Spain is still home to some secret paradises still unknown to foreign tourists: this is the case of this archipelago, where wild nature is preserved thanks to a drastic limitation of visitors.
Far from the crowded beaches of the Balearic Islands or the Costa Brava, there are hidden gems in Spain that locals love but which remain ignored by mass tourism. To enjoy one of these little paradises, you must reserve your place on one of the ferries, the only authorized means of access.
Once there, a change of world guaranteed: no car or pet, but 4.5 km of virgin nature to explore on foot. The landscapes follow one another, between granite chaos sculpted by the elements, fragrant undergrowth of pine and eucalyptus, carpets of flowering broom and secret coves.
The ocean is never far away, with its intense blue reminiscent of Brittany and blending in with the sky. Birds are also at home: cormorants, seagulls, gulls… Their colonies nest on the cliffs and their cries provide the soundscape! To observe them, head to the Peito lighthouse north of Monteagudo, an ideal viewpoint for these protected species. A timeless place, cut off from the world, where we become aware of the fragile beauty of nature when we leave it in peace.
To preserve these exceptional places, the authorities have established strict attendance quotas. This is therefore the case of this Cies archipelago, off the coast of Galicia, which only accepts 1,800 visitors per day in high season. The Cies are made up of three small uninhabited islands bathed by the Atlantic: to the north Monteagudo, in the center Faro and to the south the discreet San Martiño.
Declared a natural park in 1980 then integrated into the Atlantic Islands of Galicia national park in 2001, they form a precious reserve of biodiversity. With its long sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, the archipelago has nothing to envy of the Caribbean. The famous daily newspaper The Guardian even placed Les Cies in its ranking to elect Rodas beach as the “most beautiful beach in the world”.
Les Cies also shelters vestiges of a rich past which saw the Celts, the Romans and pirates succeed one another. To visit them, the ideal remains spring with the first flowers or autumn. In all cases, you will need to book your ticket and obtain authorization from the national park. In summer, it is better to book well in advance because the 1,800 daily tickets go very quickly!