The CSI islands, located near the Portuguese coast, remain a great fascination destination due to their natural beauty and the story they keep. These islands are part of the Atlantic Islands National Park and attract visitors looking for untouched beaches and landscapes. Among its beaches stands out one, which was even elected by the British as the best beach in the world, further reinforcing the reputation of the archipelago as a natural paradise.
Wheel Beach, an international recognition
The international fame of these islands increased significantly when the beach of wheels was considered the best in the world by the British newspaper The Guardian at the beginning of this century. However, long before this recognition, these islands were already a refuge for those who wanted a life closer to nature.
FREE COMMUNITIES AND SIMPLE LIFE
During the 1960s and 1970s, small groups of people settled in Cies, and on wheels, creating an informal community that lived simply and in harmony with the environment. At the time, the legislation allowed this type of temporary occupation and without large infrastructure.
Untouched arenies and crystal clear
Wheels beach stands out for its extensive white sandy sand and crystal clear waters, which maintain an almost untouched state. Tranquility and natural beauty make this place unique, attracting visitors from various parts of the world.
The Hippy Camp and its shelters
Among the communities that inhabited there, we highlight the so-called “Hippy Camp”, a group that built shelters with materials found on the island, such as stones and wood, seeking to live in tune with nature.
One of the best known refuges was the “Ermitaña”, a stone -made building that inspired other island dwellings. HuffPost reveals that there are traces of oriented walls from north to south, which may have been the foundations of permanent houses.
The preservation of these traces is complicated due to dense vegetation and difficult access to the site. In recent years, the bush has invaded the ruins, making it difficult to conserve and study.
Urgent Intervention Requests
Experts, cited by the same source, have requested an intervention to clean the area, thus allowing to evaluate the state of constructions more rigorously and preserve this historical heritage.
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National Park Responsibility
The Marítimo-Eterrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands, which includes wheels and CIs since the 1980s, is considered the body responsible for the conservation of these traces.
There are proposals for the ruins of the hippy community to be integrated as a point of interest within the park, enriching the experience of visitors and valuing this cultural memory.
This heritage, beyond the historical interest, can also promote a reflection on alternative ways of inhabiting and respecting the environment.
Traces hidden between rails
The tracks that lead visitors to the beaches and Miradouns pass by these old buildings, although most are hidden by vegetation, going unnoticed to many.
Easy access to Portuguese
Although situated in Spanish territory, the CIs islands are easily accessible to the Portuguese, especially for those in the north of the country. The trip to Vigo is followed by a short boat crossing to the islands.
An invitation to explore more than landscapes
According to, who visit this archipelago find more than stunning landscapes; It also discovers a little -known piece of history, which can be valued as part of the Galician heritage, since the interventions respect the environmental balance.
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