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vigo located in the northwest and is part of the province of Pontevedra, which is part of the autonomous region. In the country, the city is known as the center of shipping and the fishing industry. In addition, several large enterprises are located here, including the world-famous Peugeot Citroen automobile plant. Externally, Vigo resembles a typical seaport with a whole scattering of similar houses, streets and avenues. There are many interesting architectural objects, original sculptural compositions, museums, educational institutions and ancient churches, elegantly complementing the appearance of the city.

Tourism

Tourism also plays a significant role in the economic well-being of Vigo. Every year thousands of visitors from different regions of Spain and other countries come here to admire the historical monuments and architectural sights of a part of Galicia, as well as have a great time on the chic sandy beaches stretching on the island coast of the Islas Cies archipelago, located in Vigo Bay.

general information

The urban area is just under 110 km2. The population is about 300,000 people. The local time behind Moscow for 2 hours. Telephone code (+34) 986.

A brief excursion into history

The first settlement on these lands was founded by the Romans back in the 2nd century BC, and in the Middle Ages the city was a small village, often subjected to pirate raids, as a result of which it was often rebuilt. Despite all the difficulties, Vigo, whose name probably comes from the Latin word "Vicus", which means "conqueror", developed relentlessly and rapidly approached its heyday. In 1529, King Charles V allowed the city to formalize trade relations with America, after which the status of the port center of Galicia increased significantly. The most important historical event occurred in the local waters at the beginning of the 18th century. During the years of the War of the Spanish Succession, in the bay of Vigo, on October 23, 1702, a legendary naval battle took place between the combined Anglo-Dutch and Franco-Spanish flotillas. Spanish ships loaded with gold and jewels from America, along with the French allies, were defeated, thus enriching the British treasury to a large extent. However, during the naval battle, several ships were sunk along with their cargo. Since then, legends have been circulating in Galicia about fabulous riches lying at the bottom of Vigo Bay.

Climate

The city has a temperate mild climate, which is significantly influenced by the surrounding mountain ranges. Thus, the winter here is consistently warm with an average air temperature of +9 degrees. In the summer, unlike most Spanish coastal resorts, the thermometer rarely reaches +30, mainly limited to +20 - +22 degrees. It often rains in autumn and spring, so it is best to visit Vigo from the second half of May to August, when it is always sunny and warm.

How to get there

International Airport de Peinador is located just 8 km from the city limits and receives direct flights from many cities around the world, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. In addition, the city has Train Station, which has regular communication with the settlements of Galicia and other regions of Spain.

Transport

The bus network is well developed, which is quite natural, given the excellent express suburban highways and good roads within Vigo itself. The local port is considered the largest in the country and the fourth largest in the world. It serves dozens of ships daily, including cruise ships, arriving here from neighboring Portugal and making world travel. Passengers are boarded here on ferries and motor ships departing for various sea excursions of a local nature.

Beaches

lovers beach holiday come to the city to visit the famous sandy beaches of the island Ilha Norte, which is part of the picturesque Islas Cies archipelago. They are well equipped and, according to international statistical surveys, represent the top ten the best beaches planets. In addition to excellent conditions for recreation, the archipelago has a large number of birds nesting in the crowns of the bright green foliage of tall trees.

Attractions and entertainment

Among the architectural sights of Vigo stand out the cathedral Church of Santa Maria, built in neoclassical style, ancient kastro fortress with observation tower, unique suspension bridge Ponte de Rande, thrown across the bay, an exquisite theater building Garcia Barbon and Quinones de Leon Castle Museum. Near the fortress of Kastro is located archaeological park with a few surviving fragments of buildings from the Roman era. In the Berbes quarter, it is worth admiring the old buildings and narrow cobbled streets, which have preserved the unique atmosphere of the Middle Ages. A walk along the “Oyster Road”, which goes around the bay, is accompanied by a tour of the places provided for growing oysters. In the port area of ​​​​Puerto Pesquero, those who wish can watch the fishermen returning from the sea and carrying a rich catch of fish on their ships.

For children and true connoisseurs of the animal world, the city zoo, which covers an area of ​​45,000 square meters, is of great interest. meters. For those who do not sleep, Vigo offers a rich nightlife program with visits to numerous discos on Teofilo Llorente or Real streets.

Kitchen

Most hotels, restaurants, shops and shopping centers are located in the central part of the city. The best culinary establishments are located on Villavicencio, Teofilo Llorente and Real streets. The menu is dominated by dishes using squid, mussels, stuffed peppers, sardines and ham. Traditionally, a wide selection of drinks.

shopping

For shoppers, fashionable clothing complexes and a lot of souvenir shops are of interest here, whose assortment is predictably connected with the marine and fish theme. The cost of accommodation in city hotels is noticeably lower compared to the country's leading resorts.

The wonderful friendly atmosphere that prevails in Vigo is undoubtedly one of its main advantages, and the presence of interesting sights, beautiful landscapes and rich story these places make the fishing capital of Spain a very attractive tourist attraction.

Vigo is a Galician city located 30 km from the Portuguese border. Before heading here, it is advisable for tourists to look at the map of Spain in Russian and find Vigo in the northwest of the country.

The city was founded by the Romans in the II century. BC. In the Middle Ages it was a small village, but today Vigo is an important port and industrial city.

Note! Direct access to Vigo from Russia will not work due to the lack of direct flights. With transfers, you can fly here, for example, through Barcelona or Lisbon.

Weather and climate

The weather in Vigo in Spain is influenced by the oceanic climate. Winter ( average temperature+ 8-9 ° C) and spring are rainy, and in autumn it often falls up to 180 mm of precipitation per month. But before the rainy season, in September, you can still meet tourists sunbathing on the beaches.

Summer in Vigo is sunny and dry, but it is not hot here even in high season. The average summer temperature is +22-24°C. During this period, conditions are created for surfing, sailing, sea fishing.

Vigo on the map of Spain

Attractions Vigo

Significant places of Vigo Spain can be seen on map.

Self inspection

Attractions of Vigo, which are worth paying attention to during an independent inspection:

• Cathedral St. Mary: the facade is decorated with 2 baroque bell towers, mosaics adorn the walls, and the main altar of the cathedral is made in the Churrigueresque style;

Note! With tourist visits to the cathedral, it is advisable to come in between services (on weekdays - from 13:00 to 8 in the evening, and on weekends from 14:00 to 18:30).

• Castro Park: interesting is the Castro fortress, from the observation towers of which you can admire the city of Vigo, the port and the islands of Islas Cies. In addition, the park has Botanical Garden, in which a variety of plants grow, in particular, camellias, cedars and pines;
• Cable-stayed bridge Ponte de Rande: it connects the 2 shores of the bay. It is better to admire the bridge, the special charm of which is given by spectacular evening lighting, from the shore;
• Zoo: at the Vigo Zoo, the only one in Galicia, visitors will encounter kangaroos, chinchillas, zebras, panthers, mouflons, peacocks, emus, geese, storks (about 600 in total), and see more than 40 species of trees. And from the mountain on which the zoo is located, everyone will be able to admire the magnificent views of the surroundings;
• Quiñones de León Museum: The 29 rooms of the museum showcase art from the 18th to 20th centuries and European paintings from the 17th to 18th centuries. In the archaeological department (its location is an extension to the main building) you can see various objects found in Vigo and the surrounding area (their temporal belonging is the Paleolithic-Middle Ages). The entrance is free;
• Museum contemporary art: temporary exhibitions, conferences, lectures, film screenings, concerts and other events are held here. The museum has a hotel, a library and a restaurant. Entrance to the museum is free, and a guided tour for each visitor will cost 1 euro;
• Galician Museum of the Sea: visitors will see the lighthouse at museum complex, a real submarine and many models of ships, as well as the inhabitants of the aquarium (it is located in the museum's own dock). In addition, at their service - a museum tavern, parking, changing tables, a toilet, a souvenir shop. Entrance tickets cost 3 euros*/adults and 1.5 euros/students, pensioners and children 8-18 years old. Entrance only to the aquarium - 2 euros / regular and 1 euro / reduced ticket. In summer, the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 2 pm and from 5 to 8 pm.

What does Vigo look like from above in summer?

Note! Every day, from the Maritime Museum, those who wish can go on a 7-hour boat excursion along the coast, port and shipyards to the fishing village of Buzas. During a walk on a traditional boat, participants will learn a lot of interesting things about the life of the port from the guide.

• Islas Cies: these are 3 islands with beaches (the most famous is Rodas) and a conservation area in Vigo Bay, where gray herons, gulls and cormorants nest. You can get here by ferry. At the service of travelers - a supermarket, a camping area (to put up a tent, you need to get permission from the port of Vigo), a restaurant.

Since the archipelago has a limit on the number of visitors (no more than 2200 people / day), it is advisable to book a place on the ferry in advance.

Cies Islands

Tours in Vigo

Those who wish can go on a Galician tapas tour in Vigo: as part of the tour, tourists will visit a market, a bar near Santa Maria de Vigo (where they will taste a Galician pie, Spanish tortillas, etc.), as well as a tavern specializing in Galician wines (Wine and cheese tasting awaits them here). The last stop is the port area of ​​Vigo, where everyone can enjoy the taste of seafood and white wine D. O. Rias Baixas.

Vigo beaches

In total, there are about 45 beaches in Vigo and its environs. Tourists will be interested in the following places:

• Playa dea Punta: is the smallest urban beach covered with white fine sand. Its length is only 50 m, and its width is 8 m. There is a shower, a small parking lot, a rescue point;
• Playa Bouzas: this beach is suitable for family vacation and full of entertainment: here you can go fishing, rent a boat, ride a bike along the promenade, spend time on the sports ground located next to the beach;
• Playa de A Fontaina: it is a quiet and secluded beach (280 m long and 40 m wide), sheltered from the wind and ideal for families. The water here is surprisingly clean, and the sand is white;

Note! To prevent vacationers from burning their feet with hot sand, there are wooden footbridges on Playa de A Fontaina. In addition, there are 2 showers and there are numerous bars in the area.

• Playa del Vao: on this beach focused on youth recreation You can windsurf or play football. It is equipped with showers, bar, parking, football field;
• Playa Baluarte: This is a quiet place with clear water and white sand, often chosen by nudists. Nearby is a bar with refreshing drinks;
• Playa de Fortinon: this one beautiful beach, sheltered from the winds and awarded blue flag, reaches a length of 150 m, and a width of 30 m. The descent to it is carried out along a rather steep path framed by greenery. In summer, at the service of vacationers on Playa de Fortinon - a bar, a shower and a medical center;
• Playa Samil: A promenade lined with pine trees stretches along the 2 km swimming area.

Playa Samil beach

Samil Beach is equipped with sports grounds, changing cabins, showers, toilets, rental of sun loungers, umbrellas and water sports equipment.

Experienced travelers advise:

• Bring wicker baskets, leather goods, handmade ceramics from Vigo;
• Come to the fish market in the Barrio de Berbes area in the morning: you will be able to see and even participate in the auction there (the best seafood goes under the hammer at the market);
• Spend time on local beaches;
• Taste the best seafood in Vigo at the Meson do Marisco restaurant, as well as enjoy traditional and authentic Galician cuisine - at Alameda XXI.

What the Almeda XXI restaurant looks like inside

Vigo has a lot of interesting things in store for travelers: a holiday in this city will appeal to everyone who prefers to lay new routes instead of the beaten paths.

* Prices are valid for August 2018

According to the plan, we need to return the car in Santiago de Compostela, so we are moving in that direction, looking at castles and cities along the way.

The city of Ponferrada is a great find. All the roofs of the city are covered with gray stone. On the one hand, unusual, on the other - a little harsh. The city is notable for the Ponferrada Castle or Castillo de Los Templarios - this medieval fortress Templars. Coordinates .

The castle is in the shape of a polygon, it can be seen from the drone. Consists of two parts. On the top left is the small northern part, it is the oldest, built in the 12th century. Then it was completed and expanded. As you can see, the castle courtyard is empty. In the 19th century, as soon as they did not use it: they grazed cattle, arranged a football field. Now we have built a library and various administrative buildings. Entrance costs €3, but we got into the holiday for free.

A little about food. There are plenty of restaurants around to grab a bite to eat. I enclose the prices for the menu of the day. We had lunch for €9.50 at the hotel-casino near the cathedral square.

In the mountains not far from the road, the ruins of the Castillo de Cornatel castle were found (coordinates). The entrance to the castle is paid, but there is nothing to see there, except for a spectacular lookout at the mountains.

Las Medulas

An amazing find, the red canyons of Las Médulas. The coolest lookout is Mirador de Orellán (coordinates). Leave the car 5 minutes from the lookout, then on foot you can see a stunning view.

For €3 you can go to the cave. For free - walk for hours along the routes along the canyons. But the heat at 37 ° C was not conducive to a walk.

Monforte de Lemos

City from the category just brighten up the move. We stopped near Nosa Señora Da Antiga. iconic place for believers. Grandmothers, somehow walking, sewed from the service together with their children in orderly rows. See the building on the hill in the distance?

I was completely lazy, I flew there on a drone. Parador hotels are known for being in very steep beautiful places or in ancient buildings, sometimes in monasteries. This is the Parador de Monforte de Lemos. Room rate €110-150, look at .

I'm thinking of making an article with a selection of quiet hotels. Already met a dozen in different parts of Spain, and they are all amazing!

The kid is playing with the fountain.

The dog is on guard while the mistress reads a book in the park.

I love unusual bridges. The Millennium Bridge or Puente del Milenio found in the city of Orense (coordinates).

Village hotel Rectoral de Fofe for €49

We have a rule - check into the hotel before dark on the road. I don’t know why, but in most cases, when we settled in the dark, we had mishaps. In Thailand, when we arrived in the dark in the village of Pai, we simply did not find a hotel in the fields. In Serbia, in the dark, we missed a village and arrived at a neighboring one.

So today, as soon as the sun disappeared behind the mountains, adventures immediately awaited. Only with the help Google Maps found our hotel in the forest, but the doors were closed. We knocked, called the intercom, but no one answered the phone. By some miracle, Lena managed to see the hostess and wave to her.

The doors to heaven are open! The place is awesome! We settled in a wooden house. The door overlooked the garden, pool and mountain views. The hosts offered a homemade dinner. We had a great rest before the trip to Vigo. Look at the hotel .

In the morning we were accompanied by a sad goat or ram.

Castelo de Sobroso

Moving to the side west coast towards Vigo. They wanted to visit the Castelo de Sobroso fortress, but when they saw it from the side, the desire was gone. A small nondescript tower.

vigo

We came to have a glimpse of the port city of Vigo, the largest port city in Spain. Most of the fish are unloaded here. On a good note, lay a few days in this area. Go see the islands of the National Park Maritimo-Terrestre de las Islas Atlanticas de Galicia (Parque Nacional Marítimo-Terrestre de las Islas Atlánticas de Galicia).

Let's go back to the city. We passed the statue with horses several times.

We left the car in the parking lot near Castelo do Castro. Remains of the fortress nice park with fountains, and most importantly - a super view of the city! Coordinates .

From the observation platforms it is convenient to view the city, the bay and the islands.

The heat melts everything. The dog climbed into the fountain and does not want to leave. The owner begs her.

I can't say that I liked Vigo. An ordinary large city for life and work. Traffic jams are present.

The second point in the city is Parque de Castrelos. Nice city park. The park houses the Museo Municipal Quiñones de León. Behind the museum are the marvelous gardens of the Xardíns históricos do Pazo de Castrelos. Coordinates .

The trees are perfectly trimmed. Lots of walking paths. Ducks splash in small ponds. Come on, take a walk. By the way, the museum was closed.

Illa de Arousa

There were 2 days left before the flight home, a little did not fit into the plan. In order not to run like mad, we reduce the number of points to visit. There are many islands around Vigo great beaches. Some are included in national park and some are bridged and easily accessible. For example, the island of Arousa with park Natural de Carreiron. Coordinates .

We left the car in a paid parking lot for € 3, since all the roadsides were clogged with parked cars.

I measured the temperature of the water, 24°C. He undressed, put on swimming trunks, jumped into the water. I had to wade through the floating algae. O!!! The water is very invigorating. 24 degrees only in a thin upper layer near the coast. At foot level, the water is about 18°C. The skin burns from the cold. Let me remind you that this was at the end of June. The desire to swim has disappeared, although the beaches are beautiful.

Let's go see the park. It is located in the southern part of the island. There are many paths in the forest, all of which lead to stunning quiet bays with beaches. The park can be walked around in 2 hours.

Vigo is the most major city in the Spanish Autonomous Community of Galicia. It is located at the mouth of the Vigo River, among wooded hills, on the shores of the Gulf of the Atlantic Ocean. The shores of Vigo Bay are connected to each other by means of the famous suspension bridge Ponte de Rande. Nature itself took care of protecting these places: on the one hand, the city covers the sea and a group of islands, and on the other, mountain ranges. Currently, Vigo is considered the safest place on the coast during severe storms, it is here that small ships take shelter from bad weather.

• Area: 109 km²;
• Timezone: UTC+1, summer UTC+2;
• Population: 229,100.

A bit of history

For the first time the city was mentioned as a small fishing village in 1097. Over time, a favorable geographical location and the presence of a nearby bay suitable for navigation played a role and contributed to the creation of locality sea ​​port. Today, Vigo is home to the transatlantic sea ​​port and has its own ship repair and shipbuilding yards. On the this moment this is one of the main centers of shipbuilding and the main fishing center in Europe. In the port of the city there are warehouses of the fishing company - "Peskanova", which is the largest in the world. The importance of this port was confirmed by the opening in Vigo of the headquarters of the European Fisheries Control Agency.

general information

The city is quite crowded - the permanent population is about 300 thousand people - with a well-developed tourist infrastructure. Huge cruise ships moor here with a mass of travelers who are attracted by Islas Cies, located in the bay, belonging to National park Atlantic Islands Galicia. On an archipelago of more than 400 hectares, there are popular places rest with ideal sandy beaches, considered one of the best in the world, and a protected area where gray herons, cormorants and gulls build their nests. Islas Cies can be reached at any time of the day by tourist yacht or ferry; in the evening and at night, being in the protected area is prohibited.

Weather

The region enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with cool weather in the winter months and warm weather in the summer. December and January are considered the coldest - the air at this time warms up to an average of + 11 ... + 12⁰C. At the same time, the maximum amount of precipitation also occurs in these months. Summer in this area is dry and moderately warm, with maximum temperatures of +24…+26⁰C in July-August.

Thanks to the natural and climatic conditions, lovers of surfing and sailing come to Vigo. Also here are the official representative offices of large yacht clubs: Liceo Miritimo de Buzas and Real Club Notico de Vigo.

Transport

Getting to the city is not difficult - it has its own airport, serving both domestic and international flights, railway station and a developed network of intercity bus routes.

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Or plot your route.

What to watch

In addition to the famous islands of Islas Cies, there are other attractions in Vigo. Almost the entire city is represented by interesting and original modern buildings, combining different architectural styles and trends. Among other things, there are a lot of sculptures and statues made in both abstract and realistic styles: a composition of rearing bronze horses; "Monument to Labor", depicting heroically built fishermen pulling nets from the sea; business card cities - the sculpture "El Sireno" representing a man-fish and symbolizing the union of man and the sea.

Fans of ancient monuments and sights also have something to see. The ancient and medieval buildings of Vigo were destroyed by numerous fires arising from internecine wars, pirate raids, and various epidemics. The historical center of the city today is represented by the district of Casco Velho, formed in the 16th century, with narrow, winding and paved streets.

In the southern part of the city, on a hill 140 meters high, to protect and defend the city from the Portuguese troops, the Kastro fortress was built in the 17th century. It has reached our days in a dilapidated state and today it is surrounded by a beautiful park with lots of greenery, decorated with sculptures and fountains. So observation deck fortress, offers a stunning view of the bay and the surroundings of the city, almost every tourist takes memorable photos against this picturesque background.

The main cathedral of Vigo is the church of St. Mary. The first temple was erected in the 12th century, then the cathedral was rebuilt several times, and in 1809 it was completely dismantled due to a powder warehouse that exploded nearby. The new neoclassical church was built in 1838. It is this building of the 19th century that has survived to this day.

lovers cultural entertainment, can visit one of the museums available in Vigo: the Museum of the Sea, Ethnographical museum, "Verbum" - science museum, MARCO - Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Nature presenting interactive exhibitions and the castle-museum of Quiñones de Leon.

You can enjoy nature in largest park city ​​surrounding Art Museum, located in the building of the Quiñones de Leon castle. And on a hill about 240 meters high, there is the only zoo in all of Galicia, on a huge area of ​​\u200b\u200bwhich is home to about 600 animals.

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It is surrounded by wooded hills at the mouth of the Vigo River, at the entrance to the bay of the same name, whose banks are connected by the Ponte de Rande suspension bridge. Since ancient times, nature has provided protection for Vigo: on the one hand, the city is covered by the sea and a group of islands, and on the other, by mountains. Vigo remains the safest place on the local coast, where small boats can take shelter during storms that are frequent in these parts. The shores of Vigo - famous place parking of boats and yachts.

City `s history

The name of the city has Latin roots: in Latin, vicus means "village". In Gallic and Spanish, it sounds like "Bigot".
The city was founded by the Romans in the III century. BC e. like the settlement of Vicus Scaporum. In the era ancient rome it was one of the main ports of the Roman Empire in Atlantic Ocean. Little in today's Vigo reminds of those times: almost all the buildings of the Romans were destroyed during numerous wars and Viking raids.
In the Middle Ages, Vigo was in decline and was a small seaside village surrounded by more major cities. Only a few dozen people lived there.
In the XVI-XVII centuries. Vigo was repeatedly attacked and looted. The most catastrophic in their consequences were the raids of the English corsair Francis Drake (1540-1596). Twice, in 1585 and 1589, the pirates ravaged the city and burned it.
The inhabitants of Vigo bravely defended themselves (the defense detachments were organized by the union of local shipowners), and sometimes they managed to force the sea robbers to retreat. Impressed by the heroic qualities of the townspeople, the Spanish king even granted them the right to attack "enemy merchant ships" themselves, in other words, to rob the British and Dutch.
Subsequently, the city was attacked by ships of the Turkish squadron, and in 1617 by Algerian pirates. By that time, Vigo, having received privileges from the royal family, had become a strategically important Spanish port, and in order to protect it, in 1656, King Philip IV (1605-1665) ordered the erection of fortress walls, fragments of which have survived to this day.
On October 23, 1702, during the War of the Spanish Succession, the famous naval battle between the Anglo-Dutch troops and the French and Spanish fleets took place in Vigo Bay. The battle was called the "battle of Vigo Bay" (in Spanish - Batalha de Rande).
The British learned that there were Spanish galleons in the harbor, loaded with unheard of wealth: there were 3400 tons of silver alone, and another 200 tons of gold, silk, porcelain, pearls, spices ... The Spaniards managed to transport almost all the valuables inland, when the combined fleet of 30 English and 20 Dutch ships under the command of Sir George Rook (1650-1709) broke the log barriers that closed the entrance to the bay. Despite the fact that the Spaniards began to sink their galleons, several of them still went to the enemy. In memory of this event, a monument of three authentic huge anchors was erected in Vigo.
The geographical position of the port and resort of Vigo determines the mildness of the local climate: Vigo is protected from the winds from the Atlantic by the Snes Islands. On the coast near Vigo are some of the best beaches in Spain. The oldest part of the city in Europe is the port area of ​​Verbes, with its narrow medieval streets and arcades.
The city of Vigo developed rapidly in the XIX-XX centuries. It was constantly rebuilt, following the current architectural fashion, as a result of which the local layout seems disordered (this is unusual for other cities in Galicia). True, this does not deprive Vigo of beauty.
The transatlantic seaport is located here and there are shipbuilding and ship repair yards: this is one of the centers of European shipbuilding. In addition, Vigo is the first important fishing center not only in Spain, but throughout Europe. 2/5 of the tonnage of the country's fishing fleet is concentrated in the port and the base of the world's largest fishing company, Peskanov, is located. Vessels go to fish in the open sea, where sardines and tuna, lobsters and shellfish are found - the main raw materials of large fish canning factories. Based on the importance of Vigo as a fishing port, the European Community established the headquarters of the European Fisheries Control Agency here.
The obvious amenities of the Vigo Bay have also contributed to the transformation of the city into a center for water sports. Here are the residences of two large yacht clubs: Real Club Notico de Vigo and Liceo Miritimo de Buzas. The clubs have reinforced Vigo's reputation as "a yachtsman's paradise" with the Atlantic Week, Rias Bayas, Vila de Buzas and De Solitarios Dos regattas. Other popular events in the life of the city are the international cephalopod (octopus, squid, cuttlefish and nautilus) fishing championship and the De la Queimada festival.
Vigo made a special contribution to the culture of the whole of Spain after the fall of the dictatorship of Francisco Franco (1892-1975). In the 1980s in the city, the cultural movement Muvida viguesa was born, caused by the "air of freedom". The basis of the movement were local musical groups in the style of "punk" and " new wave". The local daily newspaper Faro de Vigo, the oldest publication in Spain, published since 1853, plays its role in preserving the special cultural atmosphere in Vigo.
Vigo Historic Center - Casco Velho ( Old city), which is located between the hill of O-Castro and Cape A-Lakse. This area was formed back in the 16th century, after all the former, medieval buildings were destroyed by pirates and fires. The streets here are narrow and winding, paved with paving stones.
Vigo is also interesting because the only zoo in Galicia is located here, which is home to about 600 species of animals.
The people love their city very much. Thousands of people who once lived or were born in it come here every year from different parts of the world on August 1. On this day, a feast is celebrated here dedicated to the "Crucifixion in the Apse" - the image of Christ de la Victoria ("Christ the Victorious"). Since 1680 it has been the symbol of Vigo. According to legend, the crucifixion was revealed to sailors in the open ocean, and the inhabitants of Vigo believe that it was thanks to him that the occupation of the city by Napoleonic troops did not last long, and Vigo then became the first liberated city in Spain.

general information

Location: northwestern Iberian Peninsula.

Administrative affiliation: Province of Pontevedra, Autonomous Region of Galicia, Spain.
Languages: Spanish, Galician.

Ethnic composition: Spaniards, Galicians.

Religion: Catholicism.

Currency unit: euro.
Largest river: Vigo.

Administrative-territorial division: 21 parokia (district).

Major airport: international Airport Vigo Peinador.

Numbers

Area: 109.06 km2.

Population: 297,355 (2012).
Population density: 2726.5 people / km 2.

Distance: 613 km from Madrid.

Climate and weather

Subtropical oceanic.

January average temperature: +8-9°С.

July average temperature: +19.4°С.

Average annual rainfall: 1909 mm.
Relative humidity: 70-80%.

Economy

Transport node.

Transatlantic seaport.
Industry: food (fish canning), shipbuilding, ship repair, automotive, chemical, aluminum.

Fishing.
Servant Orb: tourist, trade, transport.

Attractions

■ Natural: Cies Islands in Vigo Bay, Atlantic Islands National Park.
■ architectural: Old town, Barrio del Berbes fishing quarter, Castro fortress, Ponte de Rande suspension bridge, Garcia Barbón theater (1025), Squite de la Guia, squares: Royal, Spain, America, Solar Gate , Prince Street, Puerta del Sol, observation towers of Monte del Castro and Monte de la Guilla, Puerte Pesquero fishermen's port, San Sebastian castle, old city hall (Casa de culture Gallega - House of the Galician culture), A-Pedra quarter, Mercado de la Pedra market, Edificio Bonin ("House of Bonin", 1910), Edificio Mulder ("House of Mulder", 1910), Casa de Seta (Casa -de Arines, XV century), Casas de Manuel Barcena Franco ("Houses of Manuel Barcena Franco", 1879).
■ Cult: Church of San Salvador de Corusio (XII century), Church of Santa Maria de Castrelos (1216), Church of Santiago de Bemb Rive (XII-XIII centuries), Church of Santiago de Vigo (1896), Cathedral of Santa Maria de Vigo (19th century).
■ historical: historical Center Casco Velho, Three Anchors monument, Castro de Bigo (ruins of ancient Vigo), Fort Castro.
■ Cultural: Quinénes de Leon Castle Museum, City Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Maritime Museum.
■ Other: Zoo, Samil, Carril, Canido, Wao beaches.

Curious facts

■ The beach of Ilha Norte in Vigo Bay has been named one of the top ten beaches in the world by the British newspaper The Guardian.
■ The Islas Cies Archipelago (three islands in Vigo Bay with an area of ​​433 ha) - a protected area, nesting place for gulls, cormorants and gray herons.
■ The Museum of Modern Art in Vigo was formerly a prison and barracks.
■ The master hatters who have preserved the ancient traditions of making hats are called “sombrereiros” in Vigo.
■ Pirate Francis Drake, the Spaniards called El-Drak ("Dragon"). In Latin, the pirate's name was Franciscus Draco ("Francisco the Dragon"). AT English language the word Drake is translated as "drake", which is an obsolete form of the word "dragon".

■ After the “battle of Vigo Bay,” rumors spread that the Spaniards took out only part of the gold, and the British did not capture all of it. Like, countless treasures remained at the bottom. They were colorfully described in the novel "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" by the French science fiction writer Jules Berne (1828-1905). (While writing this work, the writer lived in the city hotel "Universal".) However, in reality, repeated attempts to raise mythical riches from the bottom of the bay did not produce any results.
■ The local newspaper Faro de Vigo is one of the 13 most important newspapers in Spain and is the undisputed leader of the Galician press.
■ Due to its convenient port, Vigo was one of the main points through which Nazi Germany sent military aid nationalists during civil war in Spain 1936-1939
■ After the "battle of Vigo Bay" one of the captured galleons with a precious cargo was heading for England, but ran into a reef and sank. From that part of the gold that the British nevertheless brought home, a batch of coins with the inscription "Vigo" was minted. Also in honor of the battle was named a street in the capital of Britain. A large consignment of snuff, brought among the trophies, was sold in London and gave rise to the English snuff fashion.
■ The Park of the Atlantic Islands is the only national park in Galicia.
■ The fishing village of Baiona is home to an ancient fortress and a replica of the Pinta caravel that Christopher Columbus took to Europe after the discovery of America.
■ Approximately 2500 years ago, the Celts lived in what is now Galicia, and the ruins of their buildings have survived to this day.