Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Beach · Vigo, Galicia
Illas Cíes
Archipelago at the entrance of the ría de Vigo, part of the Parque Nacional das Illas Atlánticas, with white-sand beaches, cliffs, trails and a lighthouse. In season, visiting requires prior authorization.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Illas Cíes
As Illas Cíes are three islands at the entrance of the ría de Vigo: Monteagudo in the north, do Faro in the middle, and San Martiño to the south. The first two are connected by a sandbar and by the lagoa dos Nenos. Since 2002 they have been part of the Parque Nacional Marítimo-Terrestre das Illas Atlánticas de Galicia, which also protects the islands of Ons, Sálvora and Cortegada.
The side facing the ría has white-sand beaches and clear, cold water, such as praia de Rodas, about 1.2 km long, between Monteagudo and do Faro. The ocean side has high cliffs, caves and colonies of seagulls and corvos-mariños. Waymarked trails lead to the faro do Faro, to Alto do Príncipe and to the faro da Porta, with views of the ría and the Atlantic.
To protect the park, visitor numbers are limited. During Holy Week and from mid-May to mid-September you must request authorization from the Xunta de Galicia online before buying the boat ticket. There is a campsite that operates in season, a restaurant and an interpretation center.
There are no bins on the islands: visitors take their own rubbish back with them.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
A full day, including the crossing.
Best time
From June to September, with settled weather and regular boats. Take the first boat to find the beaches empty. Outside the season departures are few or none; check.
How to get there
Boats depart from the maritime station at Vigo port, in the center, with about a 40-minute crossing. There are also departures from Cangas and Baiona in season.
Tip
Request authorization from the Xunta in advance and only then buy the boat ticket. Bring food, water, sunscreen and a jacket: it is very windy on the trails. Do the trail to the faro do Faro in the morning and leave the beach for the afternoon.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Illas Cíes
Do you need authorization to visit the Cíes?
At Easter and from mid-May to mid-September, yes: a permit is requested online from the Xunta de Galicia before buying the boat ticket. Check the rules for the current year.
How long does the boat from Vigo to the Cíes take?
About 40 minutes, departing from the maritime station in central Vigo.
Is the water around the Cíes warm?
No. The Atlantic water in Galicia is usually cold even in summer.
Can you sleep on the Cíes?
Only at the campsite, which operates seasonally and requires a reservation along with the boat ticket.