Baiona: Monterreal Fortress & Pinta Replica
Fortaleza de Monterreal, Baiona
A medieval wall encircles a state-run castle hotel on the peninsula, with superb sea views from the walkway. In the harbor, a replica of the Pinta marks Columbus's first port of call on his return.
Baiona lies about 20 km southwest of Vigo. In March 1493, the Pinta, part of Columbus's fleet returning from the New World, made its first landfall here, making Baiona the first place in Europe to learn of the discovery of the Americas. A replica of the Pinta is moored in the harbor and can be boarded, and each early March the town holds a Discovery Festival with a medieval market. Monterreal Fortress covers the whole peninsula. Its roughly 3 km of walls now enclose a state-run castle hotel, and non-guests can walk the ramparts for a small fee, overlooking the bay and the Cíes Islands. The old town has cobbled streets and seafood restaurants, and a hilltop viewpoint nearby features a giant rock statue of the Virgin.
Opening hours
City wall walk approx. 10:00–21:00; Pingta Hao approx. 10:00–19:00
Nearby sights
- Samil Beach
- Cíes Islands & Rodas Beach
- Museo do Mar de Galicia
- Cabo Home & Costa da Vela
- Castrelos Park & Pazo Quiñones de León
- Castro Fortress Park
- Vigo Christmas Lights
- Casco Vello & Rúa da Pescadería