Head to north-west Spain in the Galicia region, and you will come across the Cíes Islands, one of the best examples of ecological tourism in the world. Many combine a visit to the islands when visiting the wonderful city of Vigo.
In this post, we look at why a visit to the Cíes Islands should be on your radar and why it is an excellent example of ecological tourism.
Cíes Islands Ecological Tourism Credentials
The Cíes Islands belong to the national maritime park of the Atlantic Islands with other archipelagos like Ons, Salvora and Cortegada. Cies and Ons Islands, however, are open to you. The people of Galicia treasure the islands and they are a national park.
Despite facing the Atlantic Ocean, their position in the Vigo Estuary shields them from much of the harsh weather. As such, a microclimate is created, allowing rare fauna and wildlife to flourish.
Visitor numbers are strictly limited to around two thousand per day. Such is the importance of the Cíes Islands to the people of Galicia.
The preservation of the islands has placed them under the jurisdiction of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park.
When you visit, the Cíes Islands, bear the following in mind.
- Always ensure you have booked in advance. The islands are popular not just with visitors, but locals too who see it as their own ‘Caribbean’. This means that spaces can be booked out quickly.
- You are expected to take a rubbish bag and bring this back your rubbish to the mainland at the end of your visit. There are no bins on the island, and it is very much what you see is what you get. That said, there are some fine restaurants on the island, and these are perfect for lunch and dinner.
- To get the most out of the island, it is a good idea to explore it. This means you’ll need decent footwear.
- Even if you plan to eat in the restaurant ensure you bring fresh drinking water. There are a few local shops that sell water, but these tend to be expensive.
- Remember that other than a few food and basic supply shops there are no stores on the islands. Everything you need from towels to sunscreen you will need to bring with you.
This is all part of the ecological tourism credentials Cies islands possesses.
Things to do on Cíes Islands
- Sunbathe on Rodas Beach one of the most beautiful in the world. If you feel it is too crowded, don’t worry just go to one of the other seven beaches and get your dose of sun!
- Hike to the lighthouses that can be found on Cies. There are four hiking routes to explore.
- Visit the small museum at Faro island.
- Visit one of the bird watching locations.
Cíes Islands are wonderful and arguably the best example of ecological tourism in the world.
