Ensenada de San Simón

The interaction between tides and the Verdugo River reveals a marine area rich in bivalves and a large number of wintering birds on the estuary of Vigo. This cove is the location of the archipelago of San Simón, which consists of four islands: San Bartolomé, San Antonio, San Simón and San Norberto. San Simón, which is part of the Natura 2000 network, is perhaps the most noteworthy. From the 12th to the 19th century it was used by different religious orders and was the target of many naval incursions. From 1838 to 1927 it operated as an isolation hospital, and in 1936 it became a prison for republicans, holding over 4000 political prisoners. In 1948 it was used as a hostel for Franco’s guards, and in 1950 there was a shipwreck in which 43 people lost their lives. From 1955 to 1963 it was converted into a home for orphaned children. The area was restored in the 90’s, and today it is a natural paradise packed with history.