Ria de Vigo facts for kids
Vigo Ria (also known as Spanish: Ría de Vigo in Spanish and Galician: Ría de Vigo in Galician) is a special type of bay found in Galicia, Spain. It's like a long, narrow arm of the sea that stretches inland. The Vigo Ria is the most southern of these bays in an area called the Rías Baixas.
This amazing natural harbor is located in the south of the province of Pontevedra. It reaches about 35 kilometres (22 mi) from its opening at Cape Silleiro all the way to Arcade. At its widest, it's about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) across, but it narrows down to just 700 metres (2,300 ft) at a spot called the Strait of Rande. The Cies Islands act like a natural shield at its western entrance. These islands are part of the National Park of the Atlantic Islands, along with Toralla and San Simon islands. To the north, the Morrazo Peninsula forms its border, and to the south, you'll find the Bay of Baiona. Because it's easy to get into, has deep water, and calm conditions, the Vigo Ria is a perfect place for sailing and other water sports.
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What Makes Vigo Ria Special?
From an environmental point of view, the Vigo Ria is very rich in life. This is because of its unique water currents. Cold, deep waters from the north bring in lots of nutrients. These nutrients help many plants and animals to thrive.
Historically, the Vigo Ria was a fantastic place for fishing and collecting shellfish. Even today, it's an important area for these activities.
Cities and Towns Around the Ria
The big city of Vigo sits right on the banks of the Ria. Many other towns and municipalities are also located here. These include Baiona, Nigrán, Redondela, Soutomaior, Vilaboa, Moaña, and Cangas do Morrazo. Together, about 420,000 people live around the Vigo Ria.
Historical Events
The Vigo Ria has been the site of important historical events.
The Battle of Rande
A famous sea battle, known as the Battle of Rande, took place here on October 23, 1702. It happened specifically at the end of the Ria, in the San Simón Bay.
Submarine Sightings
During World War II, some German submarines, called U-boats, were reported to have sunk in the Ria. For example, the German submarine U-523 sank on August 25, 1943, and the U-506 sank on July 12, 1943.
Fun Things to Do in Vigo Ria
There are many exciting activities for visitors and locals around the Vigo Ria.
- Water Sports: You can enjoy various water sports at the marinas in Baiona, Chapela, Moaña, Cangas, and Vigo.
- Golf: If you like golf, there are two eighteen-hole courses and one nine-hole course nearby.
- Historic Hotels:
- The Parador "Conde de Gondomar" in Baiona is a special hotel. It's located inside an old medieval fortress and offers beautiful natural surroundings.
- The Pazo los Escudos in Vigo is a historic Galician manor house. It has lovely walled gardens and a large collection of old Galician carvings.
- Manor Houses: The Pazo de Castrelos is another beautiful manor house located in Vigo.
- Ancient Settlements: You can also visit the Castro de Vigo, which is an ancient settlement.
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