The Park

Parque Monte do Casto is my favorite spot in Vigo. If you’re looking for great views, fresh air, history, and architecture while in Vigo, Spain then head on over (or up all the hills) to Parque Monte do Castro. My friends and I took advantage of an extremely rare day of no rain and spent the afternoon at the park. The garden is full of flowering plants, orange trees, and fountains. There’s playgrounds for children, and workout stations. Remnants of the original Celtic settlement are also located here, dating back to 3rd century BC.

It’s an incredibly relaxing area, a tranquil spot away from the city. Reading reviews of the park, many suggest taking transportation up to the park and then walking down after. Located at the top of a steep hill, the walk up tires many. My friends and I visited the park one rain free weekend while studying in Vigo.

The Fort

The park surrounds the 1665 Castro Fortress, built with (no longer existing) city walls. It protected the city during the Portuguese Restoration War against raids from the British Royal Navy. The park has been integrated into the remaining parts of the fortress with landscaping, and statues throughout.

The Views

Parque Monte do Castro offers fantastic views of the city port, orange tiled rooftops, and Las Islas Cíes-The Cíes Islands. Las Islas Cíes are a protected archipelago off the coast, with limited number of visitors at a time. You’ll find no cars or hotels, camping is allowed. The islands are a remote, low-key, nature based escape. I was unable to visit, as the islands were closed during my time studying in Vigo based on the season and weather.

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