Rodas Beach
Cíes Islands, Galicia, Spain
The Guardian's "world's best beach" — extraordinary crystal-clear Atlantic water, pristine white sand, and a protected National Park that limits access to keep it perfect.
Cíes Islands, Galicia, Spain
The Guardian's "world's best beach" — extraordinary crystal-clear Atlantic water, pristine white sand, and a protected National Park that limits access to keep it perfect.
Location
Cíes Islands, Vigo Estuary
Best For
Families, Pure Nature
Water Temp
15–21°C (summer)
Access
Ferry only (permit required)
Parking
Park at Vigo port, take ferry
Facilities
Basic, Restaurant, Camping
Playa de Rodas on the Cíes Islands was voted the best beach in the world by The Guardian newspaper, and it is easy to see why. The beach forms a natural sandbar that links Monte Faro and Monte do Faro, the two main islands of the Cíes archipelago, creating a lagoon of extraordinary turquoise clarity between pinewoods on one side and the open Atlantic on the other. The sand is brilliant white and fine, the water is clear to the bottom even at depth, and the Islands are a protected National Park — no cars, no development, no noise beyond wind, waves, and seabirds.
The Cíes Islands are part of the Galician Atlantic Islands National Park (Parque Nacional Marítimo-Terrestre das Illas Atlánticas de Galicia), and visitor numbers are strictly limited to protect the ecosystem. Access is only by authorised ferry from Vigo, and during the summer season visitors must hold a park access permit, which can be booked in advance online. The permit system has been essential in preserving the beach's exceptional quality.
The islands have one restaurant, one café, and a basic campsite — the only accommodation available. Camping on the islands has become popular as a bucket-list experience, allowing visitors to see the beach at sunrise and sunset when the day-tripper ferries have left and the islands return to silence. The snorkeling in the lagoon is some of the clearest in Atlantic Europe.
From Easter to October, a National Park access permit is required. These are booked online via the Xunta de Galicia / Red de Parques Nacionales website alongside your ferry ticket. The daily number of visitors is capped. Outside the peak season, the islands may be accessible with a day ticket purchased at the port.
Ferries depart from Vigo port (Estación Marítima) from Easter through October. The crossing takes 45 minutes. Boats are run by Naviera Mar de Ons and several authorised operators. Last return boats typically depart the islands at 19:00 — check timetables carefully.