Cíes Islands, Protected island group in Vigo, Spain.
Cíes Islands is an island group at the mouth of Ría de Vigo in Spain, consisting of three main islands with steep granite cliffs and sandy beaches. The islands Monteagudo, Do Faro, and San Martiño form a natural barrier between the bay and the open ocean.
Monks established a monastery on San Martiño during the Middle Ages, which was later abandoned. The islands became a Nature Reserve in 1980 and part of the National Park Islas Atlánticas de Galicia in 2002.
The name derives from Latin "Siccae" meaning dry, referring to the scarcity of fresh water on these islands. Hikers today follow marked trails along the cliffs, passing old lighthouses and viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic.
Visitors reach the islands by ferry from Vigo or Baiona, mainly between spring and autumn. Daily visitor numbers are limited, so early booking is advisable during peak season.
Rodas Beach links Monteagudo to Do Faro through a 1200-meter sand arc. Large gull colonies nest on the cliffs and can be observed closely from the walking paths.
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