Vigo (Spain)

In 1702, though it is hard to believe that, in the calm setting of the fjord-like harbour of Vigo, a Dutch and English force once fought and defeated the Spanish and French fleets anchored here. Galicia's major port city, renowned for its seafood, Vigo features an appealing old town with a labyrinth of winding narrow streets and shaded squares. Close by is Santiago de Compostela, Christendom's 3rd most holy pilgrimage shrine, in whose Gothic cathedral lies the body of Saint James.

Galicia is located at the northwest corner of Iberian Peninsula and to the north of Portugal, with which has strong linguistic and historical ties. Within its 1.200 km of jagged and varied Atlantic coastline there are 800 beaches with 275 km of stretches of white sand, which reach up to the pine trees. There is hardly any flat area of land in its uneven landscape, but the hills and mountains provide many natural parks and pleasant spots. The mountain ranges of Ancazares, Courel, Pena Trevinca and Manzaneda rise to almost 2,000 metres.