With its rich culture, art, history, food and breathtaking landscapes, Spain makes the ultimate dream vacation destination for everyone of all ages. But there is a piece of paradise tucked in this country that is a well kept secret.
Located in the mouth of the Ria de Vigo, in the south of Galicia and proclaimed as a natural reserve in 1980, the Cies Islands is one more reason to visit Spain.
This fascinating stretch of the troposphere is an archipelago (a chain, cluster, or collection of islands).
Three islands – Monteagudo (also known as Sharp Mount or North Island), Do Faro (also known as Lighthouse Island or Illa do Medio, or “Middle Island,” and San Martino (“Saint Martin” or South Island) – make up the Cies .
An old dike connects Faro Island (106.6 ha) and Monteagudo Island (179.5 ha), with San Martino Island (145.5 ha) the one located the farthest south.
Additionally, they are a part of the 2002-established Galician Atlantic Islands National Park.
Treasures of these islands
The Cies Islands have a rough and rocky west coast with sheer, 100-metre (328 feet) high cliffs and a great deal of sea caves (furnas) carved out by the sea erosion and wind. The tallest peak is Alto das Cies, which rises to a height of 197 metres. The creation of dunes and beaches on the east coast, makes the shoreline gentler on that side, is a result of the protection provided by forest and shrub formations.
The Islands receive 1,000 mm of rain on average yearly. While the average yearly temperature ranges from 13–15 oC. The predominant winds are northerly in the summer and change their course to southwesterly in the winter.
A vast colony of seabirds, primarily seagulls numbering over 22,000 pairs, is the dominating species housed in Cies. Other species include birds of prey, pigeons, petrels, pelicans, doves, woodpeckers, and other types of birds also build their nests in trees and cliffs.
The islands are ideal spots for these birds for nesting, wintering and resting when migrating.On the other hand, whales, dolphins, and sharks, particularly blue sharks and basking sharks, are drawn to the waters surrounding the islands because of their diverse ecosystem.
The excellent portrayal of ecotourism
All of these features, however exceedingly alluring, are not the most noteworthy aspects of this location.
It is the fact that they go above and beyond to preserve the eco-tourism process.
The Spanish national park administration that oversees the islands has created a lengthy list of regulations in order to safeguard this slice of Eden from the excesses of mass tourism. The first is the establishment of a permit to restrict the number of visitors allowed on the Cies Islands each day. In order to enjoy a calming day in these islands a permit must be secured in advance from one of the 1800 spots that are available.
While other rules include not leaving trash behind or leaving the routes. No loud music or campfires. Both fishing and camping are prohibited. No taking plants, stones, shells, sand from their natural habitat. And lastly, no harming the animals.
There is only one lodging option in the archipelago: Camping Islas Cés. It’s a simple affair with bathroom facilities, a fully stocked shop, and helpful personnel. There are kayaking and snorkelling classes available for active individuals.
There are three eateries on the islands. The menu is loaded with a variety of fish items, most of which are caught on the same day.
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