What to see in the Cíes Islands on the Galician coast

Cies Islands

All the Cíes Islands are a true paradise on the Galician coast, and one of its most tourist spots in the Rías Baixas area. There are many people who decide to enjoy one or several days in these beautiful islands that are near the coast of Galicia in the middle of the Atlantic.

Let's find out what it is what to see and do in the Cíes Islands. In addition, during the summer season there is a lot of influx, so it is better to know how to get there and what to do. If we visit this part of Galicia we must reserve a few days to get lost in this beautiful island.

Cies Islands

Cies Islands

The Cíes Islands are part of the Galician Atlantic Islands National Park. In the 80s, these islands were declared a natural park in order to protect them due to the great importance of their flora and fauna. In it there are some autochthonous species such as toxo or xesta. In addition, it is possible to see a great variety of birds, the gulls being the most abundant.

These islands are made up of three different islets. The illa Norte and Illa do Faro they are joined by the sandy area that forms the beach of Rodas and by a path created to reach the camping area. The other island is that of San Martiño, which can only be reached by private boat. These islands currently belong to the municipality of Vigo, although they are not part of any parish.

How to get to the Cíes Islands

Cies Islands

The way to get to these islands is through catamarans that leave from different points of the nearby Galician coastline. These catamarans do not go out in winter season or if the weather conditions are not favorable. During the summer, however, they usually have daily service. Keep in mind that the weekends of July and August are saturated, so if we are thinking of going these days it is better to book the ticket in advance to avoid staying on land.

They come out of the port of Vigo and Cangas. From the port of Vigo we will always have the problem of parking if we go by private car. If we go by public transport it will always be easier to get to Vigo. The Cangas option is better for those who travel by car and have to leave it parked.

The trip to the islands becomes pleasant and it is possible to go in the lower part or in the upper part. At the top you can enjoy the sea ​​breeze and views of the coast and islands. When we get to the island there are some cars that are used to transport the belongings that we carry if we are going to stay at the campsite.

What to do in the Cíes Islands

Cíes Lighthouse

On these islands there is a camping area that must also be reserved in advance. The cars are in the arrival area of ​​the catamarans, since the journey to the campsite is long, of at least one kilometer. There is also no shade in this area, so it is recommended to wear hats to avoid heat stroke.

Possible stay in the camping area to be able to spend more than one day on the island. In this way we can enjoy all its corners with tranquility. One of the things to do is go up to the lighthouse to see the sunset with the best views. The path is quite long so it is recommended to wear suitable footwear.

Beaches in the Cíes Islands

La Alto do Príncipe route has little difficulty. In it you can see the beach of Figueiras, which is the beach where nudism is usually practiced. In addition, you pass through a dune system and the Queen's Chair, a place that overlooks the sea and where only the bravest can look out. On the Ruta do Monteagudo, you pass the bird observatory and arrive at the Peito lighthouse.

Beaches in the Cíes Islands

Rhodes Beach

Another of the popular activities on these islands are undoubtedly the great beaches. Spending the day bathing in the clear waters of the island and sunbathing on its sandy beaches is one of its main attractions. Rodas beach is one of the best known, as it is the largest sandy area on the island. It is usually quite crowded in high season.

If we want a little more tranquility we can go to the sandy area that is right next to it, the by Figueiras, although we must not forget that it is the area where nudism is done. Anyway nudism is not mandatory. We can also see, a little further away, the beach of Cantareira or that of Nuestra Señora de Carracido, both smaller than the previous ones, but also less crowded with people.


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