Jardines de Montero Ríos y las Avenidas

Jardines de Montero Ríos is a landmark park in Vigo, stretching along the seafront Avenida de Montero Ríos right next to the city's harbor. It's one of the most walked green spaces in central Vigo, mixing landscaped gardens, public sculpture and open views over the bay.

Where exactly are the gardens?

Also known locally as Jardines de Elduayen, the gardens sit on a strip of land between the port and the Ensanche, Vigo's historic downtown district. They act as a natural continuation of the harborfront promenade, so almost anyone walking the waterfront toward the city center passes through. On foot from the old town (Casco Vello) or the main squares, it's roughly a fifteen-minute walk, and the location along a major avenue also makes it an easy stop by city bus.

What is there to see inside the park?

The layout follows an English-garden tradition with touches inspired by oriental garden design — winding paths, clustered trees and carefully arranged flowerbeds rather than strict geometric rows. In the 1990s the gardens went through a major renovation as part of the "Vigo Open to the Sea" project, which reconnected the city center with its coastline.

The park's best-known feature is the monument to Jules Verne, shown seated on the tentacles of a giant squid — a nod to the author's maritime novels and his historical ties to Vigo. A second monument here honors José de San Martín, the South American independence hero, marking Vigo's long-standing links with Latin America. Along the neighboring Paseo de las Avenidas stands a further set of sculptures, which the local port authority periodically restores to keep them on display.

When is the best time to visit?

The gardens work year-round as a spot for daily walks and a resting point for anyone touring the port. In summer they also double as an event space — gatherings such as Vigo SeaFest bring fish and beer tastings, concerts, boat showcases and family activities to the grounds. For a quiet stroll, mornings or early evenings outside festival season are the better bet; if a lively atmosphere is what you're after, check the port's event calendar before heading over.

What else is nearby?

Being right by the harbor means easy access to the terraces and bars lining the pedestrian stretch of the avenue, a popular route for an evening walk and a drink after sunset. The ferry and cruise-ship docks are close by too, so the gardens often serve as a natural starting or finishing point for exploring the city from the water.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the gardens free? Yes, it's a public city park with no admission fee, open around the clock.

How long does it take to walk through? Walking the main paths takes about 20–30 minutes, but stopping at the monuments and taking in the harbor view can easily stretch a visit to an hour.

Is it suitable for children? Yes, the open lawns, shaded trees and views of ships in the harbor make it an easy, family-friendly stop.

How do you get there from central Vigo? The simplest way is on foot along the harborfront promenade — about 15–20 minutes from Casco Vello or Puerta del Sol — and city buses running along the coast also stop nearby.