{"id":17724,"date":"2022-05-31T17:44:10","date_gmt":"2022-05-31T15:44:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.piratasdenabia.com\/swimming-in-the-cies-islands-in-3-2-1-how-where-and-when\/"},"modified":"2022-05-31T17:44:10","modified_gmt":"2022-05-31T15:44:10","slug":"swimming-in-the-cies-islands-in-3-2-1-how-where-and-when","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.piratasdenabia.com\/en\/swimming-in-the-cies-islands-in-3-2-1-how-where-and-when\/","title":{"rendered":"Swimming in the C\u00edes Islands in 3, 2, 1… how, where and when"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bathing in the C\u00edes Islands is one of the luxuries that any visitor to the Parque Nacional das Illas Atl\u00e1nticas should indulge in. The beaches of the C\u00edes Islands will conquer you with their white sand and crystal clear waters in the middle of a unique natural environment. Each with its own particular charm, it is common to find some of the beaches of the C\u00edes Islands among those considered the most beautiful in the world.<\/p>\n

Here we tell you everything you need to know to enjoy the wonderful experience of bathing in the C\u00edes Islands.<\/p>\n

The C\u00edes Islands and the National Park, diving between two waters<\/h2>\n

\"Swimming<\/p>\n

Bathing in the C\u00edes Islands<\/strong> <\/a>is a rare privilege, as it is a privilege that it is not every day that one can boast of taking a dip in a place dominated by the beauty and tranquility of unspoiled nature.<\/strong>The hotel is located in the center of one of the most unique natural parks in Spain.<\/p>\n

\"Swimming<\/p>\n

The peculiar characteristics that define the C\u00edes Islands and their beaches are determined by their geographical position.<\/strong> The C\u00edes Islands are bathed both by the cold oceanic waters of the Atlantic and by the more temperate and calm inland waters<\/strong>. This fact causes natural currents to be generated in its depths, which translates into clean and pure water that harbors an incalculable biological wealth.<\/p>\n

Due to their high ecological value, the C\u00edes Islands were initially recognized as a Natural Park.<\/strong> Two decades later this declaration was raised to a higher level and the archipelago was included in the network of National Parks<\/strong>. It was soon concluded that it was of the utmost importance to extend the protection from which the islands benefit to the surrounding waters as well. Thus, in 2002, the National Maritime Terrestrial Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia was created<\/strong>. This ensures the maximum degree of conservation and preservation of the habitat and ecosystems<\/strong> present both at sea and on land.<\/p>\n

Caring for the fauna, flora, waters and landscape of the National Park also depends on each one of us.<\/strong> In order to better understand how we can collaborate in their protection, it is essential that we keep in mind that bathing in the C\u00edes Islands should mean taking an active part in the preservation of everything we can see.<\/strong> and appreciate.<\/p>\n

Which is the best island for swimming in the C\u00edes Islands?<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

The archipelago of the C\u00edes Islands<\/a> is made up of three island areas<\/strong>. From north to south, they are called Monteagudo Island, Faro and San Marti\u00f1o<\/strong>. The northernmost of them all, Monteagudo Island, is located off the Morrazo peninsula, near the coast of Cabo Home, from whose lighthouse you can see a beautiful sunset with the C\u00edes Islands in the background.<\/p>\n

The islands of Faro and Monteagudo are naturally joined by a sedimentary accumulation of sand that delimits a small<\/strong> saltwater lagoon<\/strong>, having ended up becoming one of the most recognizable points of the C\u00edes Islands: Rodas Beach <\/strong>and Lago dos Nenos. At the southern end of the park is San Marti\u00f1o Island and the Freu da Porta strait, which separates it from its sisters. From the administrative point of view, the C\u00edes belong to the municipality of Vigo.<\/p>\n

The tourism of Vigo adds, thus, another great attraction to its wide offer. The C\u00edes and the beaches of its islands are among the most popular destinations in Pontevedra for travelers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Swimming<\/p>\n

Ons Island and other islands of the Natural Park<\/h2>\n

The C\u00edes are not the only islands of the Atlantic Islands National Park, since it includes, among others, the islands of Ons, Onza, S\u00e1lvora and Cortegada<\/strong>. However, we dare say that the coast of the C\u00edes Islands has no comparison. Virtually its entire coastline is composed of a mosaic of turquoise water, fine white sand beaches, small coves, dunes and impressive rock formations dotted with its famous lighthouses.<\/p>\n

However, if we have to choose which of the three islands is the best to enjoy the waves, the sun and the sea breeze, we are not able to decide.<\/strong> Why not all of them? To tell the truth, if you have decided that it is time to swim in the C\u00edes Islands, which island to choose will not present you with any dilemma.<\/p>\n

Discovering where to swim in the C\u00edes Islands<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Hiking routes are the best option to visit the C\u00edes Islands exploring all its corners<\/strong>, feeling part of the environment we are admiring and enjoying calmly in each of its landscapes, places and, of course, its beaches.<\/p>\n

\"Hiking<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are four routes, with different levels of difficulty<\/strong> but, in general, accessible to anyone who enjoys a good walk. Ruta de Monte Faro or Ruta del Faro de C\u00edes, Ruta do Faro da Porta, Ruta de Alto Pr\u00edncipe and, finally, Ruta de O Monteagudo or Ruta do Faro Peito.<\/p>\n

Which C\u00edes Islands do the hiking trails cover? Only the islands of Monteagudo and Faro<\/strong>. San Marti\u00f1o, only accessible by private boat, can be seen in all its splendor following the O Monteagudo Route.<\/p>\n

All routes depart from the C\u00edes Islands information booth, located on Monteagudo Island, and head towards the different lighthouses<\/strong> in the C\u00edes Islands: the C\u00edes Lighthouse, the Faro da Porta and the Faro do Peito, as their names indicate. Once at the top, we will be able to take the best pictures of the C\u00edes Islands.<\/p>\n

However, As we walk along each trail we will find all the secrets that the park has to offer. This includes the best places to bathe<\/strong> in the C\u00edes Islands along the length and breadth of its different beaches.<\/p>\n

The best<\/strong> beaches<\/strong> for bathing and swimming in the C\u00edes Islands<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Bathing<\/p>\n

The North Island, the other name by which we know Monteagudo, welcomes us to the Cies Islands<\/strong>. The boat we arrived on docks at the pier and, in less than two minutes, our feet land on the fine white sand of the beach<\/a> named by the British newspaper The Guardian as the best beach in the world<\/a>: Rhodes Beach<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Serving as a link between the islands of Monteagudo and Faro, Rodas Beach offers us in its almost 1.5 kilometers a paradise of pine forests that reach the shore, delicate sands and crystal clear water. <\/strong>Due to its numerous recognitions and recommendations in so many travel guides, it is difficult to find a more famous beach than Rodas Beach in the C\u00edes Islands.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nosa Se\u00f1ora Beach, on the other hand, could be considered the great unknown.<\/strong> This location on Faro Island, much smaller and more discreet than Rhodes, hosts an average occupancy of only 150 people per day. At sunset, the natural spectacle of lights, colors and reflections in its waters is spectacular. In addition, you can see sea caves that serve as a niche for various species of birds. It is easily accessible on foot following the C\u00edes Lighthouse route<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Back on the North Island<\/h2>\n

Figueiras Beach, also called Playa de los Alemanes, is a beautiful and quiet place where nudism is practiced.<\/strong> It has more than 350 meters of very clean shore<\/strong> with forest on both sides and water so clear that it reminds us of the Caribbean.<\/p>\n

Although it can only be accessed by private boat, we cannot fail to mention San Marti\u00f1o Beach or San Mart\u00edn Beach<\/strong>, on the South Island. Almost half a kilometer of crescent-shaped sandy beach in a calm enclave ideal for diving. A large number of shells can be found along the shore. Remember that they are not there to be taken away! Everything is surrounded by interesting rock formations and dune areas, different witnesses of the passage of time.<\/p>\n

In addition to Rodas, Figueiras, San Marti\u00f1o and Nosa Se\u00f1ora, there are a lot of small places to swim in the C\u00edes Islands that we left<\/strong> out. Do not hesitate to look for your favorite spot when you visit the islands. It is well known that the best way to discover is to explore.<\/p>\n

What<\/strong> to<\/strong> do to bathe in the Cies Islands<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"What<\/p>\n

To reach the Natural Park of the Atlantic Islands you need a private boat or travel with a shipping company.<\/strong> During the high season, Easter and weekends in low season, if the sea permits, you can take a boat to the C\u00edes Islands from the ports of Vigo, Cangas and Baiona. These services are extended to other destinations in the estuaries, such as the island of San Sim\u00f3n or the island of Ons.<\/p>\n

You must keep in mind that, as mentioned above, the Xunta de Galicia manages a limited number of daily permits to access the National Park<\/strong>. This means that, at the time of purchasing the ticket, you must have the authorization. Although you can process your permit through the Xunta’s website. You have a link<\/a> for it in this web site<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Some tips to enjoy the waters of the C\u00edes Islands<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Bathing<\/p>\n

We want the luxury of bathing in the Cies Islands to be enjoyed by future generations<\/strong>. It is very important to understand that the C\u00edes Islands are part of a Natural Park. The preservation of the different habitats must be the priority<\/strong> in any of our visits.<\/p>\n

The golden rule is to try that our passage does not leave any trace<\/strong>, that it seems that we have not been there. For this purpose, there are a number of rules to be complied with purely on the basis of common sense. It is not allowed to light any kind of fire, the use of camping gas and portable stoves is prohibited.<\/strong> Very important: do not disturb in any way the wildlife<\/strong> or their passage or refuge areas. Vegetation may not be uprooted, nor may bark, fruit, shells or animal eggs be removed or moved. The introduction of non-native species is not allowed and, in general, activities that may alter the natural tranquility of the site are prohibited.<\/p>\n

It should be recalled that there are no trash garbage cans or containers on the islands. <\/strong>Consequently, we will have to store and transport our waste back with us. Once in port we will be able to throw or deposit any garbage that we have generated in the places indicated for such purpose. If you are bringing your own food, you must eat outside the designated areas.<\/p>\n

Swimming in the Cies Islands<\/strong>, a dream that you can<\/strong> make reality<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

We all dream of being able to make the perfect getaway to the most idyllic coast. Tranquility, white sands, pristine waters, breeze, the sound of waves and seagulls. When we look at our friends’ posts on Social Networks, we can sometimes see snapshots of those paradises. Nearby, in Galicia, the best beaches are waiting for you less than an hour away by boat. Swimming in the C\u00edes Islands is a dream come true. Will you join us?<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Bathing in the C\u00edes Islands is one of the luxuries that any visitor to the Parque Nacional das Illas Atl\u00e1nticas should indulge in. The beaches of the C\u00edes Islands will conquer you with their white sand and crystal clear waters in the middle of a unique natural environment. Each with its own particular charm, it […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":16268,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[148],"tags":[172,175,232,177],"class_list":["post-17724","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-en","tag-authorization-to-visit-cies","tag-cies-islands","tag-family-plans","tag-travel-to-cies"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.piratasdenabia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17724","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.piratasdenabia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.piratasdenabia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.piratasdenabia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.piratasdenabia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17724"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.piratasdenabia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17724\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.piratasdenabia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16268"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.piratasdenabia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17724"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.piratasdenabia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17724"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.piratasdenabia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17724"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}