8 Amazing Day Trips from Vigo, Spain You Need to Go On

Vigo, Spain is a gorgeous city by the beach that can keep you occupied for days visiting, but once you’ve checked off the top sights of Vigo, you may want to stretch your legs and get to know a bit more about Vigo’s surroundings. 

Luckily for you, Vigo is perfectly positioned as a home base for day trips to not only other Galician towns and cities, but also Portugal. If you have the time, then these are the must-visit day trips from Vigo, Spain. 

Here’s everything you need to know about day trips from Vigo in order from the closest to furthest.

Top Day Trips from Vigo, Spain

Cíes Islands

No trip to Vigo is complete without heading to Cíes Islands, which has been awarded as having one of the best beaches in the world. It also happens to be one of the top day trips from Vigo. Here you can spend the day laying out on the beach with a picnic or spend the day hiking to the various faros (Spanish for lighthouse). 

If you have the time you can even bring your own tent or rent one and spend the night! There’s something magical about Cíes Islands once the hordes of tourists have left and the sun sets, leaving you to look up at the night sky and spend the evening stargazing. 

Pro tip: 

• If you’re a birder, then bring some binoculars for a real treat. 

Distance from Vigo to Cíes Islands: 15 kilometers (about a 45 minute boat ride) 

How to get there: 

• You’ll need to first get authorization to visit (this consists of giving your personal information and then they’ll send you a code which you need to use to buy your ticket). 
• Next go on the Mar de Ons official page and book tickets with the authorization code they emailed you in the previous step. 
• I recommend buying your tickets ahead of time on the website and not in person as slots fill up quickly. 

What to bring: 

• I recommend bringing sunglasses, a beach towel, your own lunch (there are a few cafes on the island but they can be pricey), and hiking shoes. 

Cangas

This seaside town of about 26,000 people, across the estuary from Vigo, is much smaller but a worthwhile trip. Cangas has a charming old town with narrow streets, traditional Galician architecture, and historic buildings like the Church of Santiago de Cangas. The town also has a vibrant fish market, where you can see local catches and sample fresh seafood.

Come here if you want to experience a quieter scene. Cangas boasts amazing beaches like Praia de Rodeira and Praia de Nerga. Or if laying on a beach isn’t your thing, there’s also some great hiking around Cangas with unbelievable views. 

Looking for Galician food to eat? There are plenty of restaurants lined on P.º Marítimo de Rodeira where you can grab a seat to have a drink or food with a view of the ocean and Vigo. I recommend checking out the sand bar, La Jaima de Rodeira for some nice views and vibes. If you’re looking for food then check out Bar El Bribón de La Habana for some fresh seafood. 

Distance from Vigo to Cangas: 8 kilometers by boat (about a 20 minute boat ride), 25 kilometers by road (about 26 minutes by car and 45 minutes by bus). 

How to get there: 

• The easiest way to get there and most scenic is taking the ferry. 
• The bus is also an option and leaves from Vialia. 

Baiona

Baiona, is a picturesque coastal town just a short drive or bike ride from Vigo. It’s a must-visit for those seeking a blend of history, stunning scenery, and delicious cuisine. Baiona is known for its charming harbor and panoramic ocean views, which offers a relaxing atmosphere with plenty to explore.

Highlights of Baiona include the impressive Monterreal Castle, which sits majestically on a peninsula offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic, and the replica of the Pinta, the ship from Columbus’s voyage, docked in the harbor.  If you’re here during March, then you have to check out Arribada, which is a festival that celebrates the arrival of the Pinta with medieval markets, parades, and cultural events. 

Here, you can step back in time and learn about the town’s rich maritime history. 

If you’re looking to make your time in Baiona more memorable consider taking a private walking tour with a Baiona local who will take you through the streets of this town giving you in-depth information about the towns present and past.  

Distance from Vigo to Cangas: 25 kilometers southwest of Vigo. 

How to get there: 

• The Lugove bus is an option and leaves from Vialia. 
• The most scenic way to get there is by bike! It takes about 1.5 hours one way and you can stop at beaches along the way. There is a protected bike lane that goes all the way down to Baiona and the views are breathtaking. Doing this route by bike is one of my favorites, but be careful on the way back as it’s a bit hilly. 

Pontevedra

Pontevedra, is a charming city just a short trip from Vigo, it’s a perfect destination for those seeking a blend of history and culture. Its well-preserved historic center is a pedestrian-friendly haven where you can wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional Galician architecture. 

Key highlights include the picturesque Plaza de la Leña, the stunning Church of the Pilgrim Virgin with its unique scallop shell shape, and the bustling local market where you can savor fresh regional produce. Don’t miss exploring the old town’s plazas, sampling local tapas, and immersing yourself in Pontevedra’s rich cultural heritage.

Distance from Vigo to Pontevedra: 30 kilometers (about 30 minutes by road) 

How to get there: 

• To get there, a quick 30-minute drive or train ride from Vigo makes it an easy and rewarding day trip. 
• Buses from Vialia leave frequently but takes longer than the train. 
• Alternatively you can take a train (which also leaves from Vialia). 

Valença, Portugal

If you feel like you need a break from Spain in general, don’t worry, Portugal is within arms reach! Just across the border from Vigo, the historic town of Valença in Portugal offers a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning vistas, making it an ideal day trip destination. 

Valença is best known for its impressive fortress, a massive structure dating back to the 17th century, which encloses the old town within its thick walls. As you stroll through the fortress, you’ll find the local market bustling with activity, offering traditional Portuguese goods, textiles, and local delicacies. Even better is that while shops in Spain are closed on Sunday’s, on the Portuguese side everything is still open, so if you want a bit more life on a Sunday then pop over to Valença. 

The town has scenic views of the Minho River and the surrounding countryside, providing a picturesque backdrop for your visit. If you’re feeling adventurous you can spend the day kayaking down the Minho River. VERDEAZUL Aventuras (in Tui) offers rental kayaks at a reasonable price. 

Distance from Vigo to Valença: 40 kilometers (about 40 minutes by road) 

How to get there: 

• Bus options are available from Vialia. 
• Trains also leave from Guixar station but are less frequent than the buses. 
• If you’re feeling really adventurous, you could ride your bike there. I’ve done it once, and while it’s not the most scenic ride, it’s definitely fun crossing into Portuguese borders on the bridge that separates Tui, Spain from Valença, Spain. 

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is one of the most popular day trips from Vigo. It’s the capital of Galicia and best known for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. In 2024, it was named on CNN Travel as one of the “best travel destinations” for 2024. Founded in the 9th century, it has been a major religious and cultural center for centuries, with the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela being one of its most iconic landmarks and the marker for the end of the Camino route. 

Santiago’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is a maze of medieval streets and charming squares, perfect for exploring on foot. If you’re looking for a bite to eat after a day of exploring Santiago, I suggest checking out Bar La Tita for their tortilla (they also have a nice zorza–spiced pork).  

Distance from Vigo to Valença: 90 kilometers (about an hour by road) 

How to get there: 

• Buses and trains leave from Vialia to Santiago frequently. 
• If you have a rental car, it’s also a quick 1hr drive. 

A Coruña

A Coruña is a bustling port city on the northwest coast of Spain, A Coruña is a vibrant mix of modernity and history. Known for its maritime heritage, stunning coastline, and dynamic cultural scene, the city is a perfect day trip from Vigo. A Coruña has a rich history, evident in its ancient Roman lighthouse, and a lively atmosphere fueled by its beautiful beaches and thriving nightlife.

If you’re coming to A Coruña you must-see the Tower of Hercules which is the oldest functioning Roman lighthouse in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Climb to the top to see panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the city’s coastline. Nearby on your way back to town, you should also check out the Aquarium which features an outdoor seal enclosure. 

The Plaza de María Pita, named after the city’s heroine, is another highlight, surrounded by grand buildings and vibrant cafes. If you’re traveling with kids or want to get in touch with your inner child, don’t miss the Museo Domus, an interactive science museum dedicated to the human body, and Riazor Beach, a popular spot for relaxation and water activities.

Distance from Vigo to A Coruna: 

How to get there: 

• Buses leave from Vialia, but I’d suggest taking the train as it’s much quicker and more comfortable. 

Braga

Braga is one of Portugal’s oldest cities, and is often called the “Rome of Portugal” due to its rich history and deep religious significance. Braga is a city where ancient traditions meet vibrant modern life. Known for its beautiful churches, historical sites, and lively cultural scene, Braga offers a unique glimpse into Portugal’s past and present.

No trip to Braga would be complete without visiting The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte: 

• This stunning baroque church is perched atop a hill and accessed by a grand staircase with 580 steps, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. 
• But, if you aren’t able to make the ascent don’t worry, there’s a funicular that can take you up to the top and back down if needed. 
• Once you’re at the top, take in the scenic views and visit the church. 

The city is also home to the Sé de Braga (Braga Cathedral), the oldest cathedral in Portugal, which showcases a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. The Archbishop’s Palace and its beautifully manicured Santa Barbara Gardens are also must-see spots. If you’re feeling peckish, visit Avenida da Liberdade, Braga’s main shopping street, which is lined with cafes, shops, and modern art installations that you can pop into after a bite.

Distance from Vigo to Braga: 

How to get there: 

• The easiest way to get there is by bus. The ride is about 1 hour and 20 minutes one-way. There aren’t border checks, you just get on the bus and then next thing you know, you’re in Braga. 

As you can see there’s plenty to explore around Vigo’s surroundings, the hardest part is trying to figure out which of these Vigo day trips to go on first.