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The Best Attractions to See in Tui

Between famous cathedrals and other religious buildings, by way of the international bridge that connects this town to Portugal, you will find plenty to see in Tui. Set in the province of Pontevedra, this destination has great charms that will give you unforgettable moments.

If you are keen to spend your next holiday discovering all the wonders of Galicia, then you cannot overlook this place. Its monuments are part of its great appeal and, what is more, it has incredible gardens, restaurants and streets that will amaze you.

Since 2012, Tui and the town of Valença do Minho in Portugal have been joined by the Miño bridge to form a great “euro-city”. This integration has been very positive and certainly adds a special touch to the list of things to see in Tui.

Below, we have drawn up a list of sites and monuments you cannot miss on your visit to this Galician destination:

Cathedral of Santa María de Tui

It is, with good reason, one of the most important cathedrals in all of Galicia; its fortress-like look and stoic Romanesque style make it the main attraction to see in Tui. It was built in the 12th century and you reach it at the end of the town’s old quarter, on Plaza de San Fernando.

Visit the Cathedral of Tui

Standing in front of the cathedral of Tui, as many call it, you cannot help thinking you are before a great castle. You will also see its main portal, considered one of the oldest Gothic sculptures on the Iberian Peninsula. The main nave and the chapels are also adorned in this style.

The building has two towers and several passageways inside. Many reasons have made it the favourite of tourists and visitors, who are struck by its incredible façade, decoration and monuments.

Opening hours

The Cathedral of Tui has different opening hours depending on the season you choose to visit. From September to May, during winter, you can visit it every day of the week from 10:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In spring, from May to September, it is likewise open to the public every day from 10:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In summer, from June to September, Monday to Saturday it opens straight through from 10:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Sundays at the same hours as in spring.

If you wish to include visits to the cathedral roofs, you must go Monday to Friday, except holidays, and the entry times are: 1:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Monte Aloia Nature Park

The incredible Monte Aloia Nature Park, another of the wonders to see in Tui, covers more than 746 square kilometres with 10 kilometres of trails. It was the first Nature Park in Galicia, with a tower or watchtower 700 metres high and incredible views over the River Miño.

Visit Monte Aloia Nature Park

This place is pure nature, so if you like relaxing landscapes you cannot leave it out of your itinerary. Across its vast fields you can walk, take in the scenery from the different viewpoints and much more. It also has a café where you can sit down for a drink surrounded by a unique setting.

You can spend a whole day in this park and forget about the rest of the world. It is ideal to go with the whole family, or alone to enjoy activities such as cycling or hiking. In short, it is a must-see and one of the best things to see in Tui.

River Miño

As you will have noticed, in our rundown of things to see in Tui we have mentioned the River Miño several times. The reason is that, besides being of great importance to the town, it is also the longest river in all of Galicia.

This vast body of water rises in the province of Lugo and crosses Ourense and the province of Pontevedra. It is more than 300 kilometres full of incredible views. In Tui there are many attractions around the river, and from various points of the town you will get incredible panoramas.

Discover the River Miño

Walking along the riverbank is deeply calming; you can take a stroll at any time of day and relax as you lose your gaze on the horizon. There is also a lovely riverside walk and a marina where various competitions and recreational activities are held.

The old quarter of Tui

As in most Galician towns, Tui also has a large old quarter. It keeps medieval structures through which run narrow streets you should wander during your stay.

Discover the old quarter of Tui

Likewise, since its beginnings this town has had great commercial activity, and since 1967 it has been listed as a Historic-Artistic Site. Tui can be split into two areas: the upper and the lower. In the upper one stand its great Cathedral, the Church of San Francisco and the Diocesan Museum. In the lower one are the Convent of the Poor Clares, the Church of San Telmo and the old Convent of Santo Domingo.

In the streets of Tui you will find a wide range of food. So as you walk and discover old structures, you can also stop to taste tasty local dishes. Be sure not to miss the delicious food of Tui during your visit.

Monastery of Santo Domingo

Last on this list of things to see in Tui is the Monastery of Santo Domingo. It was built in the 14th century and has an incredible cloister. Its structure is markedly Gothic and of great artistic interest.

Moreover, if you decide to visit it you will also get wonderful views of the rest of the town that you will only find from this point. It is also very close to the Cathedral of Tui, so you can include both destinations in your walk.

Go to the Monastery of Santo Domingo

What to See in Viveiro: A Gothic Town

Getting to know Galicia is a dream for many, because it is a region that hides great magic and history. One of its towns is Viveiro, full of forests and nature. That is why in this article we show you what to see in Viveiro and how you can enjoy the town across its 105 km².

Besides being a town full of nature and meadows, it has a medieval origin. Because of that medieval origin it holds plenty of history, and it also keeps a fairly cool climate. It is known for its long summers and mild, rather humid winters.

Just 125 km from A Coruña, you can enjoy a weekend in this town, which received its title back in 1891. On the banks of the River Landro you can stroll through the town, its old quarter, and also visit its beaches.

 

Historic sites to see in Viveiro

The old quarter has been declared a Historic Site. This town has a medieval air that ties it to Galicia’s historical side. Here are some of the historic places to see in Viveiro.

Carlos V Gate

This gate stands out in history because it is one of the three gates still standing. There were five that formed part of the walled enclosure of Viveiro. It is considered an Asset of Cultural Interest, which makes it one of the first stops when visiting the town.

discover the Bridge Castle

It is also known as the Bridge Castle and is listed among the monuments that are historical heritage of Spain. It was built around the year 1500 in honour of Emperor Charles V. It has a Renaissance-Plateresque style that graces the town and amazes tourists.

Convent of San Francisco

Religious monuments are always among the most visited in tourism. That is why the Convent of San Francisco is worth a visit. You can walk through the Plaza Mayor of Viveiro and find the monastery.

This place was declared a National Historic-Artistic Site. Inside are the chapel of San Ildefonso, the chapel of the Third Order and the tombs of the Blessed Constanza de Castro and Nicomedes Pastor Díaz, which are a must-see. Inside, some Romanesque arches are also preserved.

discover the religious monuments of Viveiro

Convent of the Concepcionistas

Continuing with the theme of convents, you can get to know the Convent of the Concepcionistas. It is a building that dates from the 17th century. It also has a fantastic Baroque style, and inside you can find the tomb of Doña María de las Alas Pumariño, its founder.

One notable feature is that, on its exterior, an imitation was built of the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes that exists in France. That is why all the devout come faithfully to this place to venerate her.

On leaving this convent, you can carry on your walk along the street known as Calexa das Monxas, which is part of the old wall that surrounded the town. That is why these monuments are added to our list of things to see in Viveiro.

Church of Santa María del Campo

Of course, religious monuments are among the most visited by tourists. That is why they are always recommended among the things to see in Viveiro, because they are places that represent history and art in any town.

In this case, the Church of Santa María del Campo is considered one of the most beautiful in the province. This is because it has a Romanesque style and two Baroque towers: one is the Bell Tower and the other the Clock Tower. They grace this lovely temple. It also has doors with polychrome carving and, inside, the chapels of San Gregorio and of the Rosary with the relics of the Holy Martyrs. Even if you are not a religious person, it is a place full of history and magic that you should get to know and visit. With it you will enrich your mind much more with general culture.

Best beaches and viewpoints to see in Viveiro

Nature and the beaches are a must when visiting Viveiro. Spending a day by the sea is priceless, as is visiting the beautiful viewpoints where you enjoy and breathe in nature, harmony and peace. This combination makes a weekend perfect for anyone looking to spend a different time and relax.

Covas Beach

This is a beach with a seafront promenade that all its visitors can enjoy. Its calm waters offer a relaxing day to everyone. It is one of the inclusive beaches, as it has access for people with reduced mobility.

beaches to discover in Viveiro

You can also get to know the “Os Castelos” monument, some jutting rocks that pay tribute to the frigate Santa María Magdalena and the brig Palomo, which were shipwrecked in the 19th century and left some victims.

Other beaches:

  • Sacido Beach
  • Área Beach

San Roque Viewpoint

The town has many viewpoints. But the San Roque Viewpoint offers you a view of the River Landro, as well as of the harbour and the town. It sits 353 metres above sea level, which makes it a sight worth seeing.

enjoy the viewpoints in Viveiro

Other viewpoints:

  • A Ínsua Viewpoint
  • Monte Castelo Viewpoint (here you can find the chapel of San Martiño).

Souto da Retorta

It is one of the spaces full of nature to see in Viveiro. It was also declared a Natural Monument, which makes it one of the first visits you should make on the tourist route through this beautiful Galician town.

What to See in Ferrol: A Shipbuilding City

Galicia has a great number of magical places you surely do not know, but which hold plenty of tourist attractions worth discovering. You may already have heard of Ferrol, but do you know what to see in Ferrol? Unexpected as it may be, this small city can truly surprise you, so here we show you the best this destination has for you.

With barely 70,000 inhabitants, Ferrol is a town with plenty of history in its streets. It was even the most populated Galician town during the 18th century, thanks to its famous gunners and military arsenal.

All the historical heritage to see in Ferrol survives today and, in addition, the city keeps its naval tradition, being one of the stops for the cruises that sail around Galicia. There are also ideal spots to enjoy delicious Galician food and to spend a while in its bars. In short, it is a city worth visiting, so here we leave you some of the most interesting places to see in Ferrol.

Unmissable places to see in Ferrol

As we mentioned earlier, Ferrol is a small city, so it is possible to cover its main attractions in a day. Still, if you can, we recommend you devote a little more time to delve into the roots of this destination. If you do not have more than a day, do not worry either; here we leave you a list of the essential places to see in Ferrol.

La Magdalena District

Along with the shipyards and the arsenal, Ferrol also saw the construction of this city’s best-known district. The La Magdalena District is the nerve centre of the town, where the most important buildings are found.

Discover the La Magdalena District

Its layout brings together features very innovative for its time, because Ferrol was the only base of the Spanish navy and this district would house people of high social status. One of the most striking aspects, besides the large windows and balconies of its buildings, is the perfectly gridded layout of its streets.

Taking a guided tour of the La Magdalena District is a great idea to do in Ferrol. That way you will not miss any detail about this city’s modernist buildings.

The Naval Museum of Ferrol and the Exponav

There are two incredible museums to see in Ferrol that gather the great military and seafaring past of this town. The good thing is that they sit next to each other in the shipyard area, so you will not have to miss either.

The Naval Museum of Ferrol combines the shipbuilding aspect with a more military side. You can find vessels built in this town dating from 1751 to 1984. There are also models, weapons, maps and historical navigation materials.

Visit the Naval Museum of Ferrol

As for the Exponav, it focuses more on the seafaring tradition; it is housed in a 19th-century building and you can find various kinds of vessels. If this subject fascinates you, you cannot miss it, as it is considered the most important in Europe on shipbuilding. Entering it is to relive the days at sea.

The Meninas Route

Doing the Meninas Route in the Canido district is one of the best options of what to do and what to see in Ferrol. From 2008 to the present it has become an urban art hub that draws the attention of thousands of people from all over the world, especially for its festival on the first weekend of September.

Walk the Meninas Route in Ferrol

On this walk you will see a great many façades with works of art by different artists. Great names of Street Art from Spain and around the world have left their work on the walls of the houses of the Canido district. Appreciating art from this point of view is incredible and you cannot miss it on your trip through this city.

Boat trip around Ferrol

The maritime charm of Ferrol cannot be enjoyed better than on a boat trip. Sailing along the estuary is one of the most exciting experiences to do in Ferrol. Depending on the time you have, you can choose the trip option that best suits you.

Take a boat trip around Ferrol

There is a shorter trip that goes to the town of Mugardos, opposite Ferrol, which is ideal if you do not have many hours. If, on the other hand, you would like to take the chance to sail around the whole estuary, you can choose the sightseeing trip, where you can get to know the castles of La Palma and San Felipe.

This trip is unmatched, so if you like the sea, do not fail to include this outing from Ferrol.

The Captaincy Palace

Thanks to the military importance it had in the past, there are several very important buildings to see in Ferrol. Besides the Arsenal, there is the Captaincy Palace. This place received personalities as distinguished as Isabella II, and, until 2003, when the post was abolished, it was the residence of the Admiral.

If you decide to visit it, you will find a palace full of motifs alluding to Ferrol’s great seafaring history. Likewise, inside there are also imposing ballrooms and terraces. Visits to the Captaincy Palace take place on the first Saturday of the month, so if you want to visit it you will need to adjust your travel date to match.

Discover the Places to See in Vigo

Vigo is a small Galician city that hides many secrets you can enjoy and discover while touring this Spanish region. There is a wide list of things to see in Vigo; one of them is its fishing port and its old quarter, which make it a city full of history and interest.

You can reach this city by plane, train or bus, and it can also be the starting point if you want to visit the famous Cíes Islands. In summer you have good weather that you should make the most of to visit this small city.

Beach, squares and museums are some of the things you can enjoy in this Galician city. You can spend a different weekend, with family, visiting this small community located on the shores of the Atlantic.

places to see in Vigo

Beaches to see in Vigo

The beaches are one of the main attractions of this city. From Vigo you can set off to the Cíes Islands; we have an article about them that may interest you if you wish to visit them during your summer holidays. You can reach these beaches by boat and we recommend visiting them between June and September.

  • Rodas Beach: It was considered the best beach in the world by a British newspaper in 2007. That gives you an idea of how beautiful this beach is. It is a thoroughly family beach, with crystal-clear emerald waters and fine white sand.

visit Rodas Beach

  • Samil Beach: It is the largest beach in Vigo. If you have a list of things to see in Vigo, this is one. It has access for people with reduced mobility and also a camping area. Around it you can also enjoy restaurants, clubs, courts and more.
  • O Vao Beach: This beach is considered one of the most environmentally friendly because it holds the Blue Flag; that is, it is ideal for those looking to enjoy a day of sun and sea while respecting the environment. You can enjoy the clear, if somewhat cold, water.

To enjoy the beaches you can rent a sailboat and so go round each of the beaches and islands. At night you can also take a rather romantic trip. It is a way to enjoy the city in comfort.

Best places to see in Vigo’s city centre

It is highly worthwhile to visit the historic places in any Galician city, because the historical importance of this region stands out. Museums, squares and churches are some of the places you can see.

One recommendation, if you are short on time, is the sightseeing bus. Aboard this bus you can get to know the most important places, accompanied by a guide who explains every detail. You can also have fun and meet people who, like you, are keen to discover a new city. These are some of the places you can visit:

Co-Cathedral of Santa María

With a Neoclassical style, it is the most popular church in Vigo. Its origins go back to the Middle Ages, but it was in the 19th century that it was demolished and built anew. The image of Cristo da Victoria is venerated there and the temple is known as “La Colegiata”.

Plaza de la Constitución

The Plaza de la Constitución is one of the most important in Vigo. In the absence of a Plaza Mayor, this one is used as a reference. It is one of the squares with the most social life in the city and has some cafés and restaurants to make the most of the day while you take a walk.

discover the Plaza de la Constitución

Museum of Contemporary Art of Vigo (MARCO)

This museum is relatively new, as it was opened in 2002. But it stands in an old building that was the city’s prison and courthouse, which is why in 1990 it was named an Asset of Cultural Interest.

You can have a coffee after visiting one of the exhibitions on offer. One recommendation we can give you is that there are free guided tours every day at 6:00 p.m.

Port of Vigo

You have to include this seaport among your places to see in Vigo; it is one of the cities with that spot facing the sea. There is also a route lasting a little under two hours, and you can sail and get to know the city from another point. You can also learn all about fishing, and discover many other squares and specific sites of the city. Once you have seen them, you can come back calmly to explore them in detail.

visit the seafront promenade

What to See in Pontevedra: Galicia’s Largest Province

Pontevedra is one of the largest provinces in the region of Galicia, and it holds some of the best beaches and historic sites. Its capital of the same name was rated by the UN as the most comfortable city to live in. That is why, when you visit, you should have a list of things to see in Pontevedra so you can enjoy it in the best way.

One of this city’s greatest advantages is that everything you need to see in Pontevedra is just a few steps away. Enjoying this city is one of the things every tourist visiting Galicia should do. Squares, churches and beaches are some of the places we can visit and discover in this beautiful province.

Beyond its history, you can discover everything to do with antiquities and architectural beauties spanning more than 4,000 years of history in the Pontevedra region. That is why tourists fall in love with this magical province.

These are the best beaches to see in Pontevedra…

One of the greatest advantages of the Pontevedra region is that it has some of the best beaches in Galicia. So put on your best swimsuit and enjoy the sun, the sea and the mild climate that lets you make the most of this setting. You can travel with family, friends or as a couple and enjoy it just the same.

These are our favourite beaches to see in Pontevedra, the ones we recommend you visit and enjoy:

Cíes Islands

Of course, you cannot go to Pontevedra without visiting the islands. There you will find Rodas Beach, considered the best beach in the world by a British newspaper. Although its waters are very cold, you can enjoy this beautiful beach and spend a lovely day. You can reach the islands by boat, on your own, and stay for a few days.

best islands to visit in Pontevedra

Coves of the Bay of Aldán

This is a bay you should visit, especially because the temperature is one of the best in the whole area, and it is a calm sea with turquoise, crystal-clear water, ideal for those who fear seas with dark water.

A Lanzada Beach

This beach is one of the longest, but you have to be careful because it is also one of the roughest. The swell is strong when the sea is choppy, so keep an eye out on this great wild beach.

History to see in Pontevedra

The squares are the most remarkable places in the province. The list of things to see in Pontevedra has to include the squares, as they are a great way to get to know the place and take a stroll.

These are some of the squares you can discover and visit while learning all about the history of the province of Pontevedra. Remember that all these spaces are full of interesting history worth getting to know.

  • Basilica of Santa María La Mayor: A Catholic church dating from the 16th century.

churches to see in Pontevedra

  • O Teucro Square: Named in honour of the city’s Greek founder.
  • Museum of Pontevedra: A museum with a wide variety of collections.
  • A Ferrería Square: Stands out for being set around a 16th-century fountain.
  • Convent of San Francisco: One of the oldest, with a Gothic church.

 

Towns to see in Pontevedra

The best thing about the Pontevedra region is that it has a great number of towns with plenty of historic sites, beaches and many more architectural spaces. If you want to discover the province, these are some of the towns you can visit to get to know it more closely.

  • Combarro
  • Baiona
  • Pontevedra
  • Tui

Discover more to see in Pontevedra

The province of Pontevedra hosts the best festivals and is the setting for great excursions. These are the favourites among tourists and the ones you can enjoy during your visit to the province.

Festivals

Everybody loves a festival, and to enjoy the best ones, visit the province of Pontevedra in Galicia.

Feira Franca of Pontevedra

It is one of the best medieval festivals in Galicia and recreates that great era. Tourists can enjoy it on the first Saturday of September.

Viking Landing of Catoira

Continuing with the oldest eras, this festival stages the finest recreations of Viking invasions. It always takes place in the first days of August.

Since Galicia is the capital of wine and seafood, there is a festival for each. In honour of wine you can enjoy the Festa do Albariño, held in summer in Cambados. But there is also the Festa do Marisco in O Grove, held in October, a great feast around the sea’s specialities and Galician shellfish.

best festivals to enjoy in Pontevedra

Excursions

Outdoor excursions are one of the greatest attractions to see in Pontevedra. These are just some of the routes you can visit in this region of Galicia.

  • Castro de Santa Trega: You can climb up and see great beauty, with the border between Spain and Portugal marked only by the River Miño.

discover excursions in Pontevedra

  • Fervenza of the River Toxa: This is the waterfall considered the highest free fall in Galicia.
  • Cabo Home: The best place to enjoy the sunset, as well as to take the routes to nearby beaches.

What to See in Baiona: The Beach Town

If the beach is your thing, this is the perfect place. Baiona is an ideal spot for a seaside holiday. So get ready with your swimsuit and sunscreen to enjoy this Galician town. Here we will show you the places to see in Baiona and what to do during your visit.

Besides the beaches you can enjoy thanks to its microclimate, you can also savour the delicious cuisine, as everywhere in the region of Galicia. A gastronomy renowned worldwide and a source of pride for its people.

Baiona also has plenty of history, like all of Galicia. That is why the list of things to see in Baiona includes historic sites to enjoy during a visit. It is said to have been the first place to learn of the discovery of the New World, which marks its place in history.

History to see in Baiona

As we have already said, this town was for a long time one of the main ports of Spain, which makes it one of the towns with plenty of history that visitors should get to know.

These are some of the places to see in Baiona during your visit. Remember that the region of Galicia is one of the most historic in Spain, and some of its sites are recognised as Historical Heritage.

  • Monterreal Castle: This castle is surrounded by walls. It has a tower known as the Clock Tower facing inland, the Tenaza Tower facing the bay and the Prince’s Tower facing the ocean. They say this castle witnessed the arrival of the Pinta. Today it is the Parador Nacional de Baiona.
  • The Pinta Caravel: It is said that Baiona was the first town to learn of the discovery of the New World. That is why the town’s harbour holds a replica of the caravel La Pinta, on which Columbus discovered America. It has become a floating museum where you can see treasures of the New World and a recreation of sailors’ life back then.

Discover the monument to the caravel La Pinta

  • Former Collegiate Church of Santa María: This church stands in the town’s old quarter and dates from the 13th century. It is one of the most beautiful for its lovely Romanesque façade; inside, it has three naves with a Gothic pulpit and a Baroque altarpiece.
  • Virgen de la Roca: This monument is one of the most iconic sights to see in Baiona. It is a statue 15 metres tall, and an internal staircase lets you reach the top, specifically a boat the Virgin holds. From there, people enjoy a view of the bay and the town.

Visit the Virgen de la Roca

  • A Ramallosa Bridge: This bridge is one of the town’s emblematic images. It has a markedly medieval structure. It is famous because, according to legend, women who wish to become pregnant should go to the bridge at midnight and bathe their belly with river water.

Beaches to see and visit in Baiona

This is a thoroughly seaside town where you can enjoy a beach day with family, as a couple or with friends. It is a destination you should visit eager to enjoy the sea and nature in general.

Baiona Seafront Promenade

Although not exactly a beach, it is one of the places to see in Baiona, because you can stroll along the province of Pontevedra. It runs for several kilometres that you can enjoy by bike, or you can sit and take in the view over the bay and the sea, while enjoying a coffee or a drink.

best beaches in Baiona

The beaches you should visit:

  • Ladeira Beach: It is the largest of them all, with waves and white, very fine sand.
  • Santa Marta Beach: Ideal for those who enjoy beaches with calmer waters. It is also perfect for camping lovers.
  • A Ribeira Beach: An ideal beach for those who do not like to be too far away, as it is closer to the urban area. It also sits next to a park, at the foot of the Monte Boi fortress.
  • Barbeira Beach: A beach of golden, medium-grain sand. It is protected from the sea swell by a breakwater and a marina, so if you enjoy waveless beaches, this one is for you. To reach it you have to pass through a fortress and one of its gates.
  • Os Frades Beach: A small beach, but the favourite of those who enjoy big waves; it also has plenty of rocks and coarser-grained sand. It is a small bay with sea rocks.
  • A Concheira Beach: This beach marks the start of the Paseo Pinzón and is the last beach in the town. You can reach it after walking through the Parque de la Palma, one of the largest public parks.

What to Do and See in the Cíes Islands

Among all the natural wonders Galicia has to offer, the Cíes Islands are one you cannot miss. This archipelago, in the province of Pontevedra in the Vigo estuary, has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world — something you should not overlook. Here we tell you what to see in the Cíes Islands and much more.

They have been an official Nature Park since 1980 and, since 2002, are part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. To reach this paradise you must take a boat from the ports of Vigo, Baiona or Cangas.

The beauty of their beaches is unmatched. Although Spanish beaches usually bring to mind the Canary or Balearic Islands, the Cíes cannot be left out. The renowned British newspaper The Guardian even named Rodas the most beautiful beach in the world — leaving nothing to envy of Thai paradises or tropical islands. That recognition boosted its popularity and brought a great number of visitors to its shores.

How to get to the Cíes Islands

Before wondering what to see in the Cíes Islands, you first need to know how to reach the port of this archipelago. As a Nature Park, it has protections that prevent any urban development affecting its ecosystem, and the number of visitors is also limited.

How to travel to the Cíes Islands

Only 2,200 visitors per day can visit, and to control this number the Galician Government decided in 2018 to issue a special permit that must be presented to the ferry companies to buy a ticket to the Cíes. You can request the authorisation online.

The ferry companies sailing to the Cíes Islands are in the ports of Vigo, Cangas do Morrazo and Baiona. Depending on your travel itinerary you can choose whichever suits your plan best or is easiest for you to reach.

What to do in the Cíes Islands

As mentioned above, the natural landscapes are the main attraction of the Cíes Islands. There is plenty to see and do in this archipelago. Beyond enjoying the cool Atlantic beaches, there are many viewpoints with incredible panoramic views. It is also a great place for hiking and immersing yourself in nature.

If you enjoy camping you can stay overnight on the Cíes and watch an incredible sunrise. The only way to stay is by bringing your own tent, or you can rent one when you arrive. If that kind of adventure is not your thing, you can still make the most of your day by arriving early in the morning and sailing back in the late afternoon.

Discover the crystal-clear beaches of the Cíes

As you already know, the beaches are the main draw to see on the Cíes Islands, so do not miss the chance to enjoy their turquoise waters. It is worth noting that the water is really cold, but that is no obstacle to making the most of this unique occasion.

Besides the best-known ones such as Rodas, there are smaller, more intimate beaches like Figueiras, where nudism is even allowed.

Rodas Beach

Rodas Beach has earned many honours to be considered one of the best in the world. It is a must on your visit to the Cíes Islands: its white sand seems endless until it reaches a pine forest. Its shore is calm and conveys an incomparable sense of relaxation.

Rodas Beach in the Cíes Islands

Get to know the lighthouses of the Cíes Islands

In your search for what to see in the Cíes Islands you will also find several lighthouse routes. You can complete the Cíes Lighthouse route — the yellow route — and combine it with the Faro da Porta route. Together they total 8.7 kilometres. This activity is thrilling for the incredible views you will come across.

At the start of the route you will see the famous Rodas Beach and the Lago dos Nenos, home to a unique ecosystem formed by the joining of the islands. On the way to the Cíes Lighthouse you can also stop at the Pedra da Campa, a rock carved by the strong wind, from where you can enjoy a beautiful panorama.

Lighthouses of the Cíes Islands

The final stretch is the most challenging because it begins to climb through fairly tight bends. The end is very rewarding: you reach a beautiful lighthouse dating from the 19th century, with views of the Vigo estuary and the vast Atlantic Ocean.

Hiking in the Cíes Islands

Another attraction to enjoy in the Cíes Islands is hiking. There is nothing better to do by the beach than a relaxing walk. On the Cíes there are four routes you can take.

Hiking in the Cíes Islands

You can do the morning or afternoon routes and both will be equally pleasant. The starting point for the walk is next to the interpretation hut near the pier where the boats arrive.