28 Jul, 2024 @ 10:00
3 mins read

Must-visit: The stunning island in northern Spain you’ve probably never heard of

THIS is the stunning island in northern Spain which you’ve probably never heard of but has beautiful, unspoilt beaches. 

AS southern and central Spain become unbearably hot in the summer months, many Spaniards venture north in search of cooler climates. 

While Andalucia and the Costa Blanca are known for their stunning coastlines, you don’t have to risk melting in the summer heat to enjoy a beach day. 

Galicia, in north-west Spain, is home to a rugged, unspoilt coast dotted with quiet, beautiful islands. 

READ MORE: The golden beaches in southern Spain that act as a stunning final frontier with Portugal

The Isla Cies is known for its network of walking routes with incredible views
Photo: Isla Cies

One of these is the Isla Cies, a 40-minute ferry from the historic city of Vigo. 

Getting tickets requires pre-authorisation to control tourist numbers so make sure you book in advance by clicking the link here

Tickets range from €15-20 for adults and services run frequently throughout the day from Baiona, Cangas, Vigo, Sanxenxo and Portonovo.

As soon as you step off the ferry, you will see why many locals flock to this tiny island for a relaxing day trip. 

You are greeted by a long stretch of white sand known as the Playa de Rodas, once named the Guardian’s best beach in the world. 

The turquoise waters and white sand are a taste of paradise.
Photo: Isla Cies/Facebook

The soft sand leads out to crystalline waters, though even on sunny days, swimming takes some bracing due to the cold temperatures of the Vigo estuary. 

If you don’t fancy a dip, snaking through the island’s green, rocky terrain are plenty of walking routes. 

A short walk away is the Praia de Nosa Senora, a secluded cove with slightly warmer waters and beautifully rugged terrain. 

READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: ‘I took the luxury Al-Andalus train across southern Spain and was treated like royalty – it felt like being on the Orient Express’

I was shocked to find beaches that reminded me of the Caribbean in Spain.
Photo: The Olive Press

Taking a paddle, you will spot small crabs in the waves, an emblematic character in the island’s wildlife, alongside their cheeky (and slightly terrifying) seagulls. 

If you need a rest along the paths, or simply want to relax with a cold beer or coffee, there are a couple of options.

As soon as you step off the boat there is a fully stocked cafe and shop, but wander further on and you will find the campsite, home to a small bar, cafe and supermarket. 

The cafe garden offers calming views over the estuary. Photo: The Olive Press

Although we didn’t stay overnight but the tents (from €59.90/day), complete with proper beds, looked rather cosy.

For budget travellers, you can alternatively bring your own tent from €9.90/day. 

Camping spots on the island are right by the walking trails and beaches.
Photo: Isla Cies/Facebook

The campsite also offers a range of activities including snorkeling, kayaking, stargazing and children’s sessions.

One of the main things to do is walking and there are numerous routes throughout the island.  

Our favourite was the Faro de Cies, which guides you through beaches, forests and dramatic coastline to reach the Cies lighthouse. 

Perched atop a steep hill, the lighthouse offers panoramic views of the island and its neighbor, the Isla de San Martino. 

READ MORE: This little-known city an hour from Madrid makes the perfect day trip for history buffs and literature lovers  

The lighthouse is a steep climb but (usually) worth it for thee views.
Photo: MardeOns

Unfortunately for us, the weather was not on our side, and we only caught glimpses of the expansive views through thick clouds. 

The view we were meant to see vs. the cloudy reality
Photo: The Olive Press

However, Galicia’s characteristic drizzle gave our day a moody, atmospheric character and did eventually wear off to glorious sunshine. 

If you are walking the Camino de Santiago through Vigo, the island offers a relaxing stop along the way. 

It is frequently coupled with visits to the equally revered Isla de Ons, but we didn’t have time to check it out.  

If you are in Galicia, do not miss the Isla Cies. 

These are truly the most stunning beaches I have ever seen in Spain, rivalled only by the golden sands and swaying palms of Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama.

READ MORE: These are the three most beautiful streets in Spain’s Andalucia – according to Traveller magazine

Yzabelle Bostyn

Yzabelle Bostyn is an NCTJ trained journalist who started her journalistic career at the Olive Press in 2023.
Before moving to Spain, she studied for a BA in English Literature and Hispanic Studies at the University of Sheffield.
After graduating she moved to the university’s journalism department, one of the best in the UK.
Throughout the past few years, she has taken on many roles including social media marketing, copywriting and radio presenting.
She then took a year out to travel Latin America, scaling volcanoes in Guatemala and swimming with sharks in Belize.
Then, she came to the Olive Press last year where she has honed her travel writing skills and reported on many fantastic experiences such as the Al Andalus luxury train.
She has also undertaken many investigations, looking into complex issues like Spain’s rental crisis and rising cancer rates.
Always willing to help, she has exposed many frauds and scams, working alongside victims to achieve justice.
She is most proud of her work on Nolotil, a drug linked to the deaths of many Brits in Spain.
A campaign launched by Yzabelle has received considerable support and her coverage has been by the UK and Spanish media alike.
Her writing has featured on many UK news outlets from the Sun to the Mail Online, who contracted her to report for them in Tenerife on growing tourism issues.
Recently, she has appeared on Times Radio covering deadly flooding in Valencia.

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