The Cíes Island archipelago consists of three islands: Monte Agudo (Norte), O Faro (del Medio), and San Martiño (Sur). The islands work as a somewhat natural barrier to protect the Vigo Estuary from the harsh seas of the Atlantic Ocean.

Monte Agudo and O Faro are connected by a small footbridge and a long stretch of white sand beach. The three islands are protected as part of the National Maritime Terrestrial Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia found near the opening of the Ria de Vigo (Vigo Estuary).

The natural beauty of the islands is enchanting and the islands were referred to as “the Islands of the Gods” by the Romans.

The two main islands of the Cíes archipelago are Monte Agudo and O Faro. These islands offer hiking trails, beaches, and plenty of bird-watching. You won’t find resorts or hotels on the islands, but you will find a deep appreciation for the primal beauty of Galicia.

Since the Cíes Islands are protected, the region limits how many people can visit the islands each day. This guide explains all the details on how to get to the Cíes Islands and what to see there when you arrive. This guide also includes how to sleep on the island and other tips for visiting.

Here’s a quick guide on how to make the most of a day trip to the Cíes Islands in Galicia Spain.

Table of Contents

How to Get to the Cíes Islands

The Cíes Islands are one of the most popular places to see in Galicia, just after the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Galicia is a unique region found in the northwestern corner of Spain. Although not very well known to international tourists yet, the secret of this region is getting out to the rest of the world.

When visiting the Cíes Islands, this guide refers to the main two islands of Monteagudo and Del Medio (O Faro). The only way to visit the third island of San Martiño is via a private boat.

The Cíes Islands are protected, which means that the regional government has limited the number of daily visitors. Only 1,800 can visit the Cíes Island each day in order to help prevent over-tourism.

The only way to visit the Cíes Islands is by ferry or private boat. If you plan on taking your own boat, you must have an anchorage permit, which this website explains perfectly.

Authorization Permits for the Cíes Islands

Over the time frame of Easter weekend and every day from May 15 – September 15, you must also have an authorization permit that is issued by the Xunta of Galicia. The first thing you must do is obtain your permit. After that, you receive the confirmation by email. With the confirmation code, you have a two-hour window to purchase ferry tickets.

The permit is free but is required during the high season. Authorization can be requested up to 90 days in advance of your travel date and cancelled up to 15 days before departure.

Cíes Island Authorization (High Season) | Cost: Free | Xunta of Galicia Cies Island Authorization

If you wish to visit the Cíes Islands outside of the permitted time frame it is possible. Simply purchase your ferry ticket. Note that during the offseason ferries run less frequently and typically only from Vigo.

Cíes Island Ferry Companies

During the high season, there are multiple ferry companies that offer trips to the Cíes Islands from many different ports including: Vigo, Cangas, Baiona, Sanxenxo and Portonovo.

During the low season, ferries typically only depart from Vigo. The port city of Vigo is the most popular place to access the Cíes Islands, so many people sleep in Vigo the night before visiting the islands.

These are four of the main Cies Island ferry companies

Each company has different departure locations, prices, times, and an allocation of daily visitor slots. It’s best to browse each company to find which one works best for you.

I ended up using Naviera Nabia which I had a great experience with. I departed from Vigo at the end of September, so I did not need to get an authorization permit. My round trip ferry ticket cost me 20€ (purchased online) and took around 45 minutes each way.

Make sure that if you purchase your ticket online you stop at the physical ticket desk before departure and get a printed ticket. This has your departure and return ticket and is collected when you board the ferry.

I was fortunate to have amazing weather and ample time to explore the island (around 6 hours).

General Rules for Respecting the Natural Park of the Islas de Cíes

The Ilas de Cíes are a protected natural space in Galicia Spain and in order to obtain its prestigious and fragile ecosystem these rules must be respected.

➜ Make sure to carry a trash bag. There are no garbages on the island and you must pack in and out all your trash. Don’t leave anything behind! Pack it in…. pack it out!

➜ Do not take anything from the island. Do not collect seashells, sand, or anything else from the islands. Take photos and memories.

➜ Do not bother or feed the wildlife. There are many birds throughout the year that migrate and spend time on the Cíes Islands. There are also lizards, marine life, and fish. Do not disturb them or feed them (especially the seagulls who can be aggressive).

➜ Stay on the footpaths and hiking trails. This is a delicate natural area so never leave the designated trails.

➜ No dogs or pets are allowed on the Cíes Islands. The only exception to this law is service dogs.

Tips for Visiting Illas de Cíes

These are just some general tips I have for day trippers looking to make the most of their day.

➜ Bring enough food. If you plan on hiking and lounging at the beach a picnic is the perfect way to cut down on expenses.

➜ Stock up on water before you depart. There are no drinking fountains on the islands and only three tiendas/cafes to purchase supplies which are not always open. It is more expensive here than the mainland.

➜ Beware of the Sea Gulls. Honestly, there are signs up saying how these birds can be aggressive at the cafes. I was also at the beach when some started swarming my backpack and searching for breadcrumbs. I also also witnessed a bird try to fly away with someone’s shoe. Yeah, these guys are persistent and determined to claim your food and belongings.

➜ The two islands are connected by a foot bridge. During high tide or bad weather it is worth noting that the foot bridge may not be passable at certain times. There is a signboard indicating potential closing times, so take note before venturing too far. The sandy beach is also an option, but it’s longer.

➜ Bathrooms. There is only one public bathroom on the island and it is after the campsite but before the Visitor’s Center. There are two stalls each for men and women and a sink in each for hand washing only. Besides that, you will have to utilize the restrooms in the cafes and restaurants with a purchase of course.

Be mindful of your ferry times. One thing I noticed about the ferries is they do not blow the horn for “last call for boarding.” You must be conscious with your time or risk missing your ferry and having to purchase another ticket. There is no boarding terminal, only the gangway near the main beach, Praia de Rodas. The companies suggest arriving at least 10 minutes before the departure time.

Can you Sleep on the Cíes Islands?

There are no hotels or lodging on the Cíes Islands. However, there is camping! The only way to spend the night on the Cíes Islands is to sleep at the Islas Cíes Campsite.

The campsite is right after the footbridge that connects Monteagudo and Faro Islands. It is considered to be part of O Faro Island.

Camping season runs from Easter weekend and May 15 -Sept 14.

It’s possible to rent an already made for you campsite. This includes a tent with a mattress and protective sheets, but no sleeping bag. It’s possible to rent a sleeping bag (10€ / person), but request it with your reservation. There are large and small tents which range in price by the season. Typically the tents run between 60€ – 100€ a night.

Alternatively, those on a budget can camp with their own camping gear! This is the cheapest way to sleep on the Cíes Islands and costs around 10€ a night.

The campsite has a small snack shop, bathrooms with coin operated showers, a tienda, and laundry facilities. There is a garbage drop for those guests staying at the campsite. The campground also offers a solar powered charging station for guests.

Onsite, there is a restaurant that is open to the public, Restaurante Tapería Illas Cíes.

Are There Places to Eat on the Cíes Islands?

Yes, there are few options to eat on the Cíes Islands. Be mindful that during the low season places may be closed or have very limited hours.

Where the ferries dock find the main eatery, Restaurante Playa de Rodas. There is a restaurant, upstairs terrace, deck, and a cafe. This is also the only spot on the island where you can connect to a free Wi-Fi source (after registering your email).

I didn’t eat here, but rather enjoyed a coffee while waiting for the ferry. As this is right at the ferry dock, be mindful that it can be extremely busy around the ferry schedule.

Again, another restaurant located in the Isla Cíes Campsite is the Restaurante del Camping. It’s open to the public along with the small shop and snack bar.

The furthest restaurant from the ferry dock is Bar Restaurante Serafín. This is the highest rated restaurant on the island and they feature lots of fresh seafood options which can be enjoyed from their terrace.

Alternatively, it’s very popular to bring your own picnic. I saw families carrying coolers to enjoy their lunch on the beach. Remember, pack out all your trash and watch out for hungry seagulls!

Cíes Island Hiking Routes

All of the hikes are labeled with signboards and marked by color. Remember it’s so important to protect the landscape, flora and fauna, so always stay on the trails.

While the trails are mostly gravel or paved, make sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes and not beach flip flops. There are so ascents and descents even though this is an island.

• Faro de Cíes | 3.5 KM | Faro | Yellow Arrows
• Faro da Porta | 2.6 KM | Faro | Green Arrows
• Alto do Príncipe | 1.7 KM | Monteagudo | Ble Arrows
• Faro do Peito | 2.1 KM | Monteagudo | Red Arrows

What to Pack for the Cíes Islands

Here’s what I packed for my day trip to the Cíes Islands.

I packed everything in my Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack. I had a quick-dry towel, my swimsuit (optional for the nude beach), and a packable rain jacket. This was great to block the wind on the ferry and of course it can rain at anytime in Galicia.

Don’t forget a trash bag as you will need to take all your trash with you off the island.

I also picked up some snacks and food to have a picnic. I filled up my go-to Hydro Flask Lightweight Water Bottle because there are no water sources on the island.

Some people say if planning on hiking, then a good pair of hiking shoes or a pair of trail runners is required. I hiked in the my classic Chacos sandals and was really happy with this choice. I did bring a pair of wool socks incase my feet were cold.

Again, I was blessed with great weather, but I would have rethought my shoe choice if heavy rain was in the future. I can see the trails and stones being slippery in heavy rains.

If you want to bring hiking poles, be mindful that a lot of the trail sections are paved.

I also brought my spare power bank because I took a lot of photos.

If you plan on camping, you can rent a set-up tent or bring your own. A sleeping bag would save you money so you don’t have to rent one. I love my Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight Sleeping bag. Additionally, bring a camping stove, they (typically) have gas tanks available to purchase at the camping tienda, but might be smart to grab one from Vigo.

How to Make the Most of a Day Trip to the Cíes Islands

Now that all the logistics are out of the way, here’s how to make the most of a day trip to the Cíes Islands.

This itinerary includes a mixture of hiking trails and beach time as I think they are both worthwhile activities on the islands. Some may feel inclined to roll up to the beach and not move until the ferry comes. Others may wish to rent a kayak or snorkel equipment.

Here’s how I spent a day on the Cíes Islands hiking, lounging, and enjoying the tranquility of it all.

Savor the Views of the Ferry Ride

On a clear day, head to the top of the ferry to get those spectacular estuary views. I left from Vigo so I was able to take in the city from a different angle. It was also special to see the small villages that line the shores of the Vigo Estuary.

Hike to Faro de Ceís

As soon as I stepped foot off the boat after a quick pep talk about respecting the park, I snapped some pictures of Praia de Rodas and headed straight for the hiking trails. My plan was to hike early in the morning and lounge on the beach in the afternoon.

I chose to head up to Faro de Ceís first. This is probably the most popular hiking trail on the island, so I wanted to see it before it was too crowded.

I passed by the campsite, bathrooms, and Visitor Information Center (which was closed for the season). From there, it’s a beautiful trail through a forest with incredible views of Illa de San Martiño.

Detour to Pedra da Campa

A little further up on the trail there is an option to visit Pedra da Campa. This is a fabulous short trail to see the natural erosion of the stones.

There is also bird observation deck and opposite that a lovely view where you can see the Lagoa dos Nenos and the white sand strip of beach that is Praia de Rodas.

Views from the Cíes Lighthouse

I rejoined the trail to the Cíes Lighthouse. It zig zags up the hillside and takes you up 175 m (575 ft). The views are incredible and there is a helpful plaque that showcases all the nearby places of interest. On a clear day, it’s epic.

At this viewpoint you can see all three of the Cíes Islands and the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean.

This hike with the detour took me about 1 hour to reach the top.

Option to Visit Faro da Porta and Playa de Nosa Señora

On the way down you could opt to hike the trail to Faro da Porta. Admittedly, this was the only hiking trail on the islands that I did not complete. This trail is lower than the Cíes Lighthouse trail and you can actually see it as you hike upwards.

This is a great option for those who don’t want to climb all the way to the top or those interesting in the quiet beach of Praia de Nosa Señora.

Lunch

Before crossing over to the other island, you could grab lunch at Bar Restaurante Serafín. I ate a snack before heading over to the north side of the island.

Hike to Mirador del Principe

I checked in with the signboards and took the hike up to Mirador del Principe. The trail cuts through a forest, but this section was definitely filled more with eucalyptus trees. I could smell the familiar scent as I continued to the viewpoint.

The climb up opens to a beautiful viewpoint of the island. It’s different to the one from the lighthouse, and I can’t compare them. It’s best to see both.

The rock formations reminded me very much of that on my hike up to Monte Pindo. The formations reminded me very much of the rugged mountains I saw along Galicia’s Death Coast.

The stone at the end of the viewpoint is known as the Queen’s Chair. I must admit, it looked like a unique throne for a Queen or as the Roman’s might have said, the Gods. Or maybe it was someway connected to the mythical Queen Lupa who was said to reign over the current day Galicia when it was a pagan region.

There were fewer people at this viewpoint and it was fairly quiet except for a few small groups and couples who took some photos and left.

This hike took me around 30 minutes.

Visit Faro do Peito & Bird Viewpoint

I came down and opted to walk the final hiking trail on the island, Faro do Peito. Through this section the views of Vigo city and the estuary are fabulous. The lighthouse isn’t grand, but I liked the diverseness of the walk to the viewpoint.

From there I walked back to check out the bird view house. There was no one there and it offered views of the jagged cliffs and the far reaches of the northern island. It is not possible to visit that area of the island, so this is one of the best viewpoints of it.

I made kind of a loop back and passed by some ruins that are believed to be from the 18th century, even though there is evidence these islands could have had human contact over 3,000 years ago!

The loop rejoins the main trail and I was ready to brave a dip in the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Swim at Playa de Figueira

On the way back, there are signs for Praia das Figueiras. I saw the white sand beaches and turquoise waters and knew I wanted to swim here.

The beach is more of an enclave and it’s not as busy as the main beach. This is a nudist beach, but no worries, wear a suit if you feel inclined!

I spent time here dipping in my toes and relaxing in the sun. The shades of blue came washing in and out and I spent a while convincing myself that I had not somehow magically transported to the Caribbean.

I loved how it felt more enclosed, but I typically prefer beaches like that.

Relax at Praia de Rodas

I left Praia de Rodas for the grand finale. I mean, this is the beach that put the islands on the International Tourist map when The Guardian ranked it as the World’s Best Beach.

Take a walk along the white sand and you’ll be blessed with views of the crystal clear waters, sand dunes, and jagged cliffs in the backdrop. With great visibility you can appreciate the views of the Ría de Vigo.

It’s hard to deny that this beach is stunning. I enjoyed saving this beach at the end of my visit, as there were fewer people left on the island.

Enjoy a Beverage at Restaurante Rodas

The perfect way to end the day at the Cíes Islands it to enjoy a beverage at the restaurant across from the ferry terminal.

The sun was shining and I grabbed my cafe con leche and headed to sit on the staircase.

My day trip to the Cíes Islands was indeed a slice of paradise.

Conclusion | An Overview of Visiting the Cíes Islands & What to Do There

In short, this is my complete guide on how to visit the Cíes Islands as a day trip. This complete guide includes how to get to the Cíes Islands and information about permits. It also includes the best way to visit the natural park, what to pack, tips for visiting, and information on camping and restaurants on the islands.

This Cíes Islands guide includes a mixture of lounging and hiking. I’ve also included a general idea of things to do on the Cíes Islands.

The Cíes Islands lives up to its name, the “Islands of the Gods.” I’m so grateful I was able to transcend for a day and visit this slice of heaven.

Have you been to the Illas de Cíes? What did you think of them? Is there anything in this article that needs updating? Please let me know in the comments below!