The Cíes are three islands — Monteagudo, Faro and San Martiño — that lie across the mouth of the Ría de Vigo and are clearly visible from Baiona’s ramparts. Since 2002 they have been part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. Nobody lives there; there are no cars, no hotels and no rubbish bins.
What there is, is Rodas: a crescent of fine white sand joining the two northern islands, backed by a lagoon and pine woods. A British newspaper once called it the best beach in the world, and on a still July day it is hard to argue — until you put a foot in the water, which is Atlantic-cold all year.
Top things to do: Cíes Islands
Swim and laze on Rodas beach
The boats land at the northern end of Rodas, so the first stretch of sand is the busiest. Walk ten minutes south and it thins out. The small beach of Nosa Señora, a little further on, is quieter still.
Hike to the Monte Faro lighthouse
The classic walk: about 7 km there and back from the pier, zigzagging up to the lighthouse on the southern tip of Faro island for a view over the whole archipelago. Allow two and a half hours and carry water.
Climb to the Alto do Príncipe
A shorter trail on Monteagudo leads to a wind-carved rock known as the Queen’s Chair, perched above cliffs that drop straight into the ocean. It is the best viewpoint for the effort involved.
Watch the seabirds
The islands hold one of the largest colonies of yellow-legged gulls in the world, along with shags on the western cliffs. Keep your sandwiches close: the gulls are bold.
How to get to Cíes Islands
- Passenger boats run to the Cíes from Vigo (about 45 minutes), Cangas and, in summer, directly from Baiona. Sailings are concentrated around Easter and from roughly late spring to early autumn; outside those months there are few or none. Timetables change every year, so check with the boat companies.
- In the main season the number of visitors is capped and you need a free authorisation from the Xunta de Galicia, obtained online before you buy the boat ticket. Dates and the booking process are set each year — confirm the current rules before you plan your day, and book well ahead for July and August weekends.
Insider tips
- Take everything you need — food, water, sun cream — and take all your rubbish back to the mainland.
- There is a simple restaurant and a campsite near the pier, but queues are long at lunchtime in August.
- The water rarely gets much above the high teens Celsius. It is glorious, briefly.
- If the Baiona boat is full, drive or take the bus to Vigo, where there are far more departures.
Best tours for Cíes Islands
These experiences are the easiest way to see Cíes Islands:
Ferry + free time from US$30 Cíes Islands: Trip to the Cíes Islands from Vigo or Cangas
The classic way to reach the Cíes: a return ferry from Vigo or Cangas with several hours to swim, walk to the lighthouse or simply lie on Rodas beach. In season you also need the Xunta de Galicia’s free visitor authorisation — check the listing for how it is handled before you book.
- Return boat crossing of the Ría de Vigo
- Free time on Rodas beach and the island trails
- A national park with no cars and no hotels
Sailing trip from US$146 Vigo: Cíes Islands Sailboat Excursion with Skipper
A full day under sail from Vigo to the Cíes with a skipper who does the work. With only a handful of people on board, it is the calmest way to see the archipelago in high summer — check the listing for exactly what the day includes.
- Sail across the ría with a professional skipper
- A full day around the Cíes archipelago
- A small group instead of a full ferry
Private boat charter from US$786 per group Baiona Bay and the Cíes Islands: Private Boat Day with Skipper
The only full boat day on GetYourGuide that actually starts in Baiona: a private charter with a skipper around the bay and out to the Cíes. The price is per boat, so it makes sense for a family or a group of friends rather than a couple.
- Leaves from Baiona’s own harbour
- A private boat for up to 11 people
- Baiona bay and the waters around the Cíes
