Vigo Beaches

Galicia is known as the region of a thousand rivers that feed into estuaries that feed into the sea through the many "rias" or bays. These "rias" are split into the "rias altas" and the "rias baias", translating into upper and lower bays or estuaries. At the mid point between is the famous historic fishing port of Finisterre which signals a change in the landscape and climate, with the upper estuaries backed by rocky and mountainous hills with sparse vegetation and cooler, windier and wetter weather as you head north.

The bays and shore line below Finisterre are surrounded by pine and eucalyptus forests and fields of crops giving it a distinctly greener feel. The rocky hills that surround the upper estuaries also soften as you travel further south.

Galicia has some of the spectacular beaches you are ever likely to see. Whether you like golden brown or bleached white sand, crashing waves or lagoon like serenity the coastline here really does have it all. There are thirteen beaches in Vigo (Dos Muinos, Figueiras, Samil, A Fonte, A Fontaina, Os Olmos, Areino, Toralla, Do Vao, Carracido, Rodas, Canido and Xunquiero) Detailed below are some of the main ones

Do Vao

A beautiful Blue Flag beach with fine, white sand and turquoise blue water. It is the biggest beach in the Islas Cíes and the most well known ending at the bridge that leads to Toralla Island . Boats arriving from Vigo moor here. There are restaurants and campsites on the beach and behind there is a beautiful salt lake with a magnificent aspect.

Samil

Situated in the town Vigo this enormous beach has numerous stalls set up by travelling vendors along the promenade. The rear of the beach has a children’s playground with swimming pools and a large pine grove. The Islas Cíes are opposite this popular beach and to the left is Toralla island.

A Fonte

This is the continuation of Dos Olmos opposite the beautiful Islas Cíes. The bathing area is marked out with buoys and it has a pretty, tree lined promenade behind it.

Toralla

Located on Toralla Island, this attractive beach has views of the beaches of Vigo. Toralla is a residential island with a number of luxury villas and can be reached by crossing the bridge which divides Vao Beach from Canido Beach. The beach is on both sides of the bridge, and is the quietest and most peaceful in the area.

 

 

If you are planning to explore the area outside of the city centre and play some golf or go to some of the more out of the way beaches then you might consider hiring a car . There are a number of car hire firms based at Vigo Airport who will be pleased to have a vehicle awaiting your arrival. This also cuts down on transfer costs for you and your family.

We also provide information on other sporting and leisure amenities in Vigo including an Area Guide to Vigo which contains information on Vigo local attractions, golf courses in Vigo, good places to shop in Vigo and where the best Vigo beaches are. We have also included a list of recommended Vigo restaurants