The islands are just a 45-minute ferry from mainland Spain and yet are almost completely unknown by UK holidaymakers despite the area’s natural beauty which includes a beach named the best in the world
The islands are a marine reserve full of seabirds and colourful fish(Image: Andrea Pistolesi via Getty Images)
Most Brits are well-acquainted with the Balearic and Canary Islands. Each year, millions jet off to bask in the sunshine across Spanish island destinations like Tenerife, Lanzarote, Majorca, and Ibiza.
However, what many don’t know is that these aren’t Spain’s only islands. There is an archipelago that welcomes barely any tourists, despite sitting just off the mainland coast, and most UK tourists won’t have heard of them.
The Cíes Islands are a 45-minute ferry journey from Vigo city in northwestern Spain. This archipelago is made up of three main islands: Monteagudo (North Island), Do Faro (Middle Island), and San Martiño (South Island).
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Monteagudo and Do Faro are linked by a 1,200-metre stretch of sand, featuring a lagoon on one side and the Atlantic on the other, reports the Express.
Don’t turn up expecting to find luxury resorts. These islands remain virtually uninhabited, with the sole facilities being a modest shop and a handful of restaurants. Most visitors stay for just a few hours, trekking between the two larger islands via rocky trails and enjoying the tranquil, pristine coastline.
Throughout peak season, which is Easter through May and September, daily visitor quotas are capped at 1,800, requiring visitors to book advance permits before boarding ferries. Outside of peak periods, just 450 people can visit daily.
The stretch of sand linking two of the islands is called Rodas, and this hidden treasure was crowned the world’s best beach by The Guardian. The publication described the islands: “Their nickname – the Maldives or Seychelles of Spain – gives a clear indication of what to expect: gorgeous white beaches, turquoise waters … in other words, your average untouched paradise.”
Walking remains the islands’ most popular pastime, boasting many spectacular coastal trails and reasonably straightforward routes to explore. Scuba diving offers another brilliant opportunity to soak up the Cíes Islands’ natural splendour.
Being part of Islas Atlánticas National Park means the local wildlife is protected, so divers require a permit, and visitor numbers are carefully controlled.
For those wanting to extend their stay beyond a single day, there’s a beautiful campsite perched above the lagoon with sweeping ocean views. You can reserve a ready-pitched tent complete with proper beds and enjoy stargazing after dark without artificial light interference, whilst having the beaches to yourself once day-trippers leave.
Camping Islas Cíes offers essential amenities – everything you need for your visit, from a snack bar to heated showers. There’s also a children’s club packed with entertaining activities, whilst kayaking and snorkelling expeditions can be arranged to help you discover more of the islands.
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Whilst Monteagudo and Do Faro boast regular ferry connections, the most southerly of the Cíes Islands, San Martiño, is only accessible by hiring a private boat. Any boats intending to drop anchor here require a special licence, but it’s well worth the effort if you can get onto a tour, as it’s incredibly tranquil and boasts pristine sandy shores and palm trees, creating the feeling of being in the Caribbean.
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