Galicia is known for its natural beauty and rich history. Among its many scenic and cultural treasures are its lighthouses which have guided sailors to the coast for centuries. This article will tell you all about one of the most famous and beautiful lighthouses in the Rías Baixas, situated in one of the most iconic parts of Galicia: the Cíes Islands.
We’ll tell you how to get to the Cíes Lighthouse and everything you need to bear in mind for the trip there. Mar de Ons’ team of professional guides accompany you to the Cíes Islands to discover this beautiful place. To book your ticket to the islands and your guided tour send an email to comercial@mardeons.com and we will arrange it all for you. See you on board!
The History of the Cíes Lighthouse
Before visiting the Cíes Lighthouse with its wonderful views, we’ll tell you about its history, full of interesting facts and fascinating stories:
The Cíes Lighthouse was built between 1851 and 1853 on the island of O Faro or ‘Middle Island’, in the archipelago of the Cíes Islands. This is one of the oldest lighthouses in Galicia which was initially powered by olive oil and had a fixed light that could be seen from up to 12 nautical miles away.
In 1924, the lighthouse was electrified, and a 4th order Fresnel lens was installed which increased its range to 18 nautical miles. During the Spanish Civil War, the lighthouse was damaged and was not repaired until 1943. Finally, in 1980 a new 3rd order Fresnel lens was installed, which is still in use today.
One of the most striking features of the Cíes lighthouse is its history, which is absolutely fascinating. Firstly, it’s worth mentioning that it was built at the request of the English consul in Galicia. He wrote to the Ministry of State on behalf of agents of the British P&O company in Vigo expressing his desire to erect a light on the Cíes Islands to safely reach port. Ten years after this official request, in 1852, the lighthouse was built, but it did not emit light until a year later.
After it was built, the Cíes lighthouse also featured a home for the lighthouse keeper and his family, but because the inclement winter weather made life at the lighthouse extremely hard, this was demolished in the 1970s. In the decade that followed, the lighthouse began operating automatically, thanks to photovoltaic panels. Today, all the lighthouses in the Cíes Islands are operated in this way and are energy self-sufficient.
A lighthouse in a strategic location
Cíes Lighthouse is located on the Island of O Faro or the ‘Middle Island’ (Cíes Islands) in the Ría de Vigo estuary, one of the most important in Galicia. This estuary is known for its natural beauty and its economic importance for trade and tourism. The lighthouse is in a privileged position to guide ships to the port of Vigo, one of the most important in Spain.
A privileged setting: the Cíes Islands
Another element that enhances the importance of the Cíes Lighthouse are its surroundings: the Cíes Islands. This is an archipelago of three islands: Monteagudo, O Faro and San Martiño. Known for their natural beauty and diversity of fauna and flora, the Cíes Islands were declared a Maritime-Terrestrial National Park in 1980 and today are a protected nature reserve. This lighthouse is therefore situated in a photogenic landscape and surrounded by all types of animal species native to the islands.
The Cíes Islands are a popular destination for nature and lighthouse lovers. Here you can find hiking trails, white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and a wide variety of flora and fauna. In addition to their natural beauty, the Cíes Islands also have a fascinating history.
How to get to the Cíes Lighthouse
To get to the Cíes Lighthouse you must first reach the archipelago. You can visit the Cíes Islands on board our Mar de Ons ferry company ferries, departing from the ports of Vigo, Cangas and Baiona, and also from Sanxenxo and Portonovo in the high season (if you are in a group, we also organise trips all year round from these ports). Remember to book your visit in advance and to have the requisite authorisation from the Government of Galicia to enter the National Park.
After a journey full of adventure and beautiful scenery, you will reach the islands. Once there, you will find four official hiking routes. The Monte Faro route ends at the Cíes lighthouse. This hike takes approximately two and a half hours and is almost 7.5 kilometres long. At 178 metres above sea level, the Cíes Lighthouse offers spectacular views of the Ría de Vigo estuary and the archipelago as a whole.
This tour starts at the information booth, and passes by the well-known Rodas beach, Lake dos Nenos, Pedra da Campá and the bird observatory. At the end of the route you can visit the famous lighthouse and take some fantastic photographs.
Plan your visit to the Cíes Lighthouse
To visit the Cíes Islands you need to plan your dates in advance as this will determine the number of places available to you. In order to visit the islands, having chosen the specific day of your visit, you will need to obtain authorisation from the Government of Galicia and then purchase your ticket on our website www.mardeons.es, choosing the port of departure and the preferred times of departure and return.
When to visit the Cíes Lighthouse with Mar de Ons
The Cíes Lighthouse is open to the public all year round. The most popular time to visit is during the spring and summer months when the weather is warmer and departures to the Cíes Islands are more frequent (you can check the available dates at www.mardeons.es). However, you can also visit the lighthouse during the winter with our company, but you should bear in mind that during this season the number of places is restricted, so we always recommend you book in advance.
Tips for your visit to the Cíes Lighthouse
Finally, here are 5 basic tips for visiting the Cíes Islands and the Cíes Lighthouse in particular:
- Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking around the island. You should also take the weather into account, as it is advisable to wear a hat or visor in the sunny months, and always use sunscreen.
- We recommend that you take food and water with you but be aware that any rubbish you generate should be kept and disposed of on your return.
- Don’t forget your camera, as there are plenty of opportunities to take stunning photos at the Cíes Lighthouse.
- Respect nature and follow the rules of the National Park to help preserve this beautiful place.
- Choose your dates carefully, considering the weather and the activities you are most interested in.
