Cíes Islands National Park
Three uninhabited Atlantic islands sitting 15 km off the Vigo coast form one of Europe's most pristine marine national parks — and Praia das Rodas, the white-sand bar connecting two of them, was once voted the world's best beach by The Guardian. Day-trippers only; no overnight camping without a permit.
What to Do on the Islands
The main island, Illa do Faro, has marked hiking trails that climb through sea-pinks and heather to a lighthouse with vertiginous cliff views. The bird colony here is one of the largest yellow-legged gull rookeries in Europe, and the noise and spectacle of it at breeding time (April–June) is genuinely extraordinary.
Snorkelling in the crystal-clear lagoon behind Praia das Rodas reveals seahorses, spider crabs and occasional octopus. Visibility regularly exceeds 10 metres. Bring your own mask and fins — rentals on the island are limited.
Getting There & Rules
Naviera Mar de Ons runs daily ferries from Vigo's port (Estación Marítima de Ría) from Easter through October; the crossing takes about 45 minutes and costs around €18 return. Numbers are strictly capped, so book online at least a week ahead in July and August.
The park is alcohol-free, campfire-free and drone-free. Bring everything you need for the day — sunscreen, food, water — as the single island café has limited stock and long queues at peak times.
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