How to visit the Cíes Islands (Galicia): buy tickets, schedules, prices

Un trip through the Rías Bajas in Galicia It will be incomplete if you do not visit the Cies Island.

I have always considered it this way since I visited them for the first time many years ago...but in my most recent trip to Galicia A few summers ago I was not able to visit them.

The reason? She didn't know that because it was a national park very protected from the environmental point of view, the visitor access is restricted under normal conditions to a maximum of 2.200 people each day.

Therefore, when one day in August I arrived at the ticket office to buy tickets to go by boat to the Cí Islands, I found that there were no tickets available until several days later.

Where is the Cíes Islands National Park and what is it like?

Even though you have not traveled to GaliciaSurely you have heard about the Cies Island.

This is a real natural paradise which is part of the so-called Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, which was declared as such in 2002.

This park consists of three small islands, Monteagudo, do lighthouse y San Martino, which follow one another in a linear manner forming a natural barrier at the entrance to the Vigo estuary.

Two of these islands are joined by the sandy area of ​​the rhodes beach.

Curiosities of the history of the Cíes Islands

La history of the Cíes Islands It dates back to ancient times, as they have been inhabited since Roman times.

For centuries, they were used as a refuge for pirates and privateers due to their strategic location.

Today, these islands are famous for their white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, which resemble those of the Caribbean.

And specifically, the aforementioned rhodes beach, in particular, considered a few years ago by the British newspaper The Guardian , the the best beach in the world.

Cíes Islands, former concentration camp

A fascinating curiosity about the Cíes Islands is their past as a destination for political exiles.

During the Franco dictatorship In Spain, the islands hosted a concentration camp which was used to imprison and isolate political opponents.

What is the fauna and flora like in the Cíes Islands?

In addition to its natural beauty, the Cíes Islands are home to rich biodiversity.

El national park is the home of a wide variety of flora and fauna species, many of them protected.

Here it is possible to find emblematic species such as the Peregrine falcon, the shag and the yellow-legged gull.

It is also an important refuge for migratory birds, making it a paradise for bird watching lovers.

Today, the Cíes have become a symbol of freedom and nature conservation and are a natural treasure in Galicia.

In the Cies Island there camping which opens only in the summer months, where you can stay with a tent.

And you also have at your disposal some restaurants that open only in summer, but during your visit you can bring your own food and, of course, don't forget the bags to store waste.

If you want to enjoy stunning beaches, virgin landscapes and a extraordinary wildlife, you cannot miss the opportunity to explore the Cíes Islands and its national park.

How to get there by boat and visit the Cíes Islands

Buthow to visit the Cíes islands?and how to get?

To the Cies Islands you can only arrive by boat, specifically, on board those that leave both from the port of Vigoas the from Cangas or Bayona, and also in private boats.

But this Ferrys They are not operational all year round and, specifically, the Dates to go by boat to the Cí Islands throughout the year they range from Only weekends in winter time, Every day of the week en Easter and from May until the autumn months.

In others times of the year to visit the Cíes You can only arrive on a private leisure boat, either your own or rented.

How to buy tickets for the boat to the Cíes Islands

For this reason, and the desire to travel that we all have after the season of pandemic, it is even more essential to do well in advance la reservation of tickets to cross to the Cí Islands.

To do this you have to carry out the online purchase of tickets enough days before the date that you have planned for the visit, since the quota of allowed visitors fills quickly.

Boat ticket prices to the Cíes Islands

El ferry ticket price to the Cíes Islands from Vigo, round trip, is 24 euros for adults and 12 euros for children from 5 to 12 years old.

Children under 5 years old travel free.

I tell you that the duration of the journey from Vigo to the Cí Islands It's about 40 minutes.

Dates and times of boats to the Cíes Islands

As for boat schedules to go to the Cí Islands, there are three companies that operate this service, although Mar de Wed It is the one that offers the greatest number of frequencies.

Specifically, in July and August accounts with up to ten schedules to go to the Cíe islandss, and up to seven services to return, although in other months there are fewer services.

Besides, perhaps they are more comfortable for you go to the Cíes islands the options of a boat from Bayonne, from Cangas de Morrazo, from Sanxenxo o from Portonovo, each with specific service dates, hours and prices.

Enjoy the Cíes Islands!