The Cies Islands in Galicia

Summertime is the best time of the year to visit Galicia, an autonomous region located in northwest Spain. When most people think of the Iberian Peninsula, they think about tons and tons of hot and sultry sun. While that’s pretty true, by and large, Galicia has the dubious honor of being the wetness part of Spain. But come summer, you can take advantage of a break in the clouds and check out this stunning region, especially the wild coastline.

One of the most attractive stretches of beaches in all of Spain lies just north of the Portuguese border in the Cies Islands, off the coast of the Galician town of Vigo. Most of the people who come to Spain for holidays tend to head south to the Mediterranean beaches. If you make the effort and trek to the Northwest, you’ll definitely be awe-struck by this gorgeous strip of rock and sand sheltering Vigo’s harbor from the mighty Atlantic Ocean.

Rodas Beach, which is a long and magnificent beach in the Cies Islands, was named by the British newspaper ‘The Guardian’ as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and most of the people who visit the small archipelago seem to agree with that. Rodas Beach actually joins two of the main islands, Monteagudo o Norte and Isla del Medio o de Faro together via a curved length of golden sand. In addition to the outstanding beaches and snorkeling opportunities found on the Cies, there are also sheer cliffs and coastal caves for the would-be adventurer to enjoy and explore.

The islands are a protected park and nature reserve, and can only be reached by boat and ferries, which depart from the docks in Vigo. There is a limit to the number of people allowed to visit the islands each day. In the winter, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem, but in the summer (the best season to come) you might want to call in advance and book your reservations with one of the boat companies carrying people back and forth to the islands.

For those of you who are truly aficionados of ‘wild’ beaches and nature, you might want to think about camping on the islands, and enjoying the beauty that they have to offer day and night. You can arrange for a spot by visiting the website: www.campingislascies.com

No matter what time of year you choose to visit, or if you only go for a day trip rather than spending an entire night, these small and stunning Spanish islands will captivate your heart.