The Atlantic Islands offer incomparable landscapes and are home to an important biodiversity both on land and in the sea. Discover the beaches, cliffs, lighthouses and trails of this protected natural space that attracts visitors from all over the world to the province of Pontevedra.
Facing the Ría de Pontevedra you can find this beautiful archipelago made up of the islands of Ons, Onza and the As Freitosas Islet. This beautiful place hides beautiful beaches, marine caves and spectacular cliffs like the impressive Buraco do Inferno (hell's hole). A beautiful lighthouse guards the Ons Island, which has a small village with typical sea houses, hórreos (typical Galician granary houses) and the small church of San Xaquín. You can stay in one of its establishments and enjoy the local cuisine of As Rías Baixas, or at the campsite. In the village you can visit the district of Caño with its typical fishermen's houses and hórreos (granaries on pillars).
The island boasts five heavenly unspoiled beaches. In the northern part of the island is the nudist beach of Melide, the largest in the island, and As Dornas. Area dos Cans Beach, the most popular among visitors, is home to the anthropomorphic tomb of A Laxe do Crego, a rock which can be accessed at low tide. The other two are the beaches of Canexol and Pereiró. Access permit.
Hiking is one of the major attractions of this island paradise in As Rías Baixas. In the north side, we find the vantage point Punta do Centolo, which offers a stunning view of A Lanzada Beach and gorgeous sunsets over Sálvora Island. It is also worth climbing up to the lighthouse, the highest point in the island, and admire wonderful views. Towards the south, the viewpoint of Fedorentos offers stunning views over the islet of Onza, close to the entrance of the Ría de Pontevedra, and in the background the majestic Cíes Islands. You will also encounter the over 30 m deep buraco do inferno (hell hole), where it is said that condemned souls can be heard lamenting their sins. During great storms, the sea crashes against the rocks.
Area : 2,641 hectares (470 terrestrial and 2,171 marine)
Access permit
Access to the Natural Park of the Atlantic Islands has been restricted, with the aim of preserving this natural environment. The authorization to access the islands is free and to obtain it, it is necessary to fill in a form ( https://autorizacionillasatlanticas.xunta.gal/illasr/inicio ). Once authorisation has been granted, visitors can book their boat tickets to Cíes Islands.
How to get?
The only way to reach the Cíes Islands is by boat. There are different shipping companies departing from several ports in As Rías Baixas. From the ports of Vigo, Cangas, Baiona and O Grove, there are ferries departing to the Cíes Islands, whereas the ports of Sanxenxo, Portonovo, Bueu and Vilanova de Arousa offer boat tours to Ons.
Shipping companies
