Looking for a unique getaway? Try exploring Galicia and the coastal city of Vigo. While visiting take a ferry from Vigo to the Cíes Islands. It seems as if the Islas Cíes (Cies Islands) is a well-kept secret amongst the residents of Spain.
I first heard about the Cíes Islands while assisting in my school in Madrid. The 3rd graders learn all about the geography of the Iberian peninsula, including the Cíes Islands. I was instantly intrigued.
This article will outline both Vigo and La Islas Cíes, as they are kind of a package deal.
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Where Is Vigo?
Vigo is located on the northwestern coast of Spain, in the region of Galicia. It is just 30 minutes north of the Spain-Portugal border, 1 hour south of Santiago de Compestela, and 1.5 hours South of A Coruña.
Where are the Cíes Islands?
The group of three islands (Illa do Faro, Illa de Monteagudo, and Illa de San Martino) which make up the Islas Cies are located just off the coast from the city of Vigo in Galicia, Spain.
Las Islas Ciés are an Atlantic treasure off Spain’s northwestern coast.
Steps prior to travel from Vigo to Cíes Islands
Since the Cíes Islands are a nature preserve under the protection of the Spanish government, it is necessary for visitors of the Islands to be granted a permit. Please note that this is different from your ferry ticket and you will still need to purchase transportation.
Both ferry tickets and permits fill up quickly so be sure to book yours in advance!
Cíes islands authorization
Authorization can be granted up to 90 days prior to your visit. Only a limited number of people are allowed to travel to the island each day, so be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time.
If you forget this step you will not be allowed on the Island.
You can register for your permit on the official site here!
Ferry from Vigo to Cíes Islands
There are currently two different ferry lines that carry passengers to and from the Cíes Islands. Typically the sail time is about 45 minutes in either direction.
Islas Cíes tickets
Both lines are relatively comparable in price, however, the Nabia Naviera Line runs more frequently.
You can compare prices and purchase tickets here.
Be sure to check-in at the ticket counter at the entrance of the dock to get your official tickets!
Vigo to Cíes Islands ferry times
Schedules highly depend on the day of the week you wish to travel to las Islas Cíes. Ferries are more frequent on the weekends.
From the Nabia Naviera website I have found the typical times of departure from Vigo are 9:30, 11:00, 12:30, 15:30, and 18:30. However, not all of these times are available every day.
Return ferries from las Islas Cíes to Vigo often run at 11:45, 13:45, 17:30, and 19:30. However, the ferries don’t run all of these times every day, so be sure to check the Nabia Naviera Website for more accurate and up-to-date schedules.
How to get to Vigo, Spain?
With Madrid as my starting point, there are several transportation options.
The cheapest option at the time was a Train. For only 55 euros, I was able to secure a seat one way on a Train from Madrid to Vigo. This ride took about 6 hours, but the ride is easy and comfortable.
Vigo also has its own airport, so flying is definitely a viable option as well. Other options include blablacar and the bus.
Where to Stay in Vigo, Spain
I avidly searched for hostels with no success. So, Hotel Sol Por was the next best option.
Now if you are searching for a luxury stay, this is not the place for you.
However, for the cheapest option in Vigo, I found my stay quite comfortable. The staff was also very accommodating.
Hotel Sol Por was located within a good walking distance to the train stations, ferry docs, and the historical city center.
Can you stay on Cies Islands?
Yes, you can absolutely stay on the Islands! However, there are no hotels or lodges, it is strictly camping.
Cíes Islands Camping
The Campsite is located on the Isla Faro of the Islas Cíes.
They offer many services including tent rental, solar-powered charging stations, and a restaurant nearby.
Keep in mind, if you are renting a tent the minimum stay is 2 nights.
Make your reservation at the official website, here.
How to Spend a Weekend in Vigo and the Cíes Islands
Day 1
Morning: Travel
Take your preferred form of public transportation. For me, I took an early morning train from Madrid to Vigo and arrived in the afternoon.
Afternoon: Vigo Old City Center
From the train station, we walked to Hotel Sol Por to check in and freshen up.
Next, we headed to the old city center of Vigo. We walked towards the center and on the walk down stopped for a quick burger at Baruta Burger & Kitchen. The burgers were great, and it was a perfect stop along the way.
Afternoon: Porto de Vigo
My favorite part of Vigo is its impressive port area. Here you can find the Monumento a Jules Verne, Where the author of “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” sits upon the giant squid of his own imagination.
Evening: Dinoseto
The Dinosaur-shaped-sculpted scrub in Plaza de Princesa is a quirky and unexpected staple in the community.
Originally el Dinoseto was meant for a children’s park, however, due to miscommunication, it ended up in the city center. It soon became so popular that no one dared move it!
Evening: Colexiata de Santa María de Vigo
The simple facade of La Colexiata de Santa María de Vigo can blend in with the tightly packed buildings of the old town center.
Let the spires and their magnificent bells lead you to the beautifully mosaic interior.
Due to its proximity and complicated history with Portugal, much of the architecture and tile decoration will give you a similar feel to the churches of the city’s southern neighbor.
Night: Dinner and Cocktails in Plaza de la Constitución
Follow the winding streets through the arches that lead into Plaza de la Constitución.
Pull up a chair on la Terreza Salón de café Grettel and choose from their large selection of beers and cocktails to enjoy the energy of the plaza.
However, just around the corner is Bar Chavolas, a secluded gem that serves the freshest seafood in Vigo. Here you can find the best pulpo a la gallega around. Their paella, mussels, and other kinds of seafood are also fresh and flavorful.
If seafood is not your thing, they also have many delicious options for you!
Day 2
Morning: Ferry from Vigo to Cies Islands
Walk to the Estación Maritima de ría. Here is where you need to claim the tickets you pre-booked online. Booking the earliest ferry ride will give you the most time on the island 🙂
I recommend arriving about 30 minutes prior to departure in case of long lines.
From here you can walk to the end of the dock and board your ferry!
Morning: Islas Cíes
The Ferry will drop you at Praia Rhodes which links the two Islands together.
While the weather is still cool, I recommend taking a hike first thing. It is best to beat the heat and the crowds.
In order to get to most of the hikes, take the camiño do faro de cíes. This trail will take you through the woods and onto the Illa do Faro. Along this trail, you will also find the campgrounds.
The most popular trail follows the camiño do faro de cíes all the way to the Faro de Cíes (Cíes lighthouse) which is perched at one of the highest locations on the Island.
Morning: Ruta do faro da porta
Alternatively, you could choose to follow Ruta do Faro da Porta.
This is the route I chose for several reasons.
- There is significantly less elevation gain
- This route takes you past a secret beach and along the coast.
- Similar views to Faro de Cíes with less effort. From this picture you can see in the distance the Faro da Porta and the Faro da Cíes above it.
Faro da Porta offers incredible views of Illa de San Martino’s Coast the southernmost Island of the Cíes archipelago. Unlike the other two islands that make up las Islas Cíes, this island is only accessible by private transport.
I definitely recommend taking in these beautiful views before enjoying the beaches!
Afternoon: Lunch avoiding the Seagulls
Las Islas Cíes is a nature preserve and in order to keep the balance of the ecosystem, you are heavily advised against feeding the animals: including the seagulls.
Full disclosure, this is easier said than done.
The Seagulls here are vicious and aggressively dive-bomb anyone with food.
I was brutally attacked by a colony of seagulls while attempting to eat a croissant on the beach. ( I am still traumatized!)
This being said, I recommend eating indoors or at one of the three restaurants on the island: Bar Restaurante Serafín, Restaurante tapería Illas Cíes, or Restaurante Rodas
Afternoon: Praia de Rodas
Now is the perfect time to relax and enjoy the heat on the world-class beaches.
Praia de Rodas is a stretch of silky-white sand that connects Illa de Monteagudo and Illa do Faro. This is the largest and most alluring beach of Islas Cíes.
Once you arrive, relax on the soft sand or splash into the clear, turquoise waters. If you have goggles or snorkeling equipment definitely put it to use here!
Evening: Ferry trip from Islas Cíes to Vigo
After several hours on the beach, if you are not staying on the island campgrounds, you will have to catch the last ferry of the evening back to Vigo.
Be sure to sit in the back of the ferry so you can enjoy the views of the Islas Cíes slipping back into the horizon.
Once you arrive back in Vigo, head to your hotel, pick up your bags, and hop on a train to your next destination!
Islas Cíes weather
Due to its location in the Atlantic, Las Islas Cíes are cold during the winter months and receive a great deal of precipitation.
However, from June to August the weather is quite warm and is commonly 20c (70 f) or above with little precipitation. The summer months are definitely the time to visit!
In the early autumn, temperatures are still quite warm, which makes it a great time to visit with less of a crowd.
To check the current weather on the Islands click here!
What to do on the Cíes Islands
Below is a list of additional hikes or activities on the Cíes Islands.
- Ruta de Monte Faro (7.4km hike)
- Playa de Nuestra Señora
- Ruta del Alto de Príncipe (3km hike)
- Playa de Figueras
- Playa de Alemanes (nudist beach)
- Admire the abundance of biological diversity
Vigo and Las Islas Cíes were the first stops for me on a two-week trip through northern Spain. At this time I stayed mainly in the Comunidades of Galicia and Asturias!
My next stop was Santiago de Compestela. It is just an hour train ride from Vigo and a must-see location while in Galicia!
Another Remarkable Beach in Galicia
If you are planning on spending some time in Galicia, then be sure to check out La Playa de las Catedrales. It is a stunning beach that is home to some of the most amazing natural rock formations I have ever seen!
More Spanish Islands?
If you are looking to explore more of Spain’s magnificent Islands, look into the Canary Islands, especially Tenerife!
Awesome guide and beautiful views! I just got back from a trip, but am already planning my next after reading this!