remains of an ancient fort and Roman settlement, its historic centre has a contemporary avant-garde vibe. The city is characterised by a series of bays known as the Rías Baixas, surrounded by green mountians and blessed with a mild climate all year round. Although Galicia is increasingly popular as a holiday destination, most tourists have been slow to catch on to Vigo’s charms, which means there is still much to discover in the city.

What to do?

Vigo’s old town, the Casco Vello, is a jumble of ancient buildings and alleyways which, in summer, erupt with weekly fiestas celebrating everything from bread to sardines.

The Sardine Fiesta takes place in August – as well as the Fiesta del man de maíz in the Cabral district, a gastronomic celebration of cornbread, and Valadares’ festival in praise of the octopus.

The central square, Praza da Constitición, buzzes with cafés, but the nearby streets are crowded with traditional crafts that hark back to the days of trading in Vigo – hat makers, basket weavers, fine lace makers, and countless tapas restaurants offering octopus a feira (with paprika, olive oil and salt) and filloas, small pancakes filled with honey, sugar, custard or jam.

 A stroll along the pretty Rua Real reveals some of the oldest buildings in Vigo, dating as far back as the 1600s, while a wander down Paseo de Alfonso XII brings you to an olive tree (the symbol of the city) and an open viewing balcony overlooking the old town. From here you have a view of the busy harbour, where boats head out to sea and fishermen haul in the catch.

Vigo holds one of its biggest festivals in July to celebrate summer solstice. The night of San Juan takes place on the 23 June with a huge bonfire in the historic O Berbés quarter of the city.

Make time to visit the Museo Quiñones de Léon – located in a grand 17th century palace 3km south of Vigo, surrounded by beautiful gardens, it contains more than 1,500 works of art, including paintings and sculptures.

Pack a picnic and head for the hills. There are several walks and forest trails in the surrounding countryside, where you might stumble archaeological remains and stone carvings while you’re finding a quiet spot to enjoy your picnic.

Where to stay?

The Hotel Puerta del Sol (www.alojamientosvigo.com) is popular because of its location on the central Praza da Constitutión. Guest rooms have terracotta walls and rustic wooden furniture, the perfect base for your explorations.

Hotel Zenit (www.zenithotels.com) is a beautiful historic building with great transport links to the city’s main sights. Inside, low-lit rooms come with sweeping views of the sea.

For something a little more glamorous, the avant garde Gran Hotel Nagari Boutique and Spa (www.granhotelnagari.com) has contemporary rooms with shiny leather furnishings. The bar serves tapas including sobrasada – paprika sausage – and patatas bravas – potatoes with spicy tomato sauce.

Where to eat and drink?

A restaurant on the aptly named Rúa Pescadería (fish market street) should be your first port of call for classic Spanish seafood. Alternatively, buy some fresh oysters from one of Vigo’s many street sellers and wash them down with some albariño wine.

The family-run El Mosquito (www.elmosquitovigo.com) is well worth a visit for the pickled mussels, octopus and the much-loved local speciality – Galician pie made with fish or meat. Try the Spanish rice chicken casserole at A Curuxa Taberna, a tapas bar in the old part of the city.

Gastranomes will love Maruja Limon (www.nove.biz/es/maruja-limon) where the talented head chef Rafael Centeno Moyer creates a veritable feast for the eyes and the palate. Try the fresh, marinated mackerel with strawberries and local vegetables and you’ll soon understand why this restaurant was awarded a Michelin star earlier this year.