Dog Walkers in Vigo, Spain

Vigo stands on a hillside, and that is the first thing to understand before organising a dog's day here. The city climbs from the port to over four hundred metres in very little horizontal distance, with streets that in places are simply staircases, and public lifts and escalator ramps to bridge the gradients. A route that looks like two kilometres on the map can be a serious workout, and for an older dog or one with dysplasia there are entire neighbourhoods best avoided.

The second thing is the water. It rains a great deal here, and constantly, with annual totals among the highest of any Spanish provincial capital. This is not the interior's drizzle but genuine downpours alternating with bright spells, so equipment matters: raincoat, towel, and the acceptance that the ground will be wet for most of the autumn and winter.

In exchange, the city offers two excellent things. Castrelos is a park of unusual scale, with the Quiñones de León estate, wide meadows, old trees and real room to run. And the Senda da Auga, the path following the old water channel along the hillside, gives kilometres of level walking on the contour with views over the ría — exactly what so steep a city needs.

There is one local rule that surprises many people and is worth knowing in advance: the Cíes Islands belong to a national park and landing with companion animals is not allowed. It is the classic excursion of the Vigo ría, and it is simply not an option for anyone travelling with a dog, however conveniently the boat leaves from the city centre.