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Vigo Mini Guide
Founded on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean on Spain's north west coast, Vigo's history has been shaped by the seas and the city is home to the largest fishing port in Europe. This Galician city is the also the biggest non-capital in the country with a population of more than a quarter of a million people. Vigo is the biggest city in Galicia so we have a large fleet of cars there. Many of them are concentrated at Vigo Airport.
Vigo suffered a number of attacks during the ages, first from Vikings in the Middle Ages, and then by the English Vice Admiral Sir Francis Drake in the 16th century.
The city was subjected to further raids from Turkish fleets before being annexed by the French general Napoleon in the 19th century while during World War II two German U-Boats were sunk off the coast of Vigo. Now Vigo is famous as an industrial area where the company Peugeot manufacture their cars and as the base of Pescanova, the biggest fishing company in the world.
Sailing is extremely popular there with many regattas held by the main nautical clubs of Vigo, as is recreational fishing. In November 2005 the Volvo Ocean sailing race departed from Vigo and the sailing world championships have also been held there. Vigo's rich history has made it a cultural haven where many artists flourished after the passing of the dictator General Franco. The 'Movida Viguesa' celebrated hedonism in the form of postmodern punk music, and Vigo still has a vibrant night life and is home to musicians such as Ivan Ferreiro, the Galician singer-songwriter.
Tourists who visit Vigo will find there is plenty of sightseeing to enjoy. Vigo is a dramatic looking port which has huge bridges such as the Ponte de Rande and stunning views out across the nearby Monteagudo Island.
It also has one of the mildest climates in Spain for those who are looking to escape the heat, with temperatures between 20 degrees Celsius in the summer and 10 degrees Celsius in the winter. The culinary specialty of Vigo is fish, especially Galician oysters, so be sure to visit the Pedra market where you can sample them and wash them down with Vigo's wide variety of wines.
Vigo has a number of reasonably priced two and three star hotels as well as more luxurious four star hotels to stay in. The city provides a good base from which to visit other coastal towns and cities in Galicia so car hire is a good idea if you want to explore the area.
- A three day festival starts on the 28th March called 'The Reconquest of Vigo' and celebrates the occasion in 1809 when the townspeople rose up and evicted the occupying French army. Mock battles, accompanied by plenty of food and drink, and the ceremonial beating down of a villa door, all add to the excitement which is repeated a week later in the neighbouring town of Bouzas.