Vigo Cruise Port Guide: 13 Fun Things To Do Nearby

Viewing Vigo from a ship offers one of the best perspectives of this seaside city, which has the charm of a small town. But once you step ashore, you might wonder—what is there to do near Vigo’s cruise port?

If you’re short on time and can’t spend a full day in Vigo, don’t worry! There’s still plenty to explore nearby. From popular tourist attractions to hidden local gems, you’ll find no shortage of things to see and do.

Here’s my guide to the best activities near Vigo’s cruise port.

What is there to do near the Vigo cruise port?

Take a walking tour

I’m not much of a tour person, but when you’re crunched for time, it’s the most time efficient and enjoyable way to get to know a city. I once had a layover in Tokyo for 16 hours and went on a bus tour to see the highlights of the city. It was an amazing experience and I don’t regret it at all. Sometimes tours are necessary.

When in doubt, I like to use GetYourGuide to find local tours in the city I’m visiting and luckily for you, they also operate here in Vigo!

So, if you want to see as much of Vigo as possible without feeling rushed then I’d suggest these walking tours: 

Discovering Vigo’s very own walking tour:

• I’m so excited to share my very own Self-Guided Walking Tour of Vigo, designed especially for cruise visitors and short-stay travelers. If you want to experience the top sights of Vigo at your own pace—with no rush, no tour groups, and plenty of local charm—this is the guide for you.

• You’ll uncover Vigo’s historic Old Town, panoramic viewpoints, lush parks, and hidden plazas—plus get insider tips on what to see, where to snack, and how to make the most of your time in port. The circular route starts and ends right at the cruise terminal, and it includes a downloadable digital map to keep you on track while you explore.

If tour groups are more your thing then I suggest this tour:

• Looking to get all the highlights of Vigo in and you’re a bit of a history buff? Then the Vigo: Essential Walking Tour of the city’s Landmarks is for you. This one and a half hour tour includes history about Vigo, in depth knowledge about Vigo’s architecture, and stops at two of my favorite view points (Miradouro da Oliveira & Castelo de San Sebastián, Vigo).

• This tour is run by Vigo locals in English. The tour guides will take you through the streets of Vigo and give you insider information about Galician culture and Vigo’s history. 
• Insider’s tip: This tour is wheelchair accessible and kid friendly. Be sure to book your tickets ahead of time! 

Restaurante Albatros

Directly next to the Vigo cruise port landing, you’ll find Restaurante Albatros. It’s the perfect place to end or begin your visit to Vigo. Come here for a caña or two and take in the views of the estuary.

It’s tucked away on the seaside so you’ll be able to relax and take in the wonderful city of Vigo. Not only are the views impeccable here, but I suggest ordering the “iced coffee” which isn’t actually iced coffee. It’s more like an affogato and it’s delicious.

Visit Jules Verne monument 

From the cruise Vigo port stroll through the Avenidas gardens and make your way to the small square opposite the park. Here you’ll find Jules Verne sitting and pondering upon a squid. 

Jules Verne was a French novelist who wrote the famous book, 20,000 Leagues under the Sea, dedicating a chapter to Vigo called, “The Bay of Vigo”. 

After writing his book, he came to visit Vigo, and due to his influence, in 2005 the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Pontevedra commissioned this bronze sculpture and donated it to the city. 

Espigón del Puerto Deportivo

After visiting the Jules Verne monument, if you continue along the port, you’ll come to a lighthouse. Here you can take in all of the activity on the water watching ferries, sail boats, and if you’re lucky even a dolphin or two.

Swing at A Laxe 

After exploring A Laxe and grabbing a gelato at local Galician Bico, make your way to the top of A Laxe. There are a few different vantage points where you can take in Vigo, but my favorite is sitting on the swing that’s on A Laxe’s rooftop. Here you can sit and see amazing views of Cies and sunsets.  

Visor submarino Nautilus

From the swing at A Laxe if you look down you can spot a small submarine, Visor submarino Nautilus. This living port is a project that aims to create more biodiversity at ports for marine life by using sustainable concrete that stores carbon dioxide and regenerates the ecosystem.

It’s a really cool project where visitors can see first-hand the development of biodiversity on the ECOncrete seawalls. Come here to see the lively marine biodiversity while inside a submarine. There’s a similar project in Bouzas as well.

Stroll around Alameda Park

Located in the Plaza de Compostela area, Alameda park is known for its greenery, walking paths, and recreational spaces. Here you’ll find plenty of flowers and plants making it a great escape from the bustling city. 

During Christmas this is where the Christmas market is held and during the summer you’ll find plenty of free concerts happening here. 

Maroa Hotel rooftop 

Near Alameda Park, is Maroa Hotel which has one of the best secret rooftops in Vigo. When you walk in, simply ask the receptionist “¿Puedo ir a la terraza?”, Can I go to the rooftop? And they’ll let you up to the terraza where you can have a beer or a café con leche. 

The views here are perfect for reflecting while sipping on a coffee in Vigo.

Pick up artisanal gifts from VAIDHÉ 

Looking for some of the best artisanal gifts to bring home? VAIDHÉ offers keepsakes made from local Galician artists that aren’t kitschy. 

From handmade jewelry, tote bags, prints, and postcards if you’re looking for something uniquely Vigo, come here. All of their products are made with quality and support local artists! And even better yet, it’s not far from the Vigo cruise port. 

Cathedral Santa María de Vigo

A prominent landmark in Vigo, Cathedral Santa María de Vigo, needs to be on your list of places to visit near the Vigo cruise port. The cathedral is free, but you should wear appropriate clothing. 

Once inside you’ll see impressive Galician architecture with intricate details. This church offers glimpses into the local architectural heritage of Vigo’s past.

Vigo Churros 

If you’re visiting Spain, churros con chocolate are a must. I love Vigo Churros because they are fresh and warm when they get to you and the chocolate isn’t overwhelmingly sweet. Come here and order a few churros with chocolate and watch the hustle and bustle around you. 

Oyster Street 

Now you can’t come all the way to Vigo and not try the seafood. Vigo’s seafood is some of the freshest and most delicious you’ll find on this side of the Atlantic.

Walk along Oyster street and you’ll see people shucking oysters which you can buy and slurp down as you continue exploring the Vigo cruise port. As with any culture, food is the best way to immerse yourself in the local culture, visiting Oyster street is a great way to spend the day getting to know Vigo. 

Cies Islands 

So, if you just got off a cruise, I’m sure you’re not thinking about immediately getting right back on another boat, but hear me out. 

Cíes islands is one of the top things to do in Vigo and you should go. If you exit the cruise ship and walk along the path past the O Nadador (swimmers statue) you’ll find the boat tour company Mar de Ons where you can book tickets. 

The beaches, hiking route, and nature is unlike anything you’ve experienced before and well worth the journey.

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 

Things to do near Vigo’s cruise ship port FAQ

Where does the cruise ship dock in Vigo? 

At Muelle de Transatlanticos Vigo cruise port you’ll find all the larger cruise ships docked which is right near the heart of the city. From the port, it’s only a 5-10 minute walk to the Old Town (the city center). 

Vigo’s port is one of Spain’s busiest fishing ports, so you’ll see lots of activity on the water like sailing, ferries, and cruise ships.

Across from the cruise terminal you’ll find the Tourist Center near A Laxe mall where you can visit lots of shops, outdoor cafes, and enjoy free wifi.

How can I get around Vigo?

Vigo is a very walkable city, so if you only have time to see the main attractions, you can easily access them on foot from the port. 

The city center is only 300 feet from the cruise terminal so a quick walk and you’ll be in the Old town! 

Pro tip:  Depending on which part of the city you’re walking to, Vigo can be quite hilly, so wear comfy shoes! 

How far away is the beach from Vigo cruise port? 

The nearest beach to the port is Samil which stretches about four miles and luckily for you it’s one of the best and most popular beaches in Vigo. 

From the Vigo cruise port to Samil, It’s about a 15 minute cab ride. 

To catch a taxi, walk to the A Laxe mall and you’ll find a taxi stand on Avienda da Beiramar (between the traffic light and the roundabout).  

Once you arrive at Samil you’ll be greeted by white sand and turquoise waters where you can spend the day sunbathing, eating at one of the many of the beachfront restaurants, and enjoying the ocean breeze.