The Cíes Islands, off Vigo, are part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park and are home to Rodas beach, considered one of the best beaches in the world: white sand, turquoise water and an unspoilt setting. You can't take the motorhome onto the islands (no cars are allowed there), but with the camper as your base camp on the mainland, visiting them is a great plan. Here's how to organise it.
How to visit
The Cíes are reached by ferry from Vigo, Cangas or Baiona (in season). It's essential to:
- Get the visitor permit beforehand (entry to the park is limited by daily quotas to protect it) and then the ferry ticket.
- Plan ahead in summer: places sell out.
- Go there and back in a day or camp at the authorised campsite (the only overnight stay allowed on the island; book ahead). [Note: current permit and quota system for the park.]
The camper as base
Your motorhome is the perfect base camp: leave it at a site or campsite in the Vigo area or the Rías Baixas, take the ferry for the day, and return to your home on wheels. That way you combine the visit to the islands with exploring the Rías Baixas (see Galicia).
What to see on the islands
Rodas beach and its lagoon, hiking trails (to the Cíes lighthouse, with spectacular views), coves, cliffs and the huge seabird colony. Bring water, food and everything you need: services on the island are minimal and you need to leave everything spotless (it's a national park).
Practical tips
- Summer for swimming; spring and autumn are quieter.
- Get your permit and ferry in advance.
- Bring everything and leave no trace: a protected, fragile environment.
- Combine it with the Rías Baixas and other islands in the park (Ons, Sálvora).
In summary
The Cíes Islands offer one of the best beaches in the world within a national park, visitable by ferry with the camper as base on the mainland. The step you can take today: get your visitor permit and ferry ticket in advance, leave the camper at a site in the Vigo area, and go spend the day there (or camp at the authorised campsite); combine it with the Rías Baixas. Combine it with routes through Galicia.