Baiona

At the southern end of the AP9 freeway and the Ría de Vigo, Baiona (Bayona in Castilian) is a summer haunt of affluent Gallegos. When Columbus's Pinta landed here in 1492, Baiona became the first town to receive the news of the discovery of the New World. Once a castle, Monte Real is one of Spain's most popular paradors; walk around the battlements for superb views. Inland from Baiona's waterfront, Paseo Marítima, a jumble of streets, has seafood restaurants and lively cafés and bars. Calle Ventura Misa is one of the main drags. On your way into or out of town, check out Baiona's Roman bridge. The best nearby beach is Praia de América, north of town toward Vigo.