You may have never considered visiting Spain’s Cíes Islands: here’s why you should make the trip

Vigo, located in the far northwest of Spain, is a remote, lush, misty area surrounded by water.

It’s probably the last place you’d expect to discover islands with stunning turquoise waters and sandy white beaches. However, just a 45-minute boat ride from the heart of Vigo lies the Cíes Islands, part of the UNESCO-recognized Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. Renowned for their sustainable tourism efforts and home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the Cíes Islands attract both sun-loving visitors and avid bird watchers, hosting a variety of species like gulls, cormorants, terns, and more.

While the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage brings hundreds of thousands to Galicia annually, few venture to explore other areas of the region. If you’re seeking a chance to escape the crowds and experience a lesser-known city or enjoy Galician cuisine and wine, the Cíes Islands offer nature, outdoor activities, fresh air, and, if luck permits, a touch of tropical charm in an otherwise rainy region.

The islands – Monteagudo and Faro are connected by a footbridge – can be visited easily as a day trip from Vigo or, during the summer or Semana Santa, for an overnight stay. Regardless, as a protected site, the Cíes Islands have several regulations: visitors must obtain prior permission to enter; there are no trash bins, so everything brought in must be taken back out; loud noises are prohibited to protect the wildlife; removing anything from the islands is forbidden; feeding animals is not allowed; and accommodations are limited to approved tents or campsites.

Must-see activities on the Cíes Islands

Close to the pier on Monteagudo Island, there's an information booth that provides details on various activities available on the islands, as well as rental options for kayaks and snorkeling gear.

Keep in mind that the weather on the Cíes Islands can change rapidly; during our visit in early April, it was overcast and chilly.

Take a refreshing swim or dive into snorkeling.

In the summer, the pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Cíes Islands are undoubtedly their main attraction. While the temperatures can rise during this season, be aware that the average water temperature in this part of the Atlantic Ocean is around 14.22° C (57.6° F), making a swim invigorating regardless of the time of year.

The most popular beach for visitors is Praia de Rodas, just a short stroll from the landing pier on Monteagudo Island, boasting the longest stretch of sand. It's an excellent spot for snorkeling, teeming with octopus, mussels, and shellfish like crabs, lobsters, and barnacles, along with fish such as sole and mackerel. It can get quite crowded in the peak summer months, so if you're looking for a more tranquil experience, consider heading to Praia de Nosa Señora at the southern tip of Faro Island, nestled in a charming rocky cove with a church view. For an even more secluded spot, Praia das Figueiras is a short walk from the pier and also worth a visit.

Explore the hiking trails of the islands.

For those who prefer staying dry, the Cíes Islands offer excellent options for land-based adventures. The islands feature four clear and well-maintained walking paths that are relatively easy to navigate. A must-do is the km (2.1 mile) trek to Faro de Cíes, the lighthouse at the highest point of Faro Island, located in its southwestern corner. While the route is uphill, it’s not overly strenuous. About 1km (0.6 miles) from the lighthouse, you'll reach a turn that reveals the final ascent, with the lighthouse dramatically situated atop the mountain like something out of an episode of Game of Thrones.

From the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of a deep fjord-like bay, contrasting sharply with the white sandy beaches you passed earlier. You'll also get sweeping panoramas of the winding trail and neighboring San Martiño Island. If you’re on a day trip, this is a sight you shouldn’t miss. A recommended detour along this path is to Faro de Porto, which, while lower in elevation, sits impressively on the edge of a cliff, providing a more secluded feel.

Heading in the opposite direction on Cíes Island, a 2.5km (1.5 mile) trail leads to Faro do Peito, a lighthouse located on the island’s quieter northern shore. Alternatively, a 1.7km (1 mile) trek takes you west to the clifftop viewpoint at Alto do Príncipe. Unfortunately, during our visit, maintenance work was underway to remove invasive eucalyptus trees, leaving the trails in less-than-ideal condition.

Embark on a boat trip.

You can also explore the Cíes Islands by taking a boat trip with a sustainably focused, pre-approved provider like Bluscus. Gather some friends, charter a boat, and enjoy the freedom to swim off the coast from otherwise inaccessible areas. This option is also your only chance to visit San Martiño, the southernmost island in the Cíes Archipelago.

Delicious options on the Cíes Islands

As part of a protected area, the Cíes Islands emphasize minimizing environmental impact. However, being in Spain means that food and drink are definitely not secondary considerations.

At the pier, you’ll find Restaurante Rodas, a modern café/bar/restaurant offering food and drinks at reasonable prices; sip on a café con leche or a refreshing glass of Albariño while you wait for your boat.

A short, easy stroll south from the pier leads you to the island’s campground, which features a spacious cafeteria. The reasonably priced menu includes treats like octopus – a reminder that this isn’t your typical summer camp food. There’s also a small grocery store, and campers can enjoy access to tables, microwave ovens, and power outlets – pretty much everything needed for self-catering.

If you’re just visiting for the day, bringing your own food is a fantastic option. Stop by a Gadis (a local supermarket chain in Galicia) in Vigo to pick up some queixo tetilla (a breast-shaped Galician cheese), empanadas (local-style seafood pies), bread, sausages, and perhaps a bottle of wine. Enjoy a Spanish-style picnic at one of the many granite picnic tables along the paths or on a blanket on the sand.

Getting to the Cíes Islands: A Guide

Whether you're planning a day trip or an overnight adventure to the Cíes Islands, some advance planning is necessary. The islands are part of a protected area that limits visitor numbers to 450 people per day for most of the year, and 1,800 during peak season.

To visit, you'll need to secure permission from the Xunta de Galicia, the local government. Visit the website up to 90 days in advance, fill out some basic information, and you'll receive a code required to purchase your boat tickets. This process is free, and the code is valid for two hours.

With your code in hand, you can purchase your boat ticket. Several companies offer ferry services to the islands, including Bahía Sub, Cruceros Rías Baixas, Cruceros do Ulla, Mar de Ons, Nabia, and RG Naviera. Most run daily trips, with increased departures in summer. Tickets can be bought online, or you can visit the offices in person; at least four ferry companies are located in the building adjacent to the pier, where commuter ferry tickets are also sold. The staff can assist with obtaining a code and purchasing tickets, or you can drop by to check departure times.

The ferry ride to the Cíes Islands takes about 45 minutes, and some ferries provide food and drink service on board.

Accommodation Options on the Cíes Islands

You can explore the Cíes Islands throughout the year, but overnight stays are only permitted during Semana Santa (the week before Easter) and in summer (from May 15 to September 15). Tents are available for rent, or you can reserve a spot to set up your own. Be aware that campsites can fill up during peak summer holidays, so it's wise to make a reservation in advance or plan your visit outside of August for a quieter experience.

The camping area offers amenities such as a cafeteria, shop, toilets, hot water showers (for a small fee), electrical outlets, and even solar-powered air pumps to inflate your mattress.