The beautiful 'Seychelles of Europe' with the 'world's best beach' and 26C heat
Chances are you've never heard of these islands, but they are a hidden gem featuring stunning white-sand beaches, natural landscapes, and crystal-clear waters.
The Cíes Islands, off the coast of Galicia in Spain, are a hidden gem, and far less crowded than popular destinations like Tenerife or Ibiza. Part of the National Park of Atlantic Islands, the islands are renowned for their pristine white-sand beaches, dunes, cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and marine caves, which serve as a vital habitat for various species, including significant colonies of aquatic birds.
Rodas Beach was named the best beach in the world by The Guardian in 2007, surpassing even the Seychelles and the Caribbean. These protected islands are a paradise for those who love the beach, hiking, and nature enthusiasts alike, with no cars, hotels, and strict limits on visitors, ensuring their preservation. Travel blog Ta Ta Cheers even branded the islands 'Spain's answer to the Seychelles.'
The archipelago includes three main islands: Faro, Monteagudo, and San Martiño, each with white sand and emerald waters.
Faro Island, aptly named "Lighthouse Island," is home to a lighthouse perched 178 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the surrounding national park and the Atlantic Ocean.
Monteagudo Island, the largest of the three, is connected to Faro Island by Rodas Beach—a stunning stretch of sand that only appears at low tide.
The islands also enjoy average temperatures of 26C during the summer months.
San Martiño Island is the southernmost and most secluded of the Cíes Islands and is known for its beach of San Martiño with its white sand and clear waters.
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To visit these islands, you'll need to get authorisation by completing a form, and purchase a ferry ticket.
Ferries depart from Vigo, Baiona, and Cangas, though most visitors choose to depart from Vigo.
With its spectacular hiking trails, rich biodiversity, and beaches that rival those of the Seychelles or the Caribbean, the Cíes Islands are a natural paradise away from the crowds of Tenerife or Ibiza.
