VIGO

Cíes Islands

National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia

The Cíes Islands

The Cíes Islands are part of the Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia. These islands offer some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, such as Rodas Beach. They are perfect for hiking, bird watching and enjoying nature.

How to go to the Cíes Islands

To go to the Cíes Islands you have to book a boat, but first you have to get the authorisation.
go to Boat to the Cíes Islands

How to go to the Cíes Islands

Rodas Beach

This beach has been considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

Rodas Beach

Hiking Routes

Various trails wind through forests and along cliffs, offering breathtaking views.

Hiking Routes

How to go to the Cíes Islands

Depending on whether you are a day visitor or a camper you will have to follow the steps below.

Cíes Islands Authorisation

To visit the Cíes Islands, except in low season, it is necessary to obtain an authorisation issued by the Xunta de Galicia.

You can apply for it up to 90 days before the date of your trip, obtaining a document with a pre-booking code. This code is valid for 2 hours, which is the time you will have to buy the boat ticket to the Cíes Islands.

Cíes Islands Authorisation

Boat to the Cíes Islands

Once the boarding tickets have been purchased (with the pre-booking code), you will receive an email with the definitive authorisation to visit the Cíes Islands. This authorisation contains a QR code for each visitor, so it is personal and non-transferable.

Camping Islas Cíes

If your visit is longer than 1 day, you have to book a campsite. The authorisation is included in the campsite reservation (which is made directly with them).

Camping islas Cíes

Easy booking Cíes Islands

If you don't want to complicate things, the best thing to do is to book at the following link. All the steps are already included so it's quicker and easier.

Book Cíes Islands

Rodas Beach

Rhodes Beach is famous for its fine white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. It stretches for more than a kilometre, forming a perfect curve linking the islands of Monteagudo and Faro.

Surrounded by a protected natural landscape, Rodas Beach is part of the Galician Atlantic Islands National Park. This environment preserves a rich biodiversity, including diverse bird species and unique flora. The beach is bordered by dunes and behind it are pine and eucalyptus forests, which provide a fresh and pleasant scent.

Rhodes Beach has been recognised on several occasions for its outstanding beauty, including being named the "best beach in the world" by the British newspaper The Guardian in 2007. This recognition has attracted visitors from all over the world, making it a popular tourist destination.

Hiking Routes

On the Cíes Islands, there are four main hiking routes, each offering unique views and nature experiences.

Hiking Routes - north

Alto del Príncipe Route

It passes by Figueiras beach and offers views from the rock formation "Silla de la reina" (Queen's Chair).

Estimated time: 1 hour and 30 minutes round trip
Distance: 1.7 km
Difference in altitude: 122 metres

Hiking Routes - north

Lighthouse Route or Monteagudo

It shares part of the route with the Alto del Príncipe route and leads to the Faro do Peito lighthouse.

Estimated time: 2 hours round trip
Distance: 2.5 km
Difference in altitude: 60 metres

Hiking Routes - south

Monte do Faro Route

The best known of the hiking routes on the Cíes Islands leads to Monte del Faro. It offers spectacular views and a bird observatory.

Estimated time: 3 hours round trip
Distance: 3,5 km
Difference in altitude: 175 metres

Hiking Routes - south

Faro da Porta Route

Partially shared with the Lighthouse Route, it runs along Rodas beach and ends at the Faro da Porta lighthouse.

Estimated time: 2 hours round trip
Distance: 2.6 km
Difference in altitude: 55 metres

Things to do in Vigo

In Vigo and its surroundings you can find a variety of activities to enjoy your visit: guided tours, boat trips or Free Tours in Vigo.