Vigo

Vigo sits on the coast of Galicia in northwestern Spain, facing a deep, sheltered inlet called a ría. It is one of the world's busiest fishing ports, and the Mercado da Pedra, the stone market near the old town, sells oysters shucked and served with lemon right at the stalls. The old town has narrow cobbled streets, small squares, and granite buildings. The hilltop fortress of Castro has views of the ría and the Cíes Islands. The Cíes Islands, part of a national park, have white-sand beaches and clear water and are reachable by ferry in summer. The climate in Galicia is cooler and greener than the rest of Spain, closer to the Atlantic weather of Portugal and northern France. Pulpo á feira, boiled octopus with paprika and olive oil, is the signature Galician dish. Albariño, the local white wine, pairs well with seafood. Spanish is spoken alongside Galician. The euro is the currency.