Islands of Cíes

Discover the amazing Maritime Terrestrial National Park

Discover the incredible Terrestrial Maritime National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia.

One of the most visited places in Galicia are the Cíes Islands. In any national and international travel guide, a must-see attraction for those visiting Vigo and the Rias Baixas is visiting the Cíes Islands, an authentic natural space well known for its crystalline water and white sand beaches surrounded by nature.

During the summer months, the islands reach their maximum allowed capacity with a very limited number of visitors. Therefore, it is advisable to book your tickets at least 30 days in advance of the date you plan to visit.

Discover the island

How to get
You can reach the Cíes Islands from Vigo, Cangas, Baiona, Sanxenxo or Portonovo, by booking your tickets in advance with our shipping company. You will enjoy a unique crossing along the Vigo estuary until you reach this natural treasure.
Incredible Beaches
The Cíes Islands have nine beaches of white sand and crystal clear waters, with a unique natural environment, perfect for reading, diving or sunbathing. Discover them!
Rodas Beach
Rodas Beach, in the Cíes Islands, is acclaimed worldwide as "the best beach in the world" for its crystal-clear waters, white sand and spectacular natural surroundings. Do you know this treasure of the Rías Baixas?
Hike on Cíes
The Cíes Islands have an extensive network of trails that will allow you to discover their flora and fauna from an adventurous perspective. Discover its four routes.
Trips
Discover the peculiarities of the Cíes Islands with a specialised guide, who will accompany you throughout the route and show you its wonders.
Nature
The Cíes Islands are part of the Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands and are full of life, with a very special flora and fauna. Discover them!
History of Cíes Islands
The Cíes Islands hide a long history that extends throughout different eras: from prehistoric times to the present day. Great events reflected in its essence.
Cíes Islands as a Starlight destination
The Atlantic Islands National Maritime and Terrestrial Park, certified Starlight Destination since 2017, will offer you a unique and sustainable celestial experience. You have the opportunity to see the sky in all its splendour!
What to do in the Cíes islands
There are many activities and experiences you can enjoy in the Cíes Islands, from relaxing on its unspoilt beaches to hiking trails where you can connect with the island's flora and fauna. A destination for everyone!
Cíes Travel Guide
From Mar de Ons we make it very easy for you. We have created a "traveller's guide" so that you can consult any doubts you may have before setting off on your trip to the Cíes Islands.

World Heritage Site

Cíes Islands Candidacy for Unesco World Heritage Site

The Cíes Islands have been a candidate for Unesco World Heritage Site since 2017. A distinction that seeks to recognise places on Earth with exceptional universal value. The current list of World Heritage Sites has more than 1,200 places all over the planet, of which more than 200 are of a natural nature, such as the Great Barrier Reef (Australia), the Fjords (Norway) or the Doñana National Park (Spain).

Criteria for the Cíes Islands to become a World Heritage Site

Criteria for the Cíes Islands to become a World Heritage SiteThe criteria for a natural property to be eligible for nomination are diverse. Here we explain why the Cíes Islands should be a World Heritage Site:

Its history
Its history. This is one of the most important criteria, since the history of the Cíes Islands dates back to the Mesolithic (we know this thanks to the tools found). However, it is not until the Bronze Age that there are settlements, specifically a castreño settlement known as "As Hortas".
Evolution of an ecosystem
Representing the evolution of an ecosystem: it is defined as a natural paradise due to its white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, dune systems, cliffs and caves. A totally natural, uninhabited ecosystem, accessible only by boat.
Constitute areas of outstanding natural beauty
the Cíes Islands are a treasure trove of fauna, flora and marine life.
The last of the criteria is to contain important habitats for the conservation of biological diversity: the Cíes Islands are a treasure trove of fauna, flora and marine life.

With regard to the fauna, there are thousands of birds that have their own habitat on the islands (shag, gulls, peregrine falcon or goshawk, among others).

It also has flora that can only be found in this environment: herba de Namorar or camariña, plants that inhabit dunes and cliffs.

The marine area surrounding the archipelago is one of the richest on the Galician coast, with fauna and flora specific to the ecosystem: barnacles, lobsters, octopus, forests of anemones, sea urchins, bream, otters and starfish are some of the marine organisms that live under its waters. Dolphins, whales and sea turtles are also regular visitors to the Cíes.

The fact that it is a World Heritage Site allows for better protection and conservation of this natural space.

The Cíes Islands have a sub-humid Mediterranean microclimate of Atlantic transition: it rains half as much in the archipelago as on the nearest coast, just 10 kilometres away.


The Cíes Islands have been a candidate for Unesco World Heritage Site since 2017. A distinction that seeks to recognise places on Earth with exceptional universal value. The current list of World Heritage Sites has more than 1,200 places all over the planet, of which more than 200 are of a natural nature, such as the Great Barrier Reef (Australia), the Fjords (Norway) or the Doñana National Park (Spain).

Don't miss it

Get to know the biggest secret of the Rías Baixas

Cíes Islands Camping

The Cíes Islandscampsite offers a wide variety of services that will make your stay an unforgettable experience. You can choose between bringing your own tent or renting one beforehand on the campsite's website..

Restaurant, Coffee bar and Supermarket
Battery Recharge Point / Wi-Fi
Other services

If you opt for a rental tent you should know that, at the moment, the number of tents is limited so it is advisable to book in advance. You will be allocated tents in order of booking. The tents in the front row are allocated to those booked first. As a camper, you can bring your own bag or blanket or rent one through the campsite's booking system, as well as a torch, as the pitches do not have electricity and power sockets.

Before booking the rental tents it is necessary to check their availability through the booking form available at campingislascies.com. The rental of the tent and beds is for a minimum of two nights.

It is very important that people interested in camping on the island make the boat and camping reservation together in advance, as places are limited.

Photo gallery

Discover the natural beauty of Cíes Islands through our photo gallery.

Discover our gallery of photographs of the Cíes Islands and know through our images the nature, fauna, beaches and landscapes of these unique islands in the world.

AUTHORISATION

To access the Cíes Islands, in addition to buying the boat tickets that will take you to the island on a pleasant crossing, you must have the authorisation of the Xunta de Galicia (Galician Regional Government). This body controls access to the island, as it is a National Park, and ensures that the white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water and unparalleled scenery remain intact. You must plan your visit well and carry out a series of very simple bureaucratic steps beforehand.