If you are tired of tourist-packed beaches, overpriced cocktails, and the endless queues of  Europe’s usual island hotspots, northwest Spain might be a better option. Galicia is a region that often slips under the radar for international tourists. Unlike the sun-soaked Mediterranean coast, it is known for its lush green landscapes, rugged coastline, and temperate climate rather than endless beaches and nightlife. Its relative obscurity is partly due to distance and accessibility – the region feels remote compared with Majorca or Tenerife – but this has helped preserve its authentic charm. 

A short boat ride from the city of Vigo leads to the Cíes Islands, a place that could almost be mistaken for the Caribbean. While Vigo is known for its misty and wet climate, the Cíes Islands, an archipelago off the coast of Galicia, are a pleasant surprise. The islands form part of the UNESCO-recognised Atlantic Islands National Park, a natural environment that makes it an exceptional spot for observing wildlife. Declared a Nature Reserve in 1980, its white sands, turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs make the destination feel entirely unlike anything else on the continent.

The Cíes archipelago is made up of three islands: Monte Agudo, O Faro and San Martiño. The first two are connected by a long strip of sand: Rodas Beach, one of the gems of the Cíes Islands. The beach was named the best beach in the world by The Guardian. Over half a mile long and 200 feet wide, it has fine white sand, clear emerald waters, and natural dune areas. Conveniently located near the dock, it is easily accessible and ideal for a day out.

The islands are only accessible by ferry, and visitor numbers are carefully limited during the summer months. This means you can stroll along Rodas Beach and feel as though you’ve stumbled upon a secret paradise, rather than joining a throng of holidaymakers. Pine forests, hiking trails, and jagged cliffs add a sense of adventure, while the Atlantic waters are perfect for a refreshing dip after a morning trek.

A visitor shared on Tripadvisor: “This is definitely a bucket list destination. A perfect little piece of unspoilt paradise with some of the best scenery and beaches I’ve ever seen.”

Another one wrote: “Arriving in the morning, we hiked to the lighthouse with spectacular views, then a picnic and drinking coffee at the campsite that served us remarkably, we continued to the Alto do Príncipe, ending up on the beach of Figueiras, a real paradise despite its cold waters, undoubtedly an island paradise.”

For anyone fed up with the predictable Mediterranean resorts, the Cíes Islands offer something different: raw natural beauty, quiet beaches, and the rare chance to experience an island that feels far from Europe’s usual holiday grind.