For keen walkers, a good trek is to follow the Rio Fraga that feeds into the Ensenada de Moana from behind the sports field. The 6km path towards Fraga viewpoint (400m climb) will reward you with great views as well as encounters with wild horses and a succession of restored water mills.
For a nature treat, visit Parque Natural de Cotorredondo (500m climb) with its Laguna Castineiras Lake and the Mirador de Cotorredondo, a great spot for views of both Ria de Pontevedra and Ria de Vigo.
The entrance to San Simon (the large bay at the N end of the Ria de Vigo), through the Rande straight, is today framed by a motorway bridge but was the scene of the greatest naval battle in the Ria in 1702. An Anglo-Dutch fleet proceeded towards the entrance, during the international conflict that arose after the succession to the Spanish throne through the royal family alliances for the Habsburgs (England, Holland and Austria) and the Bourbons (Spain and France) into war. The Anglo-Dutch fleet was greatly superior and easily overran the defences, destroying the forts at the entrance to San Simon. By coincidence, a Spanish colonial fleet had just arrived, but its commander threw the treasure into the waters and burnt his ships, rather than have either captured.
Visit the very interesting Museo del Mar in Alcabre (sited in an old cannery) to gain more insight into Vigo´s tumultuous past.
The highlight of the bay of Ensenada de San Simon is the Isla de San Simon. This small island in the east of the bay is almost connected to the shore at low tide. Its history is long and complex, from being a monastery for the Templars and numerous other orders, to a hospital, prison and training base during the civil war. Today the island is an art centre, open every day except Mondays.
Easter is a major occasion in Cangas. The street processions are solemn affairs attended by many thousands of people. Richly crafted religious sculptures are paraded through the streets, some of which survived burning by the Turks.
The Iglesia de San Salvador de Coiro is worth a trip along the PO 320 road towards Bueu and Pontevedra. It is a grand building in a beautiful mountain setting with good views of the Ria.
In Baiona you will find a beautiful old quarter and a promenade which winds its way around the Monterreal Fortress, an imposing construction with three kilometres of walls that protected the town from constant sieges and which is now a "Parador" hotel.
You will find a floating museum in Bayona, a replica of the "La Pinta", the caravel captained by Pinzon (a local sailor) which returned to these shores with the news of Columbus´ discovery of the New World. This historic event is commemorated every year on 1st March by the "Fiesta de la Arribada".
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