Islands of Cíes

Do you want to know how to get to Cíes?

You can get to the Cíes Islands from Vigo, Cangas, Baiona,Sanxenxo or Portonovo by booking your tickets and enjoying the journey across the Atlantic. The adventure beings on the boat, but as you set foot on land you will find numerous activities and hikes to enjoy Galicia’s most renowned natural paradise, the Cíes Islands.

Visiting Cíes Islands is to visit the most unique natural environment of Galicia, with unique flora and fauna. Moreover, to discover its peculiar nature, there are several hiking routes in the Cíes Islands that will allow you to observe the end of the sea from the top of its viewpoints and feel the fresh air of the ocean.

When you come to Galicia, visiting the Cíes Islands is a must, as they are part of the Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia and it is a unique environment with a spectacular fauna, where the seagulls will be your companions in every step of your hike.

It is necessary to make a booking to visit the Cíes Islands. The view from Vigo of the Cíes draws an island paradise, but from that distance it is impossible to imagine what is hidden there: an idyllic landscape with white sand beaches, crystalline water and a famous microclimate that allows the traveller to enjoy both the beach and walks to the top of the mountains.

Visiting Cíes will make you feel like in paradise while you enjoy a unique sunset if you have the chance to spend the night on the island. In order to stay overnight, you have to make a camping reservation at the Cies campsite before buying the boat tickets.

Cíes Islands boast nine fine white sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters that let you enjoy the peace and beauty of their landscapes.

They are authentic natural spots, where the traveller can shut out the world in an unrivalled setting. Rodas, Figueiras and San Martiño are the biggest beaches, but there are many coves such as Areíña, Bolos, Cantareira, Margaridas, Muxieiro and Nosa Señora de Carracido, where you can get lost among nature.

Rodas Beach, in the Cíes Islands, is acclaimed as the best in the world for its incomparable beauty. It has a blue flag, crystal-clear waters, white sands and an impressive natural environment. It is also the best known, especially since the prestigious British newspaper The Guardian declared it "the best beach in the world" in 2007. It has earned this distinction thanks to its unique charm, evident also in the forests that stretch down to the sand and its towering dunes.

It is an ideal family destination, with easy access from the pier, lifeguard services, restaurant and camping. Although its appearance may evoke the Caribbean, the temperature of its waters and the presence of marine fauna, such as barnacles and mussels, reveal its location in the Atlantic and its Galician authenticity.

The limited access guarantees a quiet and exclusive experience, making it a sought-after destination. Its kilometre-long stretch links two islands, forming a perfect crescent, while other nearby coves complete this idyllic landscape. Rhodes is a place where diverse visitors converge, from families enjoying a day's excursion to couples in search of paradisiacal landscapes in which to take the best photographs.

The best way to discover the magnificence of Cíes Islands is by taking one of the four trails through Monteagudo and O Faro Islands.

Only by blending with the surroundings will you truly enjoy their flora and fauna, their dune systems, the birds observatories or the wonderful views from their cliffs. Monte Faro trail, with its two spectacular viewpoints, and Alto del Príncipe trail are particularly recommended.

Drop anchor on Cíes Islands, catch the favourable winds, walk in the nature, visit sea caves, discover the sea depths or go on a journey to the centre of the Earth.

Live the adventure and enjoy the natural marvels surrounding you. At Mar de Ons, you can find unique experiences to give as gifts or to enjoy for yourself. We will be glad to suggest different options to you so that you can discover this natural paradise in the most adventurous and exclusive ways.

Since 2002, Cíes Islands are part of the Terrestrial Maritime National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia.

This is a highly protected environment, only accessible by boat, where the number of daily visitors is restricted. Besides its incredible beaches, it has many other attractions to offer, such as its wonderful nature, flora and fauna.

Insulae Deorum, The Islands of the Gods. That is what the Romans called Cíes Islands. Are they heaven on Earth? Well, if they are not, they are certainly the closer that you can get.

Once you discover them, you will immediately understand why. Centuries have passed since then, and they are still a heavenly paradise that has become the second tourist destination with the most visitors in Galicia, right after the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

The Atlantic Islands National Maritime-Terrestrial Park, with its Starlight Destination certificate since 2017, will offer you a unique celestial experience. This recognition, awarded by the Starlight Foundation, guarantees you can observe the night sky in an environment free of light pollution. You will be amazed by the stars and astrological phenomena.

It also holds the Observer Seal, which fuses science, scientific dissemination and tourism to promote sustainable, quality tourism. This award, together with other certifications of the Cíes Islands and the Island of Ons, such as Quality Coast and ZEPA, reinforce its prestige among scientists and nature lovers.

From Naviera Mar de Ons we offer you the opportunity to explore these wonders, offering a variety of activities to enjoy the Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia. From dramatised night navigations, to photographic workshops and educational astronomical observation tours in collaboration with local universities. Discover the magic of stargazing from the Cíes Islands and Ons Island and join the adventure in this Galician natural paradise.

The Cíes Islands are a natural paradise with a wide variety of activities to enjoy. You can relax on its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters or explore nature trails that offer breathtaking panoramic views. There are activities for all tastes and ages.

One of the most popular activities in the Cíes Islands is hiking. You can follow a network of well-marked trails through forests with unique wildlife and observe spectacular scenery of the coast and the Atlantic Ocean. Among the most outstanding trails is the path that leads to the Cíes Lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the islands and the surrounding landscape.

Another popular activity is bird watching. The Cíes Islands are an important refuge for seabirds, including gulls, cormorants and gannets. +You can go birdwatching and observe these birds from the viewpoints located on the island. You can also take part in organised bird-watching excursions.

In addition, the Cíes Islands offer excellent opportunities to practice water sports and even spend nights on the island at the campsite. The crystal clear waters and rich marine life make these activities especially rewarding. In the same way, you can observe the sky and enjoy some spectacular views of the stars, as the Cíes Islands are recognised as a Starlight Destination.

Finally, you should not miss the opportunity to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of these islands. With their unspoilt beaches and unspoilt natural environment, the Cíes Islands are the perfect place to disconnect from the world and connect with nature.

Download our specific guide for Cíes Islands, an essential tool for your trip that will provide you with all the information that you need.

Without any doubt, this is the perfect traveller’s companion for looking up any doubts that you may have before or during your visit to Cíes Islands.