Vigo and the surrounding area are a great starting point for discovering some of the most interesting places in southern Galicia and the Rías Baixas. Fishing villages, historic quarters, fortresses, gardens and coastal landscapes offer plenty of possibilities, whether you are planning an excursion for a few hours or a full day exploring the area.
If you are spending a few days in Vigo and would like to discover more beyond the city, here are five destinations and some ideas to help you make the most of each visit.
1. Baiona: Walk Around Monte Boi by the Sea
Baiona combines historic heritage with a beautiful coastal setting. As well as exploring its historic quarter and visiting the harbour, one of the best ways to discover the area is by walking along the Paseo de Monte Boi.
This path, almost two kilometres long, follows much of the base of the Monterreal Fortress. Along the way, there are views towards the beaches of A Cuncheira, Os Frades and Barbeira, the Estelas and Cíes islands, Monteferro, Panxón and Praia América.
It is an easy way to combine a walk by the sea with a visit to the centre of Baiona.
Plan your visit: Baiona Town Council provides tourist information about the Paseo de Monte Boi and other places of interest in the municipality. Paseo de Monte Boi – Baiona Town Council
2. Combarro: Hórreos, Seafaring Houses and Routes Around Poio
Combarro is home to one of Galicia’s most recognisable examples of traditional architecture. Its historic centre, built predominantly in granite, is known for its traditional seafaring houses, stone crosses and hórreos, many of which stand right beside the water.
But your visit does not have to end in the village itself. Poio Tourism offers several routes for discovering more of the municipality.
One of them is the Padre Sarmiento Route, which covers approximately 12 kilometres through Poio and passes the Monastery of San Xoán de Poio, A Seca and Combarro’s historic centre before continuing along the coast.
For those who prefer a shorter walk, the Senda da Ostreira is a 1.8-kilometre return route along the Pontevedra estuary. Another option is the Ruta da Freixa, also 1.8 kilometres long, which passes through a riverside setting with nine watermills, seven of which have been restored.
Plan your visit: the official Poio Tourism website provides maps, walking routes and downloadable resources for discovering Combarro and the surrounding area. Walking routes – Poio Tourism and Poio Tourism guides and maps
3. Castelo de Soutomaior: History, Gardens and Camellias
Castelo de Soutomaior combines heritage, history and nature in a single visit.
The fortress retains medieval features alongside later transformations that gave parts of the building a more palatial character. Outside are its historic gardens, with an extensive botanical collection that includes more than 400 camellias and several trees recognised as outstanding specimens.
In addition to visiting the castle and gardens, there are several ways to discover the surrounding area. Castelo de Soutomaior itself forms part of the Rías Baixas Camellia Route and the Pedro Madruga Route, which connects different fortresses and places associated with this historic figure.
The site also offers different types of visits, so it is advisable to check opening times and available options beforehand.
Plan your visit: the official Castelo de Soutomaior website provides information about visits, gardens, routes, opening times and tickets. Visit Castelo de Soutomaior and Castelo de Soutomaior routes
4. O Grove and A Toxa: Explore the Coast at Your Own Pace
O Grove is a good choice for spending a full day on the Rías Baixas coast. Its landscapes, beaches, seafaring tradition and proximity to A Toxa make it possible to combine several different experiences in one visit.
For those who enjoy walking, O Grove’s tourism website features several hiking routes.
The Adro Vello route, PR-G 115, is a linear 3.1-kilometre trail combining heritage and coastal scenery, passing small coves and features associated with the area’s maritime history.
A much longer alternative is the O Grove stage of the Padre Sarmiento Route: a circular itinerary of around 29 kilometres that takes in much of the peninsula and passes places such as Adro Vello, A Bodeira and the Salgadeiras de Moreiras.
On A Toxa, you can also follow a self-guided historical route to discover some of the buildings and landmarks associated with the island’s spa heritage.
Plan your visit: O Grove’s tourist information service provides hiking routes and self-guided itineraries to help you plan your visit in advance. O Grove hiking routes and A Toxa self-guided historical route
5. Tui: A Historic City on the River Miño
Tui offers something quite different from the coastal destinations. Its historic quarter preserves the layout of a medieval city rising from the banks of the River Miño towards the Cathedral of Santa María.
A visit can begin by exploring its historic streets and squares before spending some time at the Cathedral, one of the city’s most important monuments.
For a closer look at this heritage, there is a digital historical route that allows visitors to explore the historic quarter independently.
Tui also has a self-guided Jewish Route. The itinerary begins at Plaza de la Inmaculada and uses signs and QR codes to discover places associated with the city’s Jewish and converso heritage, including Casa de Salomón and features preserved around the Cathedral.
For those interested in planning the Camino de Santiago with Air Taxi Vigo, the Portuguese Camino passes through Tui’s historic quarter after entering Galicia via the old International Bridge connecting the city with Valença.
Plan your visit: the Tui Town Council tourism website provides information about the historic quarter, the Cathedral, the Portuguese Camino and different routes around the city. Tui historical route and Jewish Route – Tui Town Council
Five Destinations, Many Ways to Discover Galicia
Baiona, Combarro, Soutomaior, O Grove and Tui offer very different excursions from Vigo. You can spend a few hours walking by the sea, explore a historic quarter, visit a castle or set aside a full day to discover different parts of the Rías Baixas.
Before setting off, it is advisable to check the official tourism websites for each destination for up-to-date information on routes, access, opening times and visiting conditions.
If you would like to organise your journeys without relying on public transport timetables, Air Taxi Vigo allows you to adapt your itinerary to the time you have available and the places you want to visit.
Air Taxi Vigo provides private transfers from Vigo and Redondela to destinations throughout Galicia and northern Portugal, with personalised service available 24 hours a day.
Discover Galicia at your own pace. BOOK YOUR JOURNEY WITH AIR TAXI VIGO!
