Why go to Vigo?
This beautiful old port town is famous for outstanding seafood
Vigo's steep hills can make walking around town a physical challenge
Nicknamed "the Green Spain," Vigo has no shortage of history, culture and beautiful scenery, including dozens of beaches
Vigo Cruise Port Facilities?
There is an information kiosk as you come off your ship and a tourist office just across the road from the port. Either will provide you with a map and information on local bus services, including tourist buses.
There's a large and interesting shopping mall right next to the cruise port which is worth browsing through on the way back to the ship after exploring Vigo's old quarter. It has some unusual jewelry and craft stores.
Good to Know?
Traffic is heavy as you cross the Avenida del Castillo from the port.
The fish market features well-stocked but rather pungent stalls.
The town contains steep hills and cobblestones -- wear sensible shoes with a good grip and take a walking pole/stick if necessary.
Be wary of rain showers -- they are why this part of Spain is so green. Take a small umbrella along just in case.
Getting Around?
On Foot: Given that Vigo is so hilly, if you're mobility-restricted, it is wise to take a taxi or bus up to El Castro citadel, which offers great sea views and a pleasant park area that includes the ruins of a pre-Roman settlement. After exploring the park's palm-lined sandy paths, you can enjoy a gentle downhill stroll back to your ship through the old city. The haul up to El Castro takes about 10 minutes by cab.
Don't want to go that far? Just head for old Vigo's historic main streets -- Calle Real and Triunfo -- or its four original squares; Plaza de Pedra, Plaza Almeida, Plaza Princesa or Plaza Constitucion. Lined with elegant buildings, these squares offer easy access to the maze of back alleys and steep stairways leading back to the marina. Princesa and Constitucion have many cafes with outside terraces, where you can take lunch or coffee al fresco and watch the city's life unfold.
By Bus: If time is at a premium, a hop-on, hop-off tourist bus tour of Vigo will show you the main sites, and you can explore on foot whenever you fancy (just leave time to get back to your ship). Buses leave from the tourist information center at the port and run roughly every two hours from 10 a.m. (Check current times inside.)
By Taxi: Taxis gather just outside the port gates, and all are metered (look for the green light, which signals they're free to pick up a fare).
By Car: The main railway station, Plaza de la Estacion, is a five-minute taxi ride away, and there is a Europcar outlet at the station -- though as a cruise visitor it's doubtful you'll have time to need it.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
The local currency is the euro. For updated currency-conversion figures, visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com.
There are plenty of banks with ATMs in Vigo, and most shops and restaurants take credit or debit card payments. Be aware that the city's streets are steep and, although the town is very close to the port, you might not want to waste valuable time ashore hunting for an ATM. Think ahead and get cash in advance of your port stop if possible.
Language?
Spanish, obviously -- and in this remarkably un-touristy part of Spain you will need a good phrase book or language app because few people speak English. In an emergency, dial 112, a free call from any phone to summon police, ambulance or fire services.
In some rural villages, even a phrase book won't be enough because people speak both Gallego (the local dialect) and Castilian (mainstream Spanish), or a confusing mix of the two.
