This secluded beach in the Cíes archipelago is often likened to the Caribbean because of its white sands, but its cooling Atlantic waters and lush forests are ideal to beat the heat
Brits are a hop, skip and jump away from this Caribbean-esque paradise named one of the best beaches in the world. A new list has highlighted this sandy Spanish destination for its “soft white sand and clear, calm waters”.
Playa de Rodas is a 700 metre-long beach in the Cíes archipelago off the coast of Galicia, Spain. Ranking in 18th place on The World’s 50 Best Beaches list, Playa de Rodas is often compared to the Caribbean for its immaculate white sands and turquoise waters.
Despite its Caribbean look, the cool and refreshing waters of the Atlantic are what make Rodas beach particularly enticing to travellers. The gently curved beach is also surrounded by a distinct natural landscape. It comes after news that Spanish islands fear Brits won’t return as tourists are dealt another blow.
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Lush pine forests and sand dunes engulf the area, creating the tranquil and private atmosphere that Cíes is known for. There are also many walking trails visitors can explore – without the hindrance of large crowds.
According to the travel experts who created the Top 50 ranking, “your odds of perfect beach days are much higher than average at Playa de Rodas”. The water is unusually calm and has a sandy bottom that promises easy access.
The average high temperatures during the summer months range from 22C to 24C, with minimal rainy days. The lowest average temperatures of the year are in January ranging from 8C to 13C.
Naturally, high season peaks in July and August, but planning your visit for June and September promise exceptional weather with smaller crowds. The Atlantic is also much calmer between June and October.
Crowding is not a major issue at Rodas beach because it is less convenient to reach that other popular Spanish beach destinations. The Cíes islands are only accessibly by boat. That means the best way for Brits the visit is by flying to either Vigo (approximately 2hrs 15minutes from London) or Santiago de Compostela (approximately 2hrs 10minutes from London).
The most common way to travel from Vigo to the Cíes islands is by ferry. During peak season, ferries run regularly throughout the day between Vigo and the islands and take approximately 45 minutes. You can also rent a private boat to reach Cíes.
One of the other reasons Cíes never suffers from overcrowding is because there is a cap on how many visitors can arrive each day.
The Cies Islands are part of the UNESCO-protected Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. The archipelago is made up of three islands: Monteagudo, Faro (which are connected by a long footbridge) and San Martiño.
Cies has 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 to protect the biodiversity of the area.