Tourists and cruise passengers stepping off their ship at the Vigo cruise port will soon see why Vigo Port is an excellent stop off point. Vigo is a large city located in the province of Pontevedra in Galicia, Spain. The largest fishing port in Europe is in Vigo, making it the perfect place to get some delicious fresh fish and seafood.
Vigo Port is on the Atlantic coast and the perfect vacation spot if you’re a beach lover. You’ll find some excellent beaches to soak up the sun or get in a little swimming. Alcabre, Samil or Canido are three very popular beaches you’ll enjoy on those hot days.
Whether you’re ordering a drink with your meal or out for the evening, expect to see Queimada on the menu; as it is the traditional alcoholic beverage of Galicia. Queimada is a type of punch made from Galician aguardiente and flavored with herbs, coffee beans, lemon peel, sugar and cinnamon. Traditionally, it was used to cast a spell since it was believed to possess special powers.
Shopping
Shopping is a real treat in Vigo and offered through a variety of different stores and shops. Most of the stores (as well as restaurants) accept major credit cards. When you pay for your goods or meals, keep in mind a Value-Added Tax will be added to your bill.
You’ll find many amazing shops in Vigo offering leatherwork, furniture, tablecloths, pottery, handicrafts and more. The stores offer long hours because many of the larger stores or tourist shops are closed during siesta. Although many cities in Spain have shops that encourage bartering; Vigo is not one of them. The price that is listed is what you should expect to pay.
Things to See
Upon arrival at your Vigo port you will immediately begin experiencing Galician culture and fun. A drive along the coastline is a wonderful way to start.
The beauty of the scenic coastline along with the historical sites will provide you with some excellent photos. Be sure to take a trip to La Toja where you’ll find a church covered with seashells--definitely something to write home about.
If you’re interested in seeing the Oyster Market, you can easily get to the fisherman’s area at El Berbes. Watching the fishermen and trying to get fresh fish at a good price is a highlight of a Vigo port of call.
If you’re into history and learning more about Vigo, you’ll want to see the ruins of Santa Maria de Dozo. Your children will learn some real historical facts they can take back to school with them. Old mansions with long flights of steps and twisted streets can be enjoyed if you pay a visit to the oldest part of the city.
Restaurants and Bars
Although you’ll find many excellent restaurants in Vigo, some of the best food can be found in the old cobbled section of town. Not only is the food delicious but it’s also very inexpensive. There’s also a section of town called “Bairro de Berbes”, where you’ll find many restaurants, tapa bars and some very delectable cuisine. It’s not unusual to see the waiters standing outside with the menus in hand trying to get the attention of people passing by.
A tapa bar is the best place to get an inexpensive yet tasty fresh seafood dish. You’ll find many varieties of seafood, particularly in delicacies, as octopus, oysters, grilled sardines or squid. Many of the bars and restaurants offer flan as their dessert, which is a version of egg custard. It’s also recommended that patrons drink bottled water. Albarino wine is offered with many meals and in many bars.