The prosperous modern port town of Vigo is located in the Catalonian Pontevedra province in northern Spain. Its 2,000 year history began with a Roman settlement and continued through raids by Vikings and pirates, plagues and occupations by Moorish troops, Sir Francis Drake and his sailors and the English navy.

The town provides a convenient base for touring the beautiful Catalonian region, with cheap car hire in Vigo easily available. A 45-minute boat trip takes visitors to the island of Cies, offshore from the city and now a major tourist destination. Water sports, sailing, hiking and walking are popular.

The city is overlooked by two ancient hill forts, San Sebastian and El Castro, and its old town northwest of the modern developments has steep and narrow winding streets and interesting architecture. The city walls and gates have been preserved in many places, and the museum is worth a visit.

Shopping in the modern town is easy, with several new malls and centres serving all needs. The traditional street markets and the fish market with its nautical museum are good places to shop, and the little local restaurants around the fish market are great for a fresh seafood or Catalonian lunch.

Portugal is close by, and car rental in Vigo makes a daytrip across the border easy to arrange. The historic town of Bayona with its Romanesque buildings, the 12th century medieval port of Noya and the stunning scenic route of the Mirador de la Curota are within easy reach with car hire in Vigo.