These 15 Photos Will Inspire You To Visit the Cies Islands
On my Instagram stories, I recently conducted a poll with the question: Have you ever heard of the Cies Islands? Out of dozens of people who responded, 39% voted yes and 61% voted no. I wasn’t entirely surprised. The Cies Islands in Galicia, Spain are still a well-kept secret even though National Geographic voted one of the beaches there, Rodas Beach, as the best in the world. Located right off Spain’s northwestern coast, the Cies Islands offer a relaxing escape in an untouched natural environment. I’ll show, not tell, you why you need to add these islands to your bucket list. Here are 15 photos that will inspire you to visit the Cies Islands – like right now.
This is the sixth post in the Spain Bucketlist Series. Here’s the complete list:
Culture: 9 Experiences You Must Have in Spain
Food: 6 Dishes to Eat in Spain Besides Paella and Tapas
Packing tips: The Ultimate Packing List for Your Summer Vacation in Spain
Travel Tips: 10 Travel Tips You Need To Know Before Visiting Spain
Inspiration:15 Photos That Will Inspire You to Visit the Cies Islands
Off the beaten path: 8 Underrated Cities You Need To Visit in Spain
Beaches: The 10 Best Beaches in Spain You Should Visit Before You Die
Solo Travel: 10 Unconventional Tips For Female Solo Travelers in Spain
Barcelona: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Barcelona
Granada: Why Granada is the Best Place to Visit in Spain
Before You Go
The Cies Islands are a natural protected habitat with rare bird species and fauna. Because of that, there are some special rules visitors have to follow. The government of Galicia, Xunta de Galicia, requires that all visitors obtain a permit before visiting during these specified periods:
- From March 23rd until April 1st.
- March 29, 30 and 31.
- Holidays in May.
- From June to September.
- Weekends and holidays in October.
The dates when permits are required may vary by year so the above timetable is not set in stone.
Two Options to Get a Permit
- Purchase your ferry ticket online – when you book a ferry ticket for the Cies Islands, a message will pop up telling you to get a permit. It will include a link to the Xunta de Galicia website, where you can complete the request form in about 2 minutes. It’s really simple – you just need to enter a few personal details. The ferries operates from the cities Cangas and Vigo. I went through Vigo (the Cies Islands are considered a part of Vigo.)
- Go directly to the Xunta de Galicia website and fill out the request form. Then you can purchase your ticket either online or at the ticket booth at the port of Vigo.
Transportation
The only way to get to the Cies Islands is by ferry. There are two major ferry operators that offer daily trips to the island: Nabia Naviera and Mar de Ons. They both cost 16 euros per round trip ticket. I used Nabia Naviera because the Mars de Ons website was having some technical glitches. Both ferry companies operate frequently from 9 am to 8 pm.
A Few Rules
In addition to obtaining a permit, there are a few simple rules you need to follow on the island. There are no trash cans of any sort on the beaches so you have to either take your trash with you or dispose of it at the restaurant by the entrance. There is absolutely no littering allowed (of course, you don’t need reminding anyway.) Most importantly, you can’t feed or touch the animals; the government is serious about protecting the animals because some of them are on the verge of extinction.
One more thing: the seagulls are kind of vicious and will probably try to steal your food if you’re eating at the outdoor restaurant. One stole a piece of calamari from my plate! Just wave your hand and they’ll leave you alone, momentarily.
Let the inspiration begin…
OTHER POSTS IN THE SPAIN BUCKET LIST SERIES
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Barcelona
- 9 Experiences You Must Have in Spain
- The Ultimate Packing List for Your Summer Vacation in Spain
- 10 Travel Tips You Need To Know Before Visiting Spain
- 8 Underrated Cities You Need To Visit in Spain
- 10 Best Beaches in Spain You Should Visit Before You Die
- 6 Dishes to Eat in Spain Besides Paella and Tapas
- 10 Unconventional Tips for Women Traveling Solo in Spain
- Forget Barcelona, Why Granada is the Best Place to Visit in Spain
Somto Ugwueze
Hi! I'm Somto. Two years ago, I stopped making excuses, ditched my indecisive friends, and started booking flights. Today, I'm a full-time solo traveler on a mission to inspire young women to seek new adventures.
![Let’s talk about money in Croatia 🇭🇷 (and the Balkans)
📌[Save and Share]
⚠️ Quick tip: Don’t exchange money or take out money from any place that has a big, yellow sign
On my most recent trip to Croatia with @girlslovetravel, I learned that from the locals and other seasoned travelers.
I wanted to pass along the message to help you guys avoid falling for this trap, because I saw so many people getting ripped off.
If you’re traveling through Europe, especially in the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe, you’re going to see these super-convenient money exchanges and ATMS.
With their big, yellow signs, these are hard to miss.
And they’re so seductive because they’re always conveniently located.
But don’t do it.
These places are known to have the worst exchange rates and sometimes hidden fees.
You’ll end up getting significantly less money than other comparable money exchanges.
The ATMS could charge you all sorts of ridiculous fees, which happened to one of my travel friends.
If you walk away from the touristy city centers, you can find places with better exchange rates.
Do your research.
Compare places, especially if you want to exchange a chunk of money.
Don’t go to the first place you see because it’s convenient.
Any other tips for exchanging money in Europe? Drop them below👇🏾](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/363495583_681336997355409_8269653626385180880_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c4dd86&_nc_ohc=_vy0qj-WxFoAX-mjbwg&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfAPqz89qBOUgOh00AfVwwwiMtUalPvCK3LjBZqNY1ZuAQ&oe=657A6126)
![Let’s talk about money in Croatia 🇭🇷 (and the Balkans)
📌[Save and Share]
⚠️ Quick tip: Don’t exchange money or take out money from any place that has a big, yellow sign
On my most recent trip to Croatia with @girlslovetravel, I learned that from the locals and other seasoned travelers.
I wanted to pass along the message to help you guys avoid falling for this trap, because I saw so many people getting ripped off.
If you’re traveling through Europe, especially in the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe, you’re going to see these super-convenient money exchanges and ATMS.
With their big, yellow signs, these are hard to miss.
And they’re so seductive because they’re always conveniently located.
But don’t do it.
These places are known to have the worst exchange rates and sometimes hidden fees.
You’ll end up getting significantly less money than other comparable money exchanges.
The ATMS could charge you all sorts of ridiculous fees, which happened to one of my travel friends.
If you walk away from the touristy city centers, you can find places with better exchange rates.
Do your research.
Compare places, especially if you want to exchange a chunk of money.
Don’t go to the first place you see because it’s convenient.
Any other tips for exchanging money in Europe? Drop them below👇🏾](https://scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/363496891_3960588657501192_2279069811238681499_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c4dd86&_nc_ohc=LtJTETr6UhgAX99KV_j&_nc_oc=AQmAmH8fEtUCrcX0JC3ab3nmi5MRB4e2Ji-S98sk2ENU8ZKpshumpTsxh4N_r9N8gx8&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfBLHqP4rlViQp28OGkZfCUrWhgAEJg_pGXIiiilHsTNeQ&oe=657922C5)
![Let’s talk about money in Croatia 🇭🇷 (and the Balkans)
📌[Save and Share]
⚠️ Quick tip: Don’t exchange money or take out money from any place that has a big, yellow sign
On my most recent trip to Croatia with @girlslovetravel, I learned that from the locals and other seasoned travelers.
I wanted to pass along the message to help you guys avoid falling for this trap, because I saw so many people getting ripped off.
If you’re traveling through Europe, especially in the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe, you’re going to see these super-convenient money exchanges and ATMS.
With their big, yellow signs, these are hard to miss.
And they’re so seductive because they’re always conveniently located.
But don’t do it.
These places are known to have the worst exchange rates and sometimes hidden fees.
You’ll end up getting significantly less money than other comparable money exchanges.
The ATMS could charge you all sorts of ridiculous fees, which happened to one of my travel friends.
If you walk away from the touristy city centers, you can find places with better exchange rates.
Do your research.
Compare places, especially if you want to exchange a chunk of money.
Don’t go to the first place you see because it’s convenient.
Any other tips for exchanging money in Europe? Drop them below👇🏾](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/364071653_816389820137326_3597345990832080157_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c4dd86&_nc_ohc=MYF5J3kz_SAAX8LrCKa&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfAyBMpI95aIAIlzLZ-1w4-QTfs64lpl2_uEMGTDvZljQA&oe=6578CBC2)
![Let’s talk about money in Croatia 🇭🇷 (and the Balkans)
📌[Save and Share]
⚠️ Quick tip: Don’t exchange money or take out money from any place that has a big, yellow sign
On my most recent trip to Croatia with @girlslovetravel, I learned that from the locals and other seasoned travelers.
I wanted to pass along the message to help you guys avoid falling for this trap, because I saw so many people getting ripped off.
If you’re traveling through Europe, especially in the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe, you’re going to see these super-convenient money exchanges and ATMS.
With their big, yellow signs, these are hard to miss.
And they’re so seductive because they’re always conveniently located.
But don’t do it.
These places are known to have the worst exchange rates and sometimes hidden fees.
You’ll end up getting significantly less money than other comparable money exchanges.
The ATMS could charge you all sorts of ridiculous fees, which happened to one of my travel friends.
If you walk away from the touristy city centers, you can find places with better exchange rates.
Do your research.
Compare places, especially if you want to exchange a chunk of money.
Don’t go to the first place you see because it’s convenient.
Any other tips for exchanging money in Europe? Drop them below👇🏾](https://www.somtoseeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/363495583_681336997355409_8269653626385180880_n-256x320.jpg)
hello, I’m Salim, a Rwandan student studying in Turkey ‘Undergraduate’ and planning to visit Spain soon. I really can not thank you enough for these tips you’ve given us I’m sure they’ll help once I’m there.
Great work!
Hi Salim! You’re very welcome. I’m glad you found the tips helpful and hope you have a wonderful time in Spain!