Vigo · Rías Baixas · Spain

Cíes Islands

beachnature reserveislandgoogle verified

moderate

9/10

best: summer, spring

wild, pristine, awe-inspiring

A local would say...

The newspaper voted this beach the best in the world — but you can only get there by a single daily ferry, and you have to leave before dark.

Three spectacular islands forming a beautiful bird sanctuary 14km from Vigo by ferry, the Illas Cíes are home to some of Galicia's most privileged beaches including the 1km-long lagoon-backed crescent of Praia das Rodas. Walking trails skirt the shores and climb to spectacular high lookouts at the Ruta Monte Faro, with cliffs, beaches, ocean and the whole Ría de Vigo spread below. The beach has been voted one of the world's best.