Hiking in the Islands of the Gods - Detalle experiencia - Turismo Rias Baixas

The Cíes Islands are a perfect experience to be admired during the boat trip to the island, and enjoyed while swimming in its clear waters and walking along the signposted trails of the two islands, which are connected by the beautiful Rodas Beach. Nature and hiking lovers will discover an idyllic spot, with two routes to the Monteagudo Island (the northern island), other two to O Faro Island (or the “one in the middle”), and a longer route, for the most experienced hikers, which connects both sides of the islands.

Put on your hiking boots and discover the dramatic cliffs of the island; admire the colony of yellow-legged gulls and the stunning landscapes of the San Martiño Island, only accessible by private boat.

Any of the five hiking trails on the Cíes Islands are a perfect plan for any season of the year. Choose yours and live a unique experience.

The Hiking trail Ruta do Monte Faro is the most popular. Among its main attractions, it is worth visiting the bird observatory Alto da Campá, the breathtaking views of the rías (coastal inlets) and the San Martiño Island. The last stretch of the route is a winding path, which is one of the most distinctive features of the trail. From the visitors information stand, at the Rodas Beach, you need to climb up 3.5 kilometres to reach the lighthouse and the same distance to come back to the starting point. You will need about two and a half hours to complete this route. As you walk, you can admire the colony of yellow-legged gulls living in the archipelago of Illas Cíes, and you will cross the bridge connecting the islands of Monteagudo and Faro.

This trail is connected to the hiking trail Ruta do Faro da Porta. Both routes itineraries start at the Rodas Beach, where you disembark, pass by the dock next to the lagoon Lagoa dos Nenos and and the Cíes campsite. At Nosa Señora Beach, there is a crossroads. At this point, the Ruta do Faro climbs up to the hilltop while the Ruta do Faro da Porta runs along the southern coast of O Faro Island, a rocky landscape known as Freu da Porta, with the San Martiño Island in the background. It is a 5.2-kilometre round trail, suitable for all ages.

One of the most popular options for hiking lovers is the Alto do Príncipe hiking trail, one of the most photographed spots in Cíes, together with the lighthouse. There, you can enjoy how the sun sets in the sky and the Atlantic Ocean with the cliffs and the lagoon Lago dos Nenos on the left. On the top of Alto do Príncipe, you will also see the rock formations known as Cadeira da Raíña, from where you can enjoy stunning views. This is the shortest route, of about 3 kilometres.

Although the hiking trail Ruta de Monteagudo is the less popular route, its last part will lead you to O Peito lighthouse, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the coastal inlet Ría de Vigo. It is close to the mainland, to the O Morrazo Peninsula; it will seem to you that you can touch the cliffs of the Costa da Vela. You will need about two hours and be well hydrated to cover the 2.8 km that separate the Rodas Beach from this part of the island.

Nevertheless, if this is not enough for you, and you want to explore the island from side to side, you can choose the Ruta de Entre Faros, which is about seven kilometres and can be covered during the whole day. Hikers will get to know almost all the key spots in Cíes, passing by the dune complex of Muxieiro-Figueiras on their way to the O Peito lighthouse, and stopping at the bird observatory as they head to the island of Faro, leaving the heavenly Rodas Beach and with the skyline of the city of Vigo always on their left.