The search for less crowded holiday destinations has led many tourists to look at areas that, until recently, were off the most predictable routes. In Spain, this change is beginning to give new visibility to regions with preserved beaches, protected nature and a different experience from the classic destinations of sun and crowds, as is the case of these islands that are nicknamed the “Caribbean of Spain”.
It is in this context that the Cíes Islands, in Galicia, now appear more prominently in the British press. The Daily Express, cited by the Spanish digital newspaper, pointed out this Galician archipelago as a destination still little known by many tourists from the United Kingdom, despite having white sand beaches, transparent waters and controlled access.
Archipelago is off Vigo
The Cíes Islands are part of the Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia, which also includes Ons, Sálvora and Cortegada. According to official information from Galician Tourism, the Cíes are located at the exit of the Vigo estuary and are made up of three islands: Monteagudo, Faro and San Martiño.
Fewer hotels, more nature
Unlike other Spanish destinations popular with British tourists, the Cíes Islands are not a place for large hotels, chain bars or all-inclusive packages. The attraction lies mainly in the landscape, the trails, the beaches and the fact that access is limited to protect the environmental balance.
The visit requires organization. The blog explains that, for day visits to the Cíes or Ons, you need to obtain a free administrative authorization and then buy the transport ticket from an authorized shipping company.
Limited entry to avoid crowding
Visitor control is one of the main differences in relation to other beach destinations. According to the Atlantic Islands National Park, the daily limit in the Cíes, during high season, is 1,600 to 1,800 people per day, with prior authorization from the Xunta being mandatory before purchasing the ticket.
Outside of high season, access is even more restricted. Visits to the Cíes will now be made in organized groups with an accredited guide, with a maximum limit of between 250 and 450 people per day, according to official information from the park.
Galicia grows in tourism, but bets on control
The British attention comes at a time when Galicia has recorded a strong tourist year. According to the Xunta, the region ended 2025 with 8.8 million tourists, 7.3% more than the previous year, based on data from the National Statistics Institute of Spain.
In the specific case of the Atlantic Islands National Park, the Xunta reported that close to 500,000 people visited the space in 2025. The Cíes concentrated almost 66% of the total, with 323,357 visitors, followed by Ons, Sálvora and Cortegada.
Destination close to Portugal, but far from mass tourism
For those traveling from the North of Portugal, the proximity to Vigo makes the Cíes a possible getaway, although the visit always depends on authorization and sea transport.
The trend highlighted by the British press shows that Galicia is gaining ground as an alternative to the more saturated Spanish destinations. Still, in the case of the Cíes Islands, the limited access rule itself remains the best guarantee that the archipelago does not lose what made it special.
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