The moment you set foot on the powdery, sugar-white sand of Playa de Rodas, the lines between reality and dreams begin to blur. Like a slender crescent of light, the beach connects two islands, washed by water so crystal clear that the fishing boats appear to float in mid-air.
The Scent: A crisp, bracing blend of salty ocean breeze and the deep, comforting aroma of the pine forests crowning the hills.
The Light: As the sun reaches its zenith, the granite cliffs glow in warm gold, while the sea sparkles in shades ranging from aquamarine to emerald green.
The Silence: Far from the roar of engines, the only sounds are the distant cries of yellow-legged gulls and the gentle, almost shy rolling of the waves onto the shore.
It is a place that doesn't loudly clamor for attention, but rather embraces you with its untouched, almost fragile beauty. A piece of paradise proving that heaven on earth doesn't need palm trees—it only needs this white sand and this endless, blue horizon.
For its own protection, paradise is not an open book, but a precious secret. Because the Cíes Islands are part of the Islas Atlánticas de Galicia National Park, they are strictly protected. This ensures that their pristine beauty remains exactly as described.
To prevent the islands from becoming overcrowded, visitor numbers are strictly limited. Here is the roadmap for your adventure:
The Permit (Xunta de Galicia): autorizacionillasatlanticas.xunta.gal
Before buying a ferry ticket, you must apply for a free visitor permit online via the official website of the Galician government. You will receive a QR code that is valid for a specific day.
The Ferry: Once you have this code, you can book your ticket with one of the ferry companies (e.g., Mar de Ons or Nabia). The ferries usually depart from Vigo, Baiona, or Cangas. The crossing takes about 40 minutes.
Important to Know: There are no trash cans on the islands—everything you bring with you must be taken back to the mainland. Furthermore, daily capacity fills up very quickly, especially during the summer, so it is highly recommended to reserve well in advance.
A Little Insider Tip: If you want to have paradise almost entirely to yourself, try to snag a spot at the island's only campsite. As soon as the last evening ferry leaves the dock, the island's absolute silence belongs solely to the campers and the stars.