I have been traveling across Galicia – Spain’s best-kept secret, an authentic and original region, located in the northwest of the country. Here is how to get to Cies Islands – one of the most amazing and unspoilt pieces of nature remaining in Europe. The archipelago is a part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, where you’ll find one of the most stunning beaches in Europe and great hiking trails. Due to the daily limit of 2000 visitors per day, it’s crucial to plan your trip to the islands.
How to get to Cies Islands?
Reaching the Cies Islands requires a bit of planning, as they are somewhat isolated and only accessible by boat. Most people go on a day trip to the Cies Islands (I chose this option). But it’s also possible to camp on the islands by booking to spot in the official Cies Islands Campsite – which is the only accommodation option available on the islands.
THERE IS A DAILY LIMIT OF VISITORS TO THE CIES ISLANDS – DEPENDING ON THE SEASON!
- HIGH SEASON: The limit of daily visitors to the Cíes archipelago in the high season is 1,600-1,800 people per day.
- LOW SEASON: The maximum number of visitors in the low season is 250-450 people per day.
Free authorization to Cies Islands.
- First, you need to obtain a free online authorization via the Xunta de Galicia website – CHECK HERE. Make sure you book it well in advance of your trip to Galicia.
- Then book a ferry ticket online with Direct Ferries (Mar de Ons, Naviera Nabia).
- Boat trip from Vigo to the Cies Islands takes 45 minutes.
- Prepare for a full day of hiking and sunbathing on white sand beaches – take water, sun lotion, hiking boots, swimwear, towel and some snacks.
Two of the islands are linked with a tiny stripe of sand. Rodas Beach is the most spectacular and largest beach of the Cies Islands. This is where the main harbour is located.
Several ferries are departing daily from Vigo, Cangas, and Baiona – all arriving at Monteagudo (the Northern island).
How to travel to the Cies Islands.
You will need an authorisation code to travel to the Cies Islands. Camping (the only available accommodation on the island) might require an authorisation from you as well.
From the moment you have requested an authorisation, you have 2 hours to book a ferry ticket with one of the official ferry companies. The reason for that is to avoid issuing authorisations that will not be used. If you did not manage to book your ferry ticket within 2 hours, you can repeat the whole process.
You can cancel your ticket to the Cies Islands in advance by going to the authorisation website and cancelling your authorisation first. After receiving a confirmation for authorisation cancellation, you can now contact a ferry company to cancel the ticket.
Ferry to Cies Islands.
A ticket to the Cies Islands costs ~ $25-$30 return.
The trip from Vigo takes ~ 4 5 minutes. I booked the Mar de Ons ferry and it was fabulous. The first departure from Vigo was at 10.00 am and the last was at 7.00 pm, which leaves you with a whole day of hiking.
As far as |I remember, you can only board your ferry; it is not possible to switch to the later or earlier one. MAKE SURE YOU ARE NOT LATE FOR YOUR FERRY.
FERRY CANCELLATIONS: NOT all ferry companies allow cancellations! I guess Pirates ferries (www.piratasdenabia.com) does NOT accept any cancellations. I traveled with Mar de Ons and can highly recommend the online service.
Boats will NOT OPERATE in bad weather.
Accommodation in the Cies Islands.
Once you’ve done your preparation to get to the Cies Islands, it’s time to decide whether you are taking a full-day trip or staying overnight.
The only place where you can stay overnight in the Cies Islands is Camping – you bring your tent and pay for a space, or you can hire a standing tent. You would need to book it in advance. If you haven’t booked to stay overnight, you will need to take the ferry back the same day you arrived. It’s not allowed to stay overnight anywhere else in the islands.
The camping is very well maintained and offers all the facilities you need: laundry service, showers, and a cafeteria. There is also a nice bar in the harbour /at the Playa de Rodas/ but I would advise taking your own food, snacks, and plenty of water! You will also need to bring all your trash back to the mainland. Don’t forget to bring sun lotion! And watch out for birds they can fancy your food as well. 🙂
Is it worth visiting the Cies Islands?
The Cies islands are called “Islands of the Gods” and that’s surely for a reason. The Archipelago is stunning! Once you know how to get to Cies Islands, you’ll be able to enjoy one of the most magnificent natural wonders of Europe.
The islands are marked with numerous hiking trails. They are also home to diverse flora and fauna, and a crucial stop for migratory birds, making them a great spot for bird-watching.
Beaches in Cies Islands.
Praia de Rodas is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it connects the two main islands.
I suggest visiting the beach at the end of the day – soft sand and azure waters are the perfect scenery to wrap up your hiking day!
Hiking Cies Islands.
The boats arrive on the main island – Isla de Monteagudo, near one of the most stunning beaches of the islands.
There is a huge road sign with all the hiking trails across the islands. I suggest taking a photo to make a plan for the day.
The most popular hiking trail on the main island is “Trail to the Lighthouse,” which offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the neighboring islands. The hike takes about an hour, and the sights are well worth the effort!
The Lighthouse hiking trail.
Once you get off the ferry, take a photo of the hiking map sign with route lengths.
The Lighthouse trail leads up the hill on the west end of the island. The trail is 3.5 km one way. It’s a light, pleasant trek. The ocean view from the lighthouse is breathtaking.
What to bring to the island?
Don’t forget to pack plenty of water, snacks, sun protection, and sturdy hiking shoes. The terrain can be rocky in areas, so good footwear is essential.
Respect Nature – the Cies Islands are a protected national park, it’s vital to follow the Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the natural beauty. This means sticking to marked trails, carrying out any trash, and respecting wildlife.
Best time to visit Cies Islands.
The best time to visit the Cies Islands is late spring through early autumn when the weather is pleasant, and hiking trails are accessible. However, be prepared for the occasional rain shower typical of this coastal region.
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