History of Vigo
The name comes, according to the most accepted hypothesis, from the Latin vicus. In 1656 its walls and the Castro fortress were built; in 1702 the Battle of Rande was fought in its estuary, and in 1809 the city expelled the French troops on 28 March, a date celebrated by the Reconquista festival.
What to see in Vigo
Casco Vello (old town)
Historic ensemble protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural (site of cultural interest).
Castro fortress
With walls from 1656, from the top you can see the whole estuary.
Co-cathedral of Santa María
Neoclassical collegiate church by Melchor de Prado, from the 1830s.
Cíes Islands
A special bird protection area since 1988, opposite the mouth of the estuary.
Population and location
Vigo has 294,489 inhabitants (INE, 2025) and covers 109.06 km². It is the capital of its comarca, on the south shore of the estuary.
Festivals and food
The Reconquista, the Cristo de la Victoria and San Juan are the most popular festivals. The city lives from the sea, and seafood is its culinary hallmark.
The Portuguese Camino in Vigo
Vigo is the end of the A Ramallosa – Vigo stage of the Portuguese Coastal Route and the start of Vigo – Redondela, the last one before joining the Central Route at Redondela.
Frequently asked questions
How many albergues are there in Vigo?
This guide lists 32 places to stay for pilgrims in Vigo, with checked prices, beds and seasons. The public albergues are Albergue de peregrinos de Vigo (93 beds, no advance booking), Residencia Xuvenil Altamar (96 beds).
Is Vigo enough to get the Compostela?
Vigo is right on the limit: it is about 99.3 km to Santiago, and the Pilgrim’s Office requires at least the last 100 km on foot. To avoid any doubt, it is best to start a few kilometres earlier, for example at A Ramallosa or Baiona.
How many kilometres is it from Vigo to Redondela?
About 15.4 km, on the last stage of the Coastal Route’s own.
