Exploring Vigo and Madrid: A Family Adventure in Spain

This wonderful world that we live in is full of undiscovered treasures. There are amazing places full of beauty, charm, and heart that we never knew existed, and I experienced such a place recently when I traveled to Spain for my niece’s wedding.

It felt like one of those times when life just hands you the chance for an unforgettable adventure. Spain hadn’t really been on my radar before, but it completely surprised me with its beauty.

Vigo

We stayed and played in Vigo, the hometown of the groom. Arriving a few days before the event, we spent our days roaming the picturesque city tucked along Spain’s northwestern coast. What I loved most about Vigo was its authenticity. It wasn’t overly polished or touristy; it felt real and lived-in.

Vigo is a very walkable city. We strolled through the historic old town on cobblestone streets, taking in the unique Galician architecture. There is a white sandy beach, easily accessible from the city center, and a charming chapel sitting atop Monte da Guia, a hill that offers some of the best views of the city and its bay.

Evenings were spent gathering with family, dining on some of the freshest seafood in the world. I even sampled some octopus, a significant part of the city’s cuisine. Temperatures were mild during the day but cooled down come sundown, bringing a slight chill to the air.

Our suite at the Hotel Ciudad de Vigo had a beautiful view of the Port of Vigo, and we loved watching the boats and ships drift in and out. Breakfast was served on the top floor, where the panoramic view made our morning coffee even more enjoyable.

Storybook Wedding

The ceremony was held in a quaint Catholic church built in 1733, a picture-perfect setting that felt like it was from another time. Located in the Galicia region, along Spain’s rugged Atlantic coast, the scene felt almost enchanted.

I was so happy to share this special day with my sister and her beautiful daughter, and I felt deeply blessed to have my sons and granddaughters there too—not only to celebrate together, but to take part in the ceremony.

The reception was equally spectacular, held at The Parador de Baiona, a centuries-old castle with sweeping views of the sea.

The celebration—filled with food, wine, and dancing—carried late into the night. At one point, the sky opened up and rain began to pour, but we hardly noticed at first. The sound of it beating against the roof was soon drowned out by the music and laughter echoing through the room. It somehow made the evening feel even more alive, like the whole world was celebrating right along with us.

All Aboard

The next day, we said our goodbyes to the bride, groom, and the rest of the family as we all split up to head home or continue on our adventures. My oldest son headed back to Colorado, but my youngest and his family hopped on the train to Madrid with us. Since we had already crossed the ocean, we figured we might as well check out more of Spain!

Madrid

Madrid felt like a different world. Where Vigo had that seaside charm and relaxed coastal rhythm, Madrid was bold and full of pulse. The wide boulevards, grand architecture, and lively plazas gave it a different kind of beauty—vibrant, elegant, and alive at every hour.

We wandered with no agenda, stopping for coffee or a cocktail, people-watching in the plazas, and just soaking in the rhythm of the city. We found a favorite breakfast café around the corner from our room where I had the best salmon eggs Benedict I have tasted to date.

With the grandkids in tow, we visited the Retiro Park on a few occasions. This gorgeous, perfectly kept park once belonged to the Spanish royal family and is filled with stunning monuments and structures.

We had to visit The Plaza Mayor, the major public square in the heart of Madrid. It’s known for its 17th-century architecture and equestrian statue of King Philip III. Today, the Plaza Mayor is filled with cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and street performers.

The Perfectly Imperfect Ending

By the end of the trip, I was starting to feel a bit under the weather with the same bug that seemed to make its way through all of us at some point. Our flight out of Madrid didn’t exactly go as planned—we sat on the tarmac for more than five hours before finally taking off, which meant missing our connection in D.C. and spending an unexpected night there. And just when I thought the travel drama was over, our Uber home from the Phoenix airport got a flat tire.

But even with all of that—it didn’t put a damper on the trip. The memories of Spain, the beauty, the wedding, and the time with family far outweighed the travel hiccups. In the end, it all just became part of the story—one more reminder that the best adventures rarely go perfectly, but they’re always worth it.

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