Sparkling turquoise water, year-round sunshine and dazzling white sand beaches.
These are just some of the drawcards of the Cíes Islands, a little-known Spanish archipelago that travellers often describe as a European version of the Caribbean.
Adrift off the Atlantic Coast of Galicia, about a 45-minute boat ride from Vigo, this ‘truly magical’ destination is made up of three main islands: Monte Agudo, O Faro, and San Martiño.
Part of the UNESCO-recognised Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, it was famously revered by the Romans as the ‘islands of the Gods’ — yet for all its beauty, it remains largely unspoiled by tourism.
This is thanks to a cap on visitor numbers, which has been in place since 2017. Today, 1,800 visitors can visit the islands each day from 15 May to 15 September, after which the cap falls to 450 a day.
Before setting off, each visitor must download a QR code from the regional government website and pay €25 (£21) for the ferry ride there and back.
But it wasn’t always that way.
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Before the government rolled out the tourist limit eight years ago, thousands of people would arrive every day of the summer, putting the archipelago and its unique ecosystem under huge strain.
In June, protestors took to the streets of major cities, including Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, as part of a collective demonstration organised by the Southern Europe Against Touristification coalition.
It aimed to highlight the damage wrought by mass tourism, arguing that foreign investors and global chains are buying up affordable property and pricing residents out of their hometowns.
The fight, activists have long told Metro, is not with holidaymakers, but with the people profiting from mass touristification.
Still, travellers are starting to move away from major destinations as a result, while ecotourism in places like the Cíes Islands becomes more popular.
The islands draw sun-seeking day-trippers and bird watchers alike. Fascinating birdlife, including gulls, cormorants, terns, petrels and shearwaters, auks and gannets, can be found there year-round.
No cars, motorboats, or jet skis are allowed, and there are no hotels. The only way to get around is on foot or by kayak (more on that later).
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re considering a visit.
Things to see and do on the Cíes Islands
A major draw for any destination, the Cíes Islands are home to some of the most beautiful (and exclusive) beaches on Earth.
One of them, Rodas Beach, has previously been named one of the best in the world for its 700 metres of silky, white sand. It connects Monte Agudo to O Faro, and is the longest of any beach on the island.
More secluded options include Praia das Figueiras, and, further up the coast, Praia das Margaritas, which is surrounded by trees.
The islands are home to rolling dunes and over 200 species of algae, as well as a rugged coastline that provides excellent opportunities for watersports.
Diving and canoeing are the most popular activities, as they are a great way to explore the islands’ many hidden coves.
The most popular attraction is the Faro do Peito lighthouse. Built in 1904, it’s famous for its location, rather than its appearance, with views of the Costa da Vela from the northermost tip of the archipelago.
Can you spend the night?
There are no hotels on the islands, but you can stay overnight – if you time your visit right.
Camping is only possible from Semana Santa (that’s Holy Easter week in Catholic Spain) through the end of September, at the official campsite.
As of 2024, you could bring your own kit for £17 per person per night, or rent one of the park’s ready-pitched ridge tents, complete with camp beds and sleeping bags, from £63 a night with a two-night minimum stay.
How to get to the Cíes Islands
The catch is, there isn’t an airport.
If you’re travelling from London, there are direct flights from Stansted to Santiago-Rosalía de Castro, which is in Galicia on the Spanish mainland.
From here, you’ll need to take a ferry. There are options from Vigo, Cangas, Baiona, Sanxenxo, and Portonovo.
It’s worth noting that the schedule varies depending on the time of year, but from July to September, there’s a good service: typically around eight boats from Vigo each day.
If you want to explore the archipelago this winter, we found return flights to Galicia for a remarkably reasonable £31. The journey takes 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Alternatively, Vueling flies from Heathrow, while easyJet jets off from Gatwick to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, which is just over a 90-minute drive south of Vigo.
Best time to visit the Cíes Islands
If you’re after some vitamin D, the best time of year to visit the Cies Islands is, of course, the summer.
The hottest month is August, when the mercury reaches highs of 23°C, while June and July are slightly cooler at 21°C and 22°C, respectively.
That said, the weather remains relatively balmy year-round. March sees highs of 15°C, but it can get as cold as 5°C.
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