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Europe Spain Vigo Do & See Cíes Islands

Overview

Cíes Islands

The guide was updated: 2022-09-26

The Cíes Islands, just off the coast of Vigo, are home to one of the world's finest beaches (Rodas Beach), and are easily accessible by sea. Only 2,200 visitors per day are allowed on the islands, so do reserve your spot in advance if traveling during high season or at the weekends.

Useful Information

Website: www.turismodevigo.org/en/cies-islands

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Casco Vello (Old Town)

Casco Vello (Old Town)

In stark contrast to the modern part of the city and its industrial port area, the Casco Vello enchants with 19th-century architecture, narrow streets and charming squares of the old town. Casco Vello is an easy uphill hike from the port. Note that some businesses close on Sundays.

Castro Fortress

Castro Fortress

Vigo's Castro (Celtic era) archaeological site grants visitors a glimpse into what the Galician settlement of today once was (between roughly 2 BC and 3 AD). Guided tours of the Castro are organized Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-2pm & 4-6pm. Hike up the mountainside to take in the ancient city from afar.

Cíes Islands

Cíes Islands

The Cíes Islands, just off the coast of Vigo, are home to one of the world's finest beaches (Rodas Beach), and are easily accessible by sea. Only 2,200 visitors per day are allowed on the islands, so do reserve your spot in advance if traveling during high season or at the weekends.

Samil Beach

Samil Beach

Samil Beach (or Praia de Samil) is, perhaps, the finest stretch of sand in the area, easily accessible from downtown Vigo. Only 5km away from the city centre and with opportunities for dining and relaxation (including open-air kids' pools and beach facilities), the beach is an excellent choice for a day trip.

Castro Park

Castro Park

Make your way uphill to Parque do Castro via Camelias Street - although the climb is somewhat steep, the views over the Vigo estuary from here are simply unbeatable. The Castro de Vigo (dating back to the 3rd century BC) and Castello the Castro can both be visited en route.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum of Contemporary Art

Contained inside what was once built to become a public prison, the Vigo Museum of Contemporary Art is a local cultural center that boasts a regular rotation of exhibitions, showcasing various forms of artwork (from painting to modern design). There is no permanent exhibition, however, so do check what's on when you're in town.

Quiñones de León Museum

Quiñones de León Museum

Housed inside a former castle, and with splendid park grounds in its immediate surroundings, the Quiñones de León Museum is worth the short trip from central Vigo if only for its well-maintained French garden (some say, a miniature of the one in Versailles). The museum itself contains archaeological artefacts discovered in Vigo and surroundings.

Los Caballos Monument (The Horses)

Los Caballos Monument (The Horses)

Juan José Oliveira's 1991 creation will quite probably strike you as one unlike any other you've ever seen - the ensemble of horses ascending to the skies up a waterfall was partially inspired by the wild horses historically inhabiting the region.

Monte da Guía

Monte da Guía

Hike up to the top of Monte da Guía, northeast of the town, and take in the panoramic view of the city of Vigo and Ria de Vigo river, with the splendid Cies Islands looming in the background. There is a scenic little chapel at the hilltop. The hill is a half hour's walk from the Vigo Guixar station.

Parque de Castrelos

Parque de Castrelos

A pleasant urban park within easy reach from downtown Vigo, with a kids' entertainment area, basketball courts, and an open-air amphitheatre (hosting world-renowned celebrity musicians a few times per year) on its grounds. Climb to the top and see what remains of the Castro.

Castelo de San Sebastián

Castelo de San Sebastián

The crumblings ruins of what was once Vigo's strongest fortification date from 1656. Take in wonderful views of Vigo city, the bay, and Ceis islands from this unique vantage point.

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