Vigo is the largest city in Galicia, and one of the most important fishing ports in Europe. Although its origins go back to Celtic and Roman times, Vigo was relatively small up until the 20th century.
At the end of March each year, the locals celebrate the liberation of Vigo from Napoleon's troops on 28 March 1809, known as the Reconquista. The festivities go on for several days.
When making your way into and out of Vigo, you might notice the official waymarking to be absent. Tip: try looking for arrows in shop windows instead.
What to see in Vigo
Concatedral-Basílica de Santa María de Vigo
Built between 1811 and 1836, the current building replaced an earlier medieval church that had been damaged over the centuries. It is best known for housing the Cristo de la Victoria, Vigo's patron image, which is carried in a popular annual procession on the first Sunday of August.
Next to the entrance stands an olive tree, recalling the legendary tree that once grew in the church's atrium. The original became the symbol of Vigo, earning the city its nickname "olive city" (ciudad olívica), while the present tree was planted in 2016 to restore this historic connection.
Where to stay in Vigo
