‘In the sloping lanes of the old town, you can devour platters of oysters’

Vigo, Spain

On the Atlantic coast, in the northwestern corner of Spain, Vigo is the biggest city in Galicia. While the regional capital, Santiago de Compostela, obviously has many charms, in Vigo you get a sense of everyday life. And what a life the inhabitants have.

Vigo is in the Rías Baixas region, where Albariño wine is produced from grapes grown on hillside pergolas overlooking the ocean and the fish is exported all over the world – but not before the best of the catch ends up in the local bars and restaurants.

In the sloping lanes of the old town, you can devour platters of oysters, mussels and octopus from the Ría de Vigo, one of the fjord-like estuaries that form the crinkly coastline. The food is so good, though, that it is worth going fancy, particularly as even Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Maruja Limón or Silabario, have reasonably-priced set menus – from €80 (£68) and just €32 (£27) respectively. After several years with no direct flights, a new Ryanair route from London Stansted means you can get there cheaply in 2024 as well.

Samil beach, in the south of the city, is a glorious stretch of golden sand flanked by seafood restaurants. In the summer, take the boat over to the idyllic Cíes Islands to lie on the white sand and paddle in the jade water.

Go shopping along Príncipe street then dip into the MARCO contemporary art museum to get an idea of the dynamic cultural scene in the city. As the sun goes down, it is well worth the climb up to O Castro park for spectacular panoramic views.

How to do it

Ryanair flies from Stansted to Vigo three times a week; from £30 return. The Gran Hotel Negari (0034 986 211111; granhotelnagari.com), overlooking the bay, is a fun place to stay with a rooftop pool. Doubles from £91, room only.

Annie Bennett is The Telegraph’s Spain expert and visits Galicia as often as possible for seafood extravaganzas.