Cíes Islands
The Atlantic islands offer incomparable landscapes and harbor an impressive biodiversity, both on land and in their depths. Discover the beaches, cliffs, lighthouses, and routes of this protected island territory that attracts visitors from around the world to the province of Pontevedra.
Located at the entrance of the Ría de Vigo, the islands of Monteagudo and Faro—both connected by the impressive Rodas beach and a stone bridge—along with the nearby San Martiño form the beautiful Cíes archipelago, practically untouched and with a maximum quota of 1,800 daily visitors to preserve its natural wealth.
Those who visit the islands will find beaches of the finest white sand and crystal-clear waters, as well as various coves that make this place a dream location. Rodas was considered the best beach in the world by the British newspaper The Guardian. The walkway connecting the two islands allows visitors to feel the waves crashing against the eastern face of the archipelago, which is much more rugged. Between the sandy area, which houses a protected dune system, and the bridge, the lagoon known as Lagoa dos Nenos is formed.
Access Authorization
Access to the Atlantic Islands National Park is limited, a measure implemented to preserve and conserve this magnificent natural landscape. The access authorization to the islands is free, and to obtain it, it is necessary to fill out a form (https://autorizacionillasatlanticas.xunta.gal/illasr/inicio). Subsequently, visitors must obtain a ticket from the shipping companies to access the islands by boat.
How to Get There?
It is necessary to do so by boat; for this, there are multiple shipping companies that make it possible from various ports of As Rías Baixas. From Vigo, Cangas, Baiona, and O Grove, the boat departs for the Cíes. The ports of Sanxenxo, Portonovo, Bueu, and Vilanova de Arousa offer the itinerary to Ons.
Shipping Companies
In Monteagudo, the beaches of Area da Cantareira and Figueiras stand out, where nudism is practiced; and in Faro, that of Nosa Señora, a sandy area with crystal-clear waters that enjoys a privileged view of the island of San Martiño. A very common practice in its waters is also diving, due to the great biological richness of its seabed.
