Visit the Cies Islands, the wonders of Galicia

Are you in western Spain and want to discover one of its natural beauties? Take a look at the Cies Islands and discover our dedicated article!

Located near the city of Vigo, the Cies Islands are not the most popular destination in Spain. Indeed, these islands are rather confidential and it may be that many of you have never heard of them.

This confidentiality is a good news! You will have all the leisure to enjoy in all tranquility the “God Islands”, as they were nicknamed by the Romans at the time.

Visiting the Cies Islands is thus discovering a historic place, preserved from mass tourism, rich fauna and flora... and dream beaches! The purpose of this article is to give you all the information you need to visit the Cies Islands and original excursion ideas.

The Cies Islands, an uninhabited archipelago and a preserved natural reserve

The Cies Islands is comprised of three islands: the island of Monteagudo (the "high mountain"), the island do Faro (the flagship island) and the island of San Martiño (Saint Martin Island). If the third is further away, the first two are connected by a lagoon forming the famous beach Praia de Rodas . The latter was even elected in 2007 most beautiful beach in the world by the British newspaper The Guardian!

Since the 1960s, the Cies Islands are uninhabited . Two decades later, they become a natural reserve and a bird protection area . In 2002, the National Park of the Galicia Atlantic Islands was established, to which the Cies Islands were integrated. Natural reserve status has allowed the preservation of the biodiversity of the islands, which are now sanctuated!

The Cies Islands, the Dominance of Nature

To visit the Cies Islands, it is to venture into a place where nature is queen . The beaches are there sublime and the panoramas offered by the views are Magic . We then become aware of the beauties of our planet, that it is necessary to preserve. The Cies Islands are the ideal place to get away from the urban tumult and breathe a good bowl of fresh air.

A trip to the Cies is therefore a rare adventure today. It’s a date with a preserved nature lost in the middle of the ocean . A place that is hard to leave once on site. What if you're next or next?

What to see and what to do in the Cies Islands?

Visiting the Cies Islands is discovering superb views like the Praia de Rodas, the lighthouse of Cies or the Alto do Príncipe. It is also enjoy beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters . It is finally going through beautiful and short hiking trails in the middle of an indigenous flora.

In total, there are nine beaches on the Cies Islands , so to find a place where to relax and relax. Besides the famous Praia de Rodas, here are the beaches Praia de Figueiras, Praia de Bolos and Praia de San Martiño among the most beautiful. In the Cies Islands there are also four hiking trails To survey.

The first hike is the Monte Faro route, the most famous and the longest of the four. It leads to the Cies Lighthouse located on Do Faro Island. On the programme, spectacular panoramic views and one last climbing in unforgettable zigzag ! The second hike, called Alto do Principe, is located on the island of Monteagudo and is much shorter than the previous one. The surface is wooded, so the path is mostly in the shade. There, too, we enjoy spectacular views.

The third hike, known as A Porta Lighthouse, takes place on Do Faro Island. Its point of pride is the arrival at the archaeological site of Castro Das Hortas, it is the only path to access it! Finally, the last hike, the Monteagudo itinerary, takes place north of the first island and offers a splendid view on the north coast from the Alto do Príncipe.

How to visit the Cies Islands?

In this section, Wanderlix presents two original excursion ideas to visit the Cies Islands.

In sailboat

With this ticket for the Cies Islands, you will experience an unforgettable experience! This trip is part of these moments that we keep a memorable memory. The area of Vigo estuary is considered one of the best nautical destinations in the world. The sailboat is therefore an excellent way to discover the natural paradise the Cies Islands.

The activity starts from the port of Pontevedra, located near Vigo. You will be welcomed by an experienced and friendly skipper who will accompany you throughout the day. For about 10 hours, you will breathe the pure air of the ocean and you will even have the opportunity to learn to sail a sailboat ! If luck is with you, you will even have the opportunity cross dolphins !

Once arrived in the Cies Islands, the sailboat stopped near the Praia de Rodas. You will then have the time it takes for visit the islands , do some hiking and to the beach . If the weather allows, the return is made by a different route to navigate near the ria de Vigo to Pontevedra. Here ends your memorable day and your discovery of the Cies Islands!

In jet-ski

You're looking for strong sensations and speed? So this trip to the Cies is for you! It is indeed in jet-ski that you will join the islands of the Gods.

The activity begins at the Real Club Nautico de Vigo where you meet your instructor and guide. It is he who will teach you how to handle the jet-ski if it is your first time, and who will accompany you during these 2 hours. The start is quiet, motor cut, to leave the port of Vigo quietly.

The adventure really starts when you are on the high seas. The instructor then gives the signal to turn on the engine and you are free to have fun. The tour leaves a great freedom for participants, as long as security measures are respected. Your playground then becomes the ocean... unique experience !

Once you arrive in the Cies Islands, you can visit the National Park, its beaches, views and hiking trails. The return is made by the same path, taking advantage of this time magnificent view of the Galician coast . Once the foot is laid on the earth, we have only one desire to do it again!

How do I access the Cies Islands?

The first step to visit the Cies Islands is from to Vigo The nearest town. Here are the possibilities.

By plane

In the past, there have been seasonal direct flights between Paris and Vigo. Today, to our knowledge, there are no more. Nevertheless, nothing insurmountable!

Indeed, since the vast majority of French cities, only a port of call is necessary, in general to Madrid or Barcelona . The stopover can be long, allowing you to spend a few hours in both cities if you want to take the air.

The majority of flights are operated by Iberia National Company. Do not hesitate to consult a comparison of flights as Skyscanner to find the combination that suits you best.

By train

The train trip is made for those who have (many) time and particularly enjoy this type of journey. Because it takes close to 24 hours To get to the destination! So we just give it for information.

You must first reach Barcelona, which is possible without change from Paris, Nîmes, Montpellier and Perpignan. Once in Barcelona, you have to change in Madrid and then in Madrid Santiago de Compostela . A long but good journey in perspective!

By boat for the Cies Islands

That's it, you're in Vigo! Now, head to the Cies Islands. The dessert is only insured by boat and is fairly controlled. Since the islands are protected, it is not the number of islands. Indeed, only 1,800 passengers are allowed daily on the Cies Islands . It is therefore advisable or even essential to book in advance High season.

In summer, specialized companies take you to the islands from Vigo to the island of Monteagudo, near the Praia de Rodas beach. In the lower season, there is much less ferries and so you have to think about watching before leaving. Otherwise, you have the possibility of go by private boat .

The island of San Martiño is special because it is only accessible by private boat, summer and winter. It is indeed an island even more protected than the other two, more remote and wild.

If you're in Baiona , just south of Vigo, know that it is also possible to go directly to the Cies Islands from this city in high season.

Are there combined visits?

It is possible to visit the Cies Islands by combining with other activities. This is particularly the case with the experiences presented above, sailing or jet-skiing.

Throughout the year, you can also combine the visit of the Cies Islands with the visit of Ons Island to the north.

The good addresses where to stay

Travellers have the choice of sleeping in the Cies Islands or in a city on the Galician coast.

On the Cies Islands

The islands being protected and small, the only possibility of housing is camping ! Travellers can rent a tent on site or bring their own.

The campsite is open all year and reservation on the website of the campsite de las Islas Cies is mandatory . Of course, camping wild is forbidden .

Staying on the spot is recommended to those who want to take time, rest away from the urban tumult and who enjoy sleeping in the beautiful star.

Vigo, Pontevedra or Baiona

The majority of travellers will remain in one of these three cities. The departure port is usually in Vigo, so we selected two accommodations in this city.

For those wishing to see the accommodation possibilities in Pontevedra and Baiona, there are many accommodation units Airbnb You will find your happiness there! Otherwise, you can call one Compare hotels to benefit from the best offers, at the best price. Those who choose the sailing tour will have an interest in staying in Pontevedra for example!

1. A duplex for the family

This modernly decorated apartment is located in downtown Vigo. We appreciate the interior, furnishing and presence of all the necessary equipment.

To get to the Cies Islands, you can’t ask better because the accommodation is located in front of the boarding port!

2. Modern apartment with view

This accommodation is very similar to the previous one and has the same advantages: ideal for the family, close to the boarding port, situation in the city centre.

However, it is more spacious and larger than the previous one. In terms of amenities, nothing to say, everything is present to spend a wonderful stay!

The right places to eat

In the Cies Islands, there are two restaurants and a "bar restaurant" near Praia de Rodas beach. Let’s be honest, the price quality report is not excellent but it will suffice for many travelers. You can also take your picnic before taking the boat.

In Vigo, we recommend restaurants O Porton and Casa Vella , located near the port. Prices are correct and generous portions.

The good spots of the Cies Islands

We could dedicate a full article to the Cies Islands spots! To help you, we nevertheless selected three.

The first of them is Alto do Príncipe . Located north of the island of Monteagudo, it is only point of view allowing us to observe the three islands , the lighthouse of Cies and the Praia de Rodas at a glance!

The second spot is the Cies lighthouse . Once he gets to his foot, ocean view at loss of sight and the waves that crash on the rocks are wonderful. At the beginning of the climb to the lighthouse, don’t miss the clearest view on the wild island of San Martiño.

Finally, the third spot is the bridge linking the islands of Monteagudo and Do Faro . This small stone bridge, built on the ground, offers a fantastic view of the Lago dos Nenos ("Children Lake"), the fine sand of the Praia de Rodas and the panorama on the wild hills of the two islands.