Vigo

Camino Portugues

To end of camino
96.7
Altitude
100

Castrelos Park

3.80

Vigo

14.50

Redondela

Services
ATM
Yes
Bar
Yes
Bus
Yes
Bus Terminal
Yes
Correos
Yes
Grocery
Yes
Hospital
Yes
Medical Center
Yes
Pharmacy
Yes
Train
Yes

Vigo, from the diminutive Roman word for small village, is no longer deserving of the name. It is now the largest city in Galicia which is a remarkable feat given that it didn't start to see any real growth until the end of the 19th century. When it did begin to grow, it did so with reckless abandon and is now something of a disorganized city.

History

Unlike many of the port cities to the south, Vigo didn't garner much attention during the Age of Discovery; such are the currents. The Vikings took a liking to it though, and so too did both Francis Drake and the French Army. The city didn't see much peace until the middle of the 17th century when Philip IV built defensive walls to protect it; though even still the British managed to occupy it for a week.

Centuries later it would be the Age of Cod that would put Vigo on the map, followed still later by heavy industry.

The Road

Departing Vigo is a simple affair. From the Xunta albergue (or the port) follow the Ruá Areal to just beyond the train station. The camino follows the road uphill to the right, but only for a short distance as it turns left almost immediately onto Rúa Garcia Barbón. 2.5km later the camino turns right and crosses the large autopista. A short distance later it turns left and follows along the highway which is high up on the hill on your right-hand side; to your left is the estuary and you are high enough up now to have a wide view of it. When you eventually turn away from the water, you pass over the highway which tunnels beneath you. From here the camino stays inland, winding its way through the suburban hillside until it joins with the Central Way just before entering Redondela.

Comments

Camino de Sant…

Camino Da Mina is a great place to eat in Vigo!
The staff are so friendly, helpful and cater to vegetarians.
I had a 3 course meal plus a large beer and two wines for 23 euro, great value!
Highly recommend!

Camino de Sant…

Please update the cost of a stay at Hotel Hesperia Vigo from €45/ person to €75

Camino de Sant…

I found the alternate route into Vigo that follows the coastline from Baiona into Vigo to be quite pleasant. Plenty of beautiful beach walking and easy navigating through coastal neighborhoods I found to be surprisingly nice when compared to online comments I have read. The sentiment among fellow pilgrims in the public Albergue was that the main route was not pleasant. Also, the new Galician government Albergue is quite nice. Only complaint is the kitchen without any useful utensils …something about pilgrims being a public health hazard…LOL

Camino de Sant…

Probably had the best stay on the camino so far . The hosts were very attentive to the air conditioning and airflow . Toilets were hotel quality and kept it clean . Breakfast was included and loved the thick toast and great coffee. Curtains in the bunks and our laundry was done no charge. I couldn’t have asked for a better stay . actually one more thing . The stamp was from wax !! Amazing

michael

You should check out Vao Beach Center (a Café-bar), about two hours before reaching Vigo. It’s one of the last perfect seaview spots with great atmosphere. We sat outside and simply enjoyed for 1 1/2 hrs.

michael

Very good accommodation. Small room, good shower and toilet. Very close to Camino. Very friendly and helpful.

michael

There is a bar about half way along the path to Redonela which serves coffee, food etc. About level with the big bridge

michael

Large industrial city. This wasn't a great stop on my Camino. It is a large city, as most others in the world.

michael

Attention coastal walkers- the distance between Vigo and Redondela is 15km! We didn’t notice the error in the app until it was too late, and ended up hobbling in search of a train or bus to get to our evening accommodations in Cesantes!