The Ultimate Guide to Summer in Vigo

Summer in Vigo is finally here and it’s the best time to experience the city in full swing. Most of the year Vigo feels like a sleepy town, but summer is when the city truly comes alive. Stroll through the streets and you’re likely to stumble upon free concerts, artisanal pop-up markets, or a summer festival. From sun-soaked beach days to open-air music nights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

So grab your beach towel, pack your shades, and get ready to discover the very best of Vigo in summer—just like a local.

A couple sitting on the beach during summer watching the sunset. — Are you ready to plan an epic summer in Vigo?

Table of Contents

Beach hopping

Vigo’s beaches have aqua blue waters, white sand, and are some of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen. One of the great things about beaches in Vigo is they’re connected so you can easily spend the day going from one beach to the next. Not feeling the beach you’re at? No problem, head on over to the next.

I like to start at Praia de Bouzas and slowly make my way to Samil, and if I’m feeling extra adventurous I’ll head over to Playa del Vao.

Some of Vigo’s most popular beaches include:

Samil
Playa del Vao
Playa do Tombo do Gato

Pro tip:

While going on your beach adventure, help yourself to snacks and drinks at the chiringuitos (beach bars).

A woman walking on a beach near a lighthouse on a sunny day in Vigo in the summer. — Which beach will you start at?

Chiringuito (beach bars)

Summer in Vigo means the chiringuitos are finally open! Chriniguitos are little stands on the beaches that sell snacks, drinks, and have live concerts. Some of my favorite chiringuitos to go to in the city are:

Chiringuito Alcabre: They have music every Wednesday and Friday.
Chiringuito De La Fuente: They have free concerts every Tuesday and Thursday.

A group of people sitting at a chirinquito on a sunny day during the summer in Vigo. — Grab a beach blanket and hangout at the nearest *chiringuito*.

Go kayaking

You can’t visit this coastal city without partaking in water sports. Surfing, kayaking, and rowing are some of the most popular sports to partake in during the summer months in Vigo. Lucky for you, you don’t have to venture too far to enjoy them.

I like to head to Bouzas and rent from Constru Aventura Club. You can reserve by Whatsapp or in person and their rates are affordable. If kayaking isn’t your thing they also have paddle boards.

A woman kayaking in Vigo in Summer down the river. — What’s your favorite summertime activity?

Take a mussel farm tour

Summer is the best time to enjoy seafood—especially mussels, which are at their tastiest this time of year. And that brings me to what might be the best tour I’ve ever done in Vigo.

If you love seafood, wine, and boat rides, the Ría de Arousa: Boat Ride to Mussel Farm with Tasting is an absolute must.

I discovered this tour about a year ago, and it quickly became one of my favorite summer experiences. I’ve already done it multiple times and plan to go again this summer. The tour includes a scenic boat ride through the mussel farms, plus all-you-can-eat mussels and unlimited wine—yes, really!—all for just €20.

The only negatives about this tour are that you have to find your own transportation to O Grove and the tour is only given in Spanish, but for a boat ride, scenery, food & wine it’s worth it alone.

How to get there:

Take the train from Vigo to Pontevedra and then a bus to O Grove
Take a bus from Vigo to O Grove (depending on bus times)
You can use Monobus to plan your trip

A boat tour going through where mussels are cultivated in Vigo. — Get up close and personal with Vigo’s mussel farming.

Cies Island

A list of things to do in Vigo during the summer wouldn’t be complete without going to Islas Cíes and it just so happens to be one of my favorite places in Vigo.

It’s an unforgettable trip where you’ll see incredible views, visit Vigo’s best beach, and go on amazing hiking routes. Make sure you book early as this is one of the most popular things to do in Vigo, especially during the summer.

How to book your visit

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
Alternatively, you can book a tour guide and get a full immersive experience

View of a light house at the Cies Islands in Vigo, Spain. — Don’t miss out on gorgeous views from Cies islands. Photo credit: Paula Pereira

Castrellos concerts

Are you a fan of David Guetta, Sting, or Aitana? What if I told you you could see big names like these for free? Every year throughout July and August free concerts are held at Castrellos.

If you don’t want to be stuck in the crowds of people you can even buy tickets to be center stage. The concerts at Castrellos aren’t to be missed.

People enjoying a summer in Vigo at a Castrelos park concert. — It’s summer in Vigo and Castrelos is calling your name. Photo credit: Contando Estrelas

Summer festivals

San Juan

San Juan (or San Xoán in Galician) is a hard hitting festival in Vigo celebrated on the night of June 23rd to welcome the summer solstice.

San Juan is a mix of ancient pagan traditions and local customs, making it one of the most vibrant and unique nights in Vigo. San Juan is unique for its: beach bonfires, burning of meigas (witches), beach parties, and concerts.

A group of friends sitting around a bonfire at San Xuan in Vigo. — If you’re in Vigo June you can’t miss San Xoán. Photo credit: Cailin Grant-Jansen

SeaFood Fest

Every year around July at the Port of Vigo the city hosts a SeaFood fest where restaurants compete to see who has the best dish and the best part is you get to be the judge. Walk around the different stalls, buy one of the plates, and vote on which one you thought was best.

If seafood isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty to do at this event. Throughout the day there are performances at one of the three stages and presentations. This is the perfect event for foodies and concert goers.

Person squeezing fresh lemon on top of fried praws in Vigo. — Which stall will you try out first?

O Marisquiño

Every August thousands of amateur, professional skateboarders, and other two wheeled riders from around the world meet in Vigo to compete. If you’re into BMX, break dancing, or skateboarding, then O Marisquiño shouldn’t be missed.

For more info, check out my post about festivals and events in Vigo.

A BMX rider at Marisquino in Vigo, one of the top festivals and events in Vigo, Spain. — Photo credit: Fonsi Fernández

☀️ Summer in Vigo FAQ

🌡️ What’s the weather like in Vigo in the summer?

Summer in Vigo is warm, sunny, and breezy—perfect beach weather. Daytime temperatures usually range from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F), though it can feel hotter in direct sun.

Evenings cool down, especially with the Atlantic breeze, so it’s smart to bring a light jacket or sweater. Rain is rare, but not impossible—this is Galicia, after all.

A bike resting on a wooden fence as people are sun bathing at a beach in Vigo, Spain. — Temperatures in Vigo are perfect during the summer for beach hopping. Photo credit: Bianca Maria

🍽️ What should I eat during summer in Vigo?

Summer is seafood season, and Vigo’s coastal location makes it one of the best places to enjoy it. Local specialties to try include:

Pulpo á feira: Tender octopus with olive oil and paprika.
Oysters from A Pedra: Fresh and served raw with lemon.
Zamburiñas (small scallops): Served grilled or baked in their shells.
Ensaladilla rusa: A chilled potato salad tapa that hits the spot on hot days.
Empanada gallega: Perfect picnic food, filled with tuna or scallops.
Pimientos de padrón: Fried green peppers, some spicy, most not.

Don’t forget to treat yourself to artisan ice cream—you’ll find delicious heladerías all around town, but my favorites are Bico and La Fabbrica del Gelato.

pimientos de padron in a ceramic dish in Vigo, Spain — Did you agree that they’re sometimes spicy? Photo credit: Dina Spencer

🍷 What should I drink during summer in Vigo?

Whether you’re lounging at a beach bar or enjoying a terrace in the old town, these are the best summer drinks to cool off with:

Tinto de verano: Red wine with lemon soda, light, and refreshing.
Albariño: Vigo’s iconic white wine, crisp and citrusy.
Godello: Another local white wine, a bit fuller but still fresh and bright.
Ribeiro: Traditionally served in cuncas (ceramic cups), light and perfect with seafood.
Clara: Beer mixed with lemon soda, super popular in the summer.
Sidra (cider): Especially the Galician style, look for the brand Maeloc. This cider isn’t overwhelmingly sweet and comes in flavors like pear, strawberry, and blackberry.
Granizados (slushies) – lemon or coffee flavored, perfect for hot afternoons.

close-up of Galician wine as the sunsets in the background — Grab a crisp glass of white wine at one of Vigo’s many *terrazas*.

👗 What should I wear in the summer in Vigo?

Pack for sun and sea, but don’t forget that Vigo evenings can get cool. Here’s what to bring:

Light, breathable clothing: Shorts, flowy dresses, tank tops.
Swimwear: For beach days and island trips.
Comfy walking shoes or sandals: The city has hills and cobblestones.
Sun protection: Sunglasses, hat, and SPF are a must.
Light jacket or sweater: For evenings or ferry rides.
Optional but handy: A small backpack or tote for beach trips and picnics.