When the ancient Romans arrived at the Cíes Islands in Spain, they simply could not believe their eyes. Before them lay what they considered paradise. In fact, the same Islands of the Gods can be visited today by travelers to Spain.
Located just two hours across the Portuguese border from Porto, its turquoise waters seem more at home in the tropical Caribbean or Mediterranean rather than the northern Iberia Peninsula.
However, the area is so special that it is protected and here is what travelers need to know to visit this amazing island paradise.
Limited tourism
Unlike many tourist spots in Europe, the Cies Islands have very limited access to tourists to protect the fragile habitat and ecosystem of the area.
In total, only 1600 to 1800 tourists are allowed to visit the Islands of the Gods and there is a very specific process in place to ensure the limits and still allow visitors to enjoy the unique location.
To begin with, potential visitors should go to this website to start the process. Once the process is completed and permission is granted by the authorities, tourists can book overnight camping accommodations at this website if desired.
A complete guide to the entire process is available, including step-by-step instructions to complete here free to download.
So, what’s there to see?
Visitors who get a valuable opportunity to visit these special islands can come face to face with nature in a very intimate way.
Upon arrival on the islands, tourists arrive at Rodas Beach, which is considered the most beautiful beach in the world by The Guardian newspaper. Not A most beautiful beach, but the most beautiful beach.
From there a number of trails depart for hikers to explore the wilderness and amazing biodiversity of the islands. The landscape will amaze visitors as different experiences and special features are hidden around every corner.
However, there are a number of places that visitors to the Cíes Islands should not miss. For example, Lake Nenos, Figueiras beach, the lighthouse of Mount Cíes, the High Prince and the Bird Observatory.
Don’t forget to find the rare and protected bird that actually looks more like a lost penguin.
How to get there
From Porto, a city with a major international airport, it is a short 90-minute drive across the Spanish border to the city of Vigo. Alternatively, there is also public transport to take travelers into the city, including the international Celta train and plenty of buses.
Once a visitor arrives in Vigo, the permit to visit the islands is checked and the traveler is given permission to travel to the islands.
As a reminder, visitation is very limited to the islands and travelers must complete the registration and permit process well in advance. Nothing is worse than making the trip all the way to Vigo and not getting permission to visit the Islands of the Gods.
What travelers need to know
Visiting the Cíes Islands can be a great way to start or end an unforgettable holiday in Europe.
As part of the protected Atlantic Islands National Park, it’s worth jumping through the hoops to get permission to visit.
Travelers from the United States can fly directly from Boston and New York to Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) via Azores Airlines. It is also a hub for Ryanair and easy jet for connections from all over Europe.
