Islas Cies
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Islas Cies - by Ricardo Paredes from Pixabay
Description
The Cies Islands are located at the mouth of the Ria de Vigo estuary, about 15km offshore Vigo. There are 3 islands (Monteagudo, do Faro, and San Martiño - the last 2 are connected) that are popular with day trippers. The highlights include the various beaches such as Rodas and Figueiras, and the lighthouse (Faro de Cies).
Access & Transport
Boats leave from the port of Vigo Vigo is 90km south of Santiago de Compostela (90mins by train), 160km from A Coruña, and 150km north of Porto (Portugal)
Instructions & Recommendations
Cíes only admits 1,800 visitors a day (apparently through a pre-authorization from Xunta de Galicia), so it is advisable to book a place on the boat in advance. The crossing takes about 40mins For those looking to stay overnight, there is a camping but advance booking is required there as well
Environmental & Social
The islands are a nature reserve part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park so there is very limited infrastructure on the islands and wildlife is protected. The only carbon footprint is that of the boats shuttling there
Conclusion
If beaches are your thing, or just natural beauty, then the islands should be on the list of every regional traveller. Pack some sandwiches / salad, water and some weather luck since the date of your trip will be fixed due to the cap on the number of visitors
Key positive
Some exceptionally beautiful beaches
Fairly easy to get to as offshore islands go
Key negative
Lack of flexibility regarding dates
Suitability
Some boats may be accessible for visitors with reduced mobility but the paths on the islands will not be suitable
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 45m
est. visit time:7h 30m
Start of Season 1:May, 01
MONDAY09:30 - 19:30
TUESDAY09:30 - 19:30
WEDNESDAY09:30 - 19:30
THURSDAY09:30 - 19:30
FRIDAY09:30 - 19:30
SATURDAY09:30 - 19:30
SUNDAY09:30 - 19:30
Start of Season 2:Oct, 01
MONDAY -
TUESDAY -
WEDNESDAY -
THURSDAY -
FRIDAY -
SATURDAY10:30 - 19:30
SUNDAY -