This archipelago of island has become a beacon of sustainable tourism, protecting its pristine beaches and natural wildlife by limiting the number of daily visitors
This island is home to one of Spain’s best beaches, but it’s also one of the hardest to visit. In addition to only being accessible by boat, there is a cap on how many visitors can visit this paradise each day.
The Cíes archipelago is made up of three islands: Monteagudo, Faro (which are connected by a long footbridge) and San Martiño. The islands are a 45-minute boat ride from Vigo, and an hour from Santiago de Compostela. The archipelago’s spectacular beaches and natural beauty are the reason the Romans referred to them as “Islands of the Gods”. Today, the Cies Islands are part of the UNESCO-protected Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park.
The islands have become a posterchild for sustainable tourism, prioritising environmental protection over tourist accommodation. Given the island’s protected status, there are strict rules about how many tourists can visit the island and when.
No more than 2,200 visitors are allowed on the island each day, and anyone interested in visiting the islands must request permission in advance. The Cies island, managed by the Spanish national park authority, is also notorious for being rife with rules.
Here are just a few of the main ones:
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No leaving rubbish (there are no garbage cans on the islands)
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No loud noise (to avoid disturbing the inhabiting birds)
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No fishing
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No unauthorised camping
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No taking anything from the island (this includes shells, sand, stones, and plants)
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No feeding or harming the animals
It should also be noted that there are no cars or hotels on the island. The only accommodation available to travellers are park-sanctioned tents (already pitched) or campsites. While the seemingly strict rules of the island may be off-putting to some travellers, anyone that has had the pleasure of visiting will understand why the island’s preservation is so critical. The island’s commitment to maintaining its natural landscape has allowed its wildlife to flourish and added a tranquil air to the archipelago that you would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.
The Cies Islands also have notoriously breathtaking beaches. The main beach is Praia das Rodas, which links the islands of Monteagudo and Faro, and is known for its expanse of fine white sand and its pristine turquoise waters.
The protected coves of Praia de Nosa Señora or Praia das Figueres are also incredible attractions, and offer even greater seclusion on this already quiet island. Snorkeling safaris are also available to book, allowing travellers to get an up-close view of the islands’ unique marine life. Anyone up for more adventure can follow the signposted trails to the Cies Islands’ highest lighthouse. Alternatively, head up to the Alto do Principe lookout for an incredible panoramic view.
If the rules of the island are deterring you, remember that they are there to protect the sanctity of the natural landscape as well as the experience of future travellers.