Santiago de Compostela to Pontevedra and Vigo: Day trip

In the 1500s, Pontevedra was the capital of Galicia, and an important port. In fact, Christopher Columbus’ flagship was built here, and many locals believe Columbus was actually a Pontevedran nobleman who faked his own death and took on a new identity. Many of the city’s squares and and streets in are named after traditional trades, such as the ‘Praza da Leña’, or ‘firewood square’. Here visitors will find a classic ‘cruceiro’, elegant houses with granite arches, and the Pontevedra Museum. The 18th century Peregrina Chapel may not be the city’s oldest church, but this baroque church has an unusual rounded façade and is an important part of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. In a region famous for its seafood, it would a shame not to take a siesta and sample the mouth-watering offerings from a local eatery or the famous food market.

Centered in one of the finest natural ports in the world, which has been utilized since Roman time, Vigo now claims to be the largest fishing port in the world. Overlooking the city is the 17th century Castro Fortress, which was intended to protect the city from invaders, but proved lacking. The historic Cidade Vella, is centered around the old maritime quarter of O Berbés, near the port. Here, among the network of tiny streets is the Collegiate Church of Santa María. Built in the Neoclassical in style, it stands on the rubble of a Gothic church burned down by the pirate Francis Drake. But if you only do one thing in Vigo, make sure you visit the unmissable Pedra market, just north of the church. A fascinating experience, the famed ostreiras, or female oyster sellers, offer visitors fresh Galician oysters to slurp on the spot.