Vigo Spain Travel Guide
Vigo has an Oceanic climate, with mild, wet winters and warm, somewhat dry summers.
Climate patterns throughout the year:
Spring (March-May): Temperatures rise, averaging 10-18°C (50-64°F). Sunshine becomes frequent, but moderate rainfall occurs. Landscape turns green. Good weather for city walks, fewer crowds.
Summer (June-August): Vigo's warmest and driest period, with average temperatures 18-25°C (64-77°F). Occasional heatwaves. Good for beaches, boat trips, outdoor dining. Long daylight hours.
Autumn (September-November): Temperatures mild in early autumn, averaging 12-20°C (54-68°F). Rainfall increases from October. Landscape shows autumn leaves. Good for hiking and cultural exploration, fewer tourists.
Winter (December-February): Winters are mild, with average temperatures 7-13°C (45-55°F). Wettest season, frequent rain. Snow rarely falls in the city center. Christmas lights draw visitors.
Spain is part of the Schengen Area, which shapes visa needs for travelers. Know these rules before your trip. Citizens of non-EU/EEA/Swiss countries often need a Schengen visa for visits up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This typically involves submitting forms, a valid passport, photos, proof of travel insurance, accommodation bookings, and funds. Start early. Visa-exempt travelers from many countries do not need a visa for up to 90 days. This includes the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Japan, South Korea, and most South American countries. Beginning mid-2025, visa-exempt travelers will need an ETIAS authorization, a pre-travel authorization like the ESTA for the United States. IVisa and VisaHQ provide consumer visa services.
Your passport needs to be valid for three months beyond your departure from the Schengen Area, issued in THE last 10 years, and have two blank pages. Officials may ask for a return ticket, proof of funds, and accommodation. Travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen visa applicants, with €30,000 minimum coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation. It is advised for all travelers. No specific entry fees apply. Immigration procedures are standard. The Cíes Islands require a special permit during peak season due to protected status and visitor limits. Obtain this permit on the internet through the Xunta de Galicia website Before buying tickets for the ferry. Spain has no specific health-related entry requirements, but consult your doctor regarding routine vaccinations.
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AirHelp assists passengers in receiving a maximum OF €600 compensation for delayed or canceled flights. Check eligibility online.
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For Your Trip
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Stay Prepared
For outdoor adventures, LifeStraw offers personal products for filtering water. Essential for long walks and remote areas.
Pacsafe provides anti-theft bags. Find first aid supplies at Adventure Medical Kits for any trip.
The Euro (€) is the currency in Vigo, and across Spain. ATMs are widely available for Euro withdrawals. Major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. Many smaller places, especially traditional tapas bars, may prefer cash, so carry some Euros. Notify your bank about your travel plans to Spain. ATM withdrawals often provide better exchange rates than airfield kiosks.
The practice of tipping in Spain differ from some other countries. It is not mandatory. For good restaurant service, rounding up the bill or leaving a few Euros (€1-€5) is common. For cafes/bars, round up to the nearest Euro. For taxis, round up the fare. Small tips (€1-€2) for hotel staff are appreciated but not strictly expected.
Accommodation: Hostel dorm bed: €20-€35; Budget hotel/guesthouse: €40-€70; Mid-range hotel: €70-€120; Luxury hotel: €120-€300+.
Meals: Breakfast: €3-€7; Lunch ('menú del día'): €10-€15; Tapas/Pinchos: €2-€5 per plate; Dinner (mid-range): €15-€30; Fine dining: €40-€80+.
Transportation: Single bus ticket: €1.45 (cash), €0.90 (PassVigo card); Taxi (short ride): €5-€10; Ferry to Cíes Islands: €20-€30 return (seasonal, plus permit).
Attractions: Museum entry: €0-€5 (many free); Castro Fortress: Free; Verbum Casa das Palabras: €5; MARCO: Often free.
€40-€70 (Dorm bed, self-prepared meals/budget eateries, walking/public bus, free attractions).
€70-€150 (3-star hotel/apartment, casual restaurants/tapas, public transport/occasional taxi, museum entry/ferry).
€150+ (4-5 star hotel/upscale rental, fine dining, taxis/private transfers, premium tours/spa).
Eat "Menú del Día" for lunch. Use public transport, buy a PassVigo card. Seek free attractions like Monte do Castro and MARCO. Cook at home if self-catering from supermarkets. Drink safe tap water, carry a Reusable water bottle instead of Bottled water. Walk often to save on transport. Make a picnic for day trips.
Vigo maintains a reputation as a safe city with low crime. Petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded tourist areas like the Casco Vello, busy shopping streets, public transport, or during large festivals. Be vigilant in these areas. Keep valuables secure and out of sight. Avoid carrying large sums of cash. Use a Money belt or an RFID-blocking wallet. Practice general caution common to any urban place. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit or deserted areas. No certain neighborhoods are highly dangerous for tourists. The city center, waterfront, and major tourist zones are generally safe and well-patrolled.
Atlantic storms bring heavy rain and strong winds, especially in autumn and winter. These storms rarely pose severe risks within the city but may impact ferry services. Periods of extreme summer heat can occur; stay hydrated and seek shade. Forest fire risk rises in dry summer months, specifically in rural areas outside the city. Stay informed by local news if hiking.
Dial 112 for all emergencies (police, fire, ambulance) across Europe. Operators can usually connect you to English-speaking services. National Police: 091. Local Police: 092. Medical Emergencies/Ambulance (Direct Dial): 061. If your passport is lost or stolen, report it to the local police (Policía Nacional) immediately for a police report. This document is needed for insurance claims and emergency travel documents. Then, contact your country's embassy or consulate in Spain. Most national embassies are in Madrid. Portugal, due to its proximity, has a consulate in Vigo.
Backup solutions for important data are available. Use cloud storage services (like Google Drive or Dropbox) to back up photos and digital copies of important documents. This protects your memories and information if a device is lost or stolen. Regularly sync your devices to minimize data loss.
Before any international travel, consult your government's official travel advisories. These provide current safety warnings, entry restrictions, and health information specific to your destination. Stay informed about local news and conditions while in Vigo.
Many countries provide travel information via their foreign affairs departments. Check websites for your home country for updates specific to Spain or the Schengen Area. These sources of information often include details on political stability, crime rates, local laws, and health guidelines.
For example, U.S. Citizens may consult the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories. Canadian citizens refer to Travel Advice and Advisories from Global Affairs Canada. U.K. Citizens check FCDO Travel Advice. Always utilize official government sources for the most reliable travel information.
Check your nation's travel advisories for Spain and any specific warnings for the Galicia region. Be mindful of any current travel restrictions.
Verify entry requirements well in advance.
Do not disregard health guidance for specific regions.
Stay aware of local news and any official announcements from Spanish authorities or your embassy. Exercise normal safety precautions as you'd in any urban area.
Keep emergency contacts easily accessible.
Do not ignore instructions from local authorities.
In a serious emergency, contact 112 immediately. Follow instructions from emergency services. Your embassy can provide assistance with urgent consular matters.
Register your trip with your embassy if possible.
Do not panic; follow established emergency procedures.
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Emergency | 112 | Police, Fire, Ambulance (Europe-wide) |
| The State police | 091 | For non-urgent crime reports |
| Medical Emergencies (direct) | 061 | Direct line for ambulance services |
