We are in Vigo for five nights - it's the big smoke for us after weeks in tiny fishing villages. Vigo has a population of around 300,000. It has a long maritime history and is a massive fishing port. More recently the car manufacturing industry plays a big role in the local economy and this is where the port comes in handy...to ship the cars across Europe. However we had to walk up the coast to get to Vigo - venga - let's go!
The weather forecast was for clear skies and 27°C by 2pm, it was going to be hot, hot, hot so we set off early. Lovely walking along coastal paths that dipped in and out of 'blink and you'll miss it' settlements. So many pretty little coves and bays largely deserted. The sand on the beaches here is soft, golden sand and the water really clear and clean.
As we got closer to the big smoke we passed what would have been substantial country houses and castles. The beaches became much more crowded too.
I poked my head through the entrance to a grand old country house, its now a fancy schmancy cafe/hotel and it looked spectacular. It had scallop shell decorations carved into the marble so must be historically linked to The Way of St James.
The way was fairly well marked - just look for the yellow arrows on walls, posts, and pavements and you won't get lost. Muchas Gracias to all the yellow arrows painters.
As we came into Vigo outskirts we followed a lovely boardwalk along a small inlet.
It was super hot so a refreshment stop was required 🙂
Of course there's always a fabulous church/chapel/monestary to cool off in and to admire the beautiful craftsmanship that is now preserved for history.
After doing the necessary hand washing and a good night's sleep we set off to explore the port and old town of Vigo.
The old town is full of twisty/turny little lanes with fantastic old buildings. You can just follow your nose, turn a corner and pop out into a magnificent plaza and there is so much public sculpture, it's wonderful.
Being on the Galician coast, Vigo is a town that is blessed with beautiful green trees and gardens thanks to the rainy Galician climate.
Some of the old town buildings are hundreds of years old and still looking fabulous in that old world European style. It's not anything like Courtenay Place 😁
Down by the port is modern four story complex with shops but primarily it houses a casino with million dollar views over the harbour. Not being casino goers, we found our way onto the roof and the views were fantastic. Loved the genius giant swing on the roof - great way to admire the views.
On one side you got a real sense for the working port with all the tugs lined up and the port cranes dotting the skyline as far as you could see.
On the other side you could admire the pleasure marina with fancy yachts and sailors making the most of the spectacular weather.
From the port we had another jaunt through the old town as the cathedral domes required closer inspection. They looked great from a distance.
Even better close up. Love the use of olive trees here in Spain and Greece. You just know that many have been there for years and years and they are just perfect next to a church and in the lovely public squares - natural staging before staging was invented 🙂
More wandering round the back lanes. Everything slows down between 2pm and 5pm for siesta time.
You see big groups of friends and families eating together in the shade of trees in the squares.
Little pockets of street art too.
We came across a wonderful public concert with a youth orchestra. Great to see so many young people enjoying the jazz / classical tunes performed. I did feel for them, they were all dressed in black and it was roasting hot.
Full circut back to the port area where our hotel is - home again, home again, jiggedy jog!
Well done you two.
ReplyDelete