Cíes Islands, Spain

Things to do

2 days in Cíes Islands

Day 1

  1. MorningTake the first ferry from Vigo; tickets and a free permit are needed in advance.
  2. AfternoonSwim at Rodas beach and walk to the lighthouse of Monteagudo or Faro.
  3. EveningTake the last boat back, or camp on the island.

Day 2

Visit the old town of Baiona.

What to eat

Pulpo a feira, octopus with paprika, back in Vigo.

Local tips

Make the most of Cíes Islands

Beat the crowds

Visitor numbers are limited by daily permits. Book early for July and August.

Best photo spot

Rodas beach curving between the islands, from the Alto do Príncipe viewpoint.

Getting there

Boats sail from Vigo, Cangas and Baiona in the season, after you get a free permit online.

Don't miss nearby

Vigo and the Rías Baixas coast.

Good to know

The water is clear but cold, even in summer. There's a campsite if you want to stay overnight.

Secret spots

2 secret spots near Cíes Islands

Our most hidden places around Cíes Islands: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Cíes Islands to take with you.

82 km away
82 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Cíes Islands

Getting there

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeJun–Sep
TypeNature spot
Good forNature, Coast
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountrySpain

Questions

Cíes Islands: good to know

Is Cíes Islands worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature and the coast. Wild islands with white sand and clear water off the Galician coast.

How many days do you need in Cíes Islands?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Cíes Islands?

The best time to visit is Jun to Sep. Visitor numbers are limited by daily permits. Book early for July and August.

How do you get to Cíes Islands?

The nearest airport is Vigo Airport (VGO), about 25 km away. Boats sail from Vigo, Cangas and Baiona in the season, after you get a free permit online.

What is there to see near Cíes Islands?

Nearby hidden places include Santiago de Compostela (79 km), Braga (85 km) and Guimarães (100 km).

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