Vigo

Vigo's iconic hilltop park, climbing to the 16th-century Castelo do Castro fortifications with panoramic views over the Ría de Vigo and the Cíes Islands. Paved walks, shaded eucalyptus terraces and a celtic-roundhouse archaeological site. Leashed dogs welcome throughout, enclosed off-leash area on the lower south slope.

Galicia's largest urban park (24 ha) around the Pazo Quiñones de León, with formal French gardens, English parterres and the Lagares river. Large fenced 'área canina' in the eastern section, with separate small-dog and big-dog enclosures. Leashed dogs welcome throughout the rest.

The stone-paved old town climbing from the harbour to Porta do Sol, with the Concatedral de Santa María, Praza da Constitución and the Rúa Pescadería oyster-stall row. Entirely pedestrian and dog-friendly outdoors; oyster women shuck directly on their granite slabs.

A wooded coastal hill on the eastern edge of Vigo, with a hermitage at the summit and panoramic views over the inner ría. Network of trails through pine and eucalyptus woodland, quiet paths permit off-leash walking with a recall-trained dog. Bus 12 from the city centre.

The Cíes Islands National Park strictly bans dogs YEAR-ROUND, no exceptions. Ferry companies refuse boarding with a dog. Dog-friendly alternative: the Costa da Vela around Cabo Home (40 km south-west), with similar white-sand coves.

The official dog beach of the south Ría de Vigo coast, in Nigrán, 12 km south. A 200 m crescent of fine sand with shallow turquoise water, accessible year-round. Meeting point for Vigo dog owners on summer weekends.