Exploring the Islas Cies in Galicia
Combining Hiking, Swimming and Sightseeing on a Daytrip from Vigo
Sep 27, 2009
Fortunately, a keen sense for preservation of the environment in Galicia/Spain has lead to the creation of two major nature reserves. One are the Fragas do Eume in the northeast of the Spanish province and the other is the Parque Nacional Maritimo-Terrestre de las Islas Atlanticas de Galicia in the west.
Facts About Islas Cies
The Cies islands are an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, located at the entrance to the Ria de Vigo which in turn forms part of Galicia's Rias Bajas. The area covers 433 hct; Isla Cies, Isla de San Matino and Isla de Ons being the largest of the archipelago.
The islands feature marvelous beaches, nature parks, wildlife, hiking paths to historical sites, camping areas and lovely restaurants. Isla Cies is most famous for its kilometer long, pristine beach, Playa de Rodas, which in a half circle joins two of the three islands which form the complex.
Awarded with a Blue Flag from the European Union, the cristal clear water and fine grained sand make it a swimmers' and snorkelers' paradise and the shallow water allows for safe outings with kids.
How to Reach Islas Cies
Islas Cies is best reached by boat from Vigo. Naviera Mar de Ons runs several boats per day, departing from the Club Nautico in the port of Vigo to Isla Cies. The crossing takes approx. 1 1/2 hours and affords fabulous views of Vigo, its skyline. ocean liners and port as well as the huge bridge which spans the Ria de Vigo.
The return trip costs €18.50 per adult and it's advisable to book well in advance as a trip to the island and the beach in particular, is very popular with locals and tourists alike. Note that there is a dress code on board ship: neither men nor women are allowed to sit on the boat without covering up properly. No bare torsos for men and no bikini tops for women.
What to Do on Islas Cies
The boat docks right by the famous Playa de Rodas. For those, who just want to enjoy a beach day out, the trip ends there. The beach is so long, that swimming and snorkeling can easily be alternated with walks along the sand and several restaurants along the way cater to hunger and thirst.
More enterprising souls may want to take one of the three well marked hiking tours around the island. According to difficulty, they are color coded and a map is handed over when buying the ticket, so the visitor can decide in advanc which track he would like to take and bring appropriate footwear.
The furthest and steepest track leads uphill, half way around the island and ends at a lighthouse, perched atop the highest rock which offers fantastic views of the Atlantic. The Altos de Principe route, another hiking path of 1.7 km length, is very popular because it mostly leads through dense woods which protect the hiker from the sun.
If the visitor decides on the spot to spend the night, there is also a camping site near Playa de Rodas, where a single tent can be rented at €30 per night. Another restaurant and supermarket caters to impromptu needs if such a decision is taken.
No cars except one service car are allowed on the island and there are no trash cans for aesthetic reasons. Everybody is handed trashbags on arrival and littering is strictly prohibited.
A visit to the Islas Cies is a rare treat because it combines such different activities as lazing around in the sun and hiking up steep slopes on a single daytrip on a modern and lively ferry full of merrily mingling locals and tourists.
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