Vigo: My Gateway to Paradise
We caught the 9 a.m. ferry to Cíes (booked months in advance) and stepped onto Rodas Beach – powder-white sand connecting two islands in a perfect crescent, water so clear we saw fish from the ferry. The 3-km hike to Faro da Porta gave views that made us gasp – the entire Ría de Vigo spread below like a map. We had octopus salad and Estrella Galicia on the beach while Atlantic rollers crashed.
We arrived back in Vigo at golden hour – the old town Casco Vello is all tiny squares and tapas bars smelling of pimientos de Padrón. The pros: you get paradise islands and a working Galician city in one day. The cons: Cíes tickets sell out fast, but the city itself is lovely if you miss them.
Getting Around Vigo
Ship docks in city center – ferry terminal 10-minute walk.
Positively Worded Word of Warning
Cíes has a strict daily limit – booking early guarantees one of the best beach days on the planet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Vigo worth it?
A: For Cíes Islands alone, absolutely.
Q: Best thing?
A: Ferry to Cíes + Rodas Beach.
Q: How long on Cíes?
A: Full day is paradise.
Q: Walk from port?
A: Yes – right to ferry.