Explore Spain’s Hidden Gem: The Beautiful Islands Of The Gods In The North

When the ancient Romans arrived at the Cíes Islands in Spain they simply could not believe their eyes. In front of them was what they considered paradise. In fact, the same Islands of the Gods can be visited today by travelers to Spain.

Located just two hours over the Portugal border from Porto, the turquoise waters look like they belong more in the tropical Caribbean or the Mediterranean instead of the Northern Iberia peninsula.

However, the area is so special that it is protected and here is what travelers need to know to visit this amazing island paradise.

Limited Tourism

Unlike many tourism spots across Europe, the Cíes Islands are very limited in accessibility to tourists to protect the fragile habitat and ecosystem of the area.

A total of only 1600 to 1800 tourists are permitted to visit the Islands of the Gods and there is a very specific process in place to guarantee the limits and still allow visitors to enjoy the unique location.

To start, prospective visitors should head to this website to start the process. Once the process is complete and permission is granted by the authorities, tourists can book overnight camping accommodations at this website if desired.

A complete guide to the entire process, including step-by-step instructions to complete, is available here for download free.

So, What is There to See?

Visitors who secure a treasured opportunity to visit these special islands can come face-to-face with nature in a very intimate way.

Upon landing at the islands, tourists arrive at Rodas Beach, which The Guardian newspaper has considered the most beautiful beach in the world. Not a most beautiful beach, but the most beautiful beach.

From there, a number of trails branch off for hikers to explore the wilderness and amazing biodiversity of the islands. The landscape will amaze visitors as there are different experiences and special features hidden around every corner.

However, there are a couple of places that visitors to the Cíes Islands should not miss. For example, Lake of the Nenos, Figueiras Beach, The Mount of the Cíes Lighthouse, The High Prince and The Bird Observatory.

Also, don’t forget to find the rare and protected bird that actually looks more like a misplaced penguin.

How to Get There

Getting from Porto, a city with a major international airport, it’s a quick 90-minute drive over the Spanish border to the town of Vigo. Alternatively, mass transit is also to get travelers to the town including the Celta international train and plenty of buses.

Once a visitor arrives in Vigo, the permit to visit the islands will be checked and the traveler will be granted permission to travel to the islands.

Reminder, visitation is very limited to the islands and travelers should complete the registration and permitting process well in advance. Nothing could be worse than making the trip all of the way to Vigo and not receiving permission to visit the Islands of the Gods.

What Travelers Need to Know

Visiting the Cíes Islands can be an amazing way to start or end an unforgettable vacation in Europe. 

As part of the protected Atlantic Islands National Park, jumping through the hoops to get approval to visit is worth your while.

Travelers from the United States can fly to Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) nonstop from Boston and New York via Azores Airlines. It is also a hub for Ryanair and easy jet for connections from all over Europe.