Cies or Ons Islands? Which is the Best Island to Visit in the Maritime National Park in Galicia
Scattered along the coastline of the lower estuaries of Galicia Spain, find the incredible Parque Nacional Marítimo-Terrestre das Illas Atlánticas de Galicia.
There are four main archipelagos, the two most visited being the Cíes Islands and the island of Ons.
Visitors may wonder which island is better to visit: Cíes or Ons?
Both islands are part of the incredible Maritime National Park. Both require a permit to visit during the high season. Cies and Ons islands are each a slice of heaven with numerous hiking trails, stretches of white sand beaches, and incredible natural beauty.
This is a comparative guide to which Galician island to visit, Cíes or Ons.
This detailed guide includes how to visit the islands, highlights and attractions of each island, and tips for visiting. I’ve had the privilege to visit both islands, so this is my honest opinion on Cíes and Ons Islands.
Here’s a quick comparative guide to the two most popular Maritime National Parks of the Atlantic Islands in Galicia: Cíes Islands and Ons Island.
Table of Contents
- Where is the Maritime-Terrestrial National Park of the Atlantic Islands
- How to Visit the Cies and Ons Islands & Permits Requirements
- Cíes Islands vs. Ons Island Attractions & Things to Do
- Cíes or Ons Islands Comparative Chart
- Final Thoughts | Which Island Should You Visit in Galicia Cies or Ons?
Where is the Atlantic Maritime National Park in Spain?
Parque Nacional Marítimo-Terrestre das Illas Atlánticas de Galicia is found on the rugged west coast of Spain. This National Park is found in Galicia, but more specifically in the Rias Baixas, or the lower estuaries.
The Rias Baixas is the coastline that starts near the medieval city of Baiona and continues up the four lowest estuaries. Farther north of the lower estuaries are the rugged shores of the Costa da Morte.
The four lower estuaries of Galicia include:
The Atlantic Maritime National Park of Galicia includes these four island archipelagos:
The Cíes and Ons islands are the biggest islands of the Maritime National Park, and are the most visited.
Many people stay in Vigo and take day trips to the main islands of the Galician Maritime National Park. Visiting the islands is one of the easiest day trips from Vigo.
How to Visit the Cíes and Ons Islands
The islands that make up the Galician Maritime National Parks are one of the most popular places to see in Galicia. In fact, the Cíes Islands are the second most visited place in Galicia after the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela
The Galician Atlantic Islands Marine-Terrestrial National Park is a protected and pristine environment. In order to help prevent over-tourism, the regional government has limited the number of daily visitors to all of the islands.
Both Cíes and Ons Islands require permits during the high season, which is Easter week and every day from May 15 to September 15. To visit during this period, you must have an authorization permit that is issued by the Xunta of Galicia.
Before booking your ferry ticket, you must request your permit. After that, you receive the confirmation by email. With the confirmation code, you have a two-hour window to purchase your desired ferry ticket.
The Cies Islands are capped at 1,600 – 1,800 visitors per day. Ons Island is limited to 1,300 daily visitors. The permit is free, but it is required during the high season.
➜ Here’s the official website to request a permit for the Cíes or Ons Islands
If you wish to visit the Galician Atlantic Islands Marine-Terrestrial National Park outside of the permit time frame, it is possible. Simply purchase your ferry ticket. Note that during the off-season, ferries run less frequently and only from certain ports, depending on location.
During the off-season and when the ferries run, visitors are limited to 250-450 for each of the islands.
Cíes and Ons Island Ferry Companies
As this national park is a maritime park, you must reach the islands by ferry or private boat. Most commonly, people visit by taking the ferry. By private boat, you’ll need anchor permission from the local government.
During the high season (July and August), there are multiple ferry companies that offer daily departures to the Cíes Islands. The main ports to reach Isla de Cíes include: Vigo, Cangas, Baiona, Sanxenxo, and Portonovo.
During the high season, the main ports to reach the Ons Island include: Vigo, Bueu, Portonovo, Sanxenxo, Combarro, Ribeira, and Pontevedra.
These are four of the main ferry companies for Cíes and Ons Islands
⁉️ Make sure to always verify up-to-date schedules with each company. Departure can also change due to unpredictable weather. It is essential to have a permit during high season, whether or not you visit Cíes Island or Ons Island.
Cíes Islands vs. Ons Island What to Do & Highlights
Here’s a quick comparison of what to see and do on both Cíes and Ons Island in Galicia.
Cíes Islands Highlights
The natural beauty of the Cíes Islands is incredible and they were referred to as “the Islands of the Gods” by the Romans.
When visiting Cíes Islands you are actually visiting two islands connected by a footbridge. The two main islands of the Cíes archipelago are Monte Agudo and O Faro. These islands offer hiking trails, beaches, and plenty of bird-watching.
There are four hiking trails. One leads to the iconic lighthouse with panoramic views of the island. Another nice viewpoint is at the top of Mirador del Principe with its unique rock formations. Those looking for a quieter hiking trail can head to the northeast side of the island along the Faro do Peito.
Cíes Islands are most famous for their beaches. The main beach of Praia de Rodas has been ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. There are a handful of beaches on Cíes, including my favorite, Praia das Figueiras. The beach area of Figueiras is a nudist beach.
You won’t find resorts or hotels on the islands, but there is a campsite. Bring your own tent or rent a standard tent with basic amenities. There are also a few eating options on Cíes Islands, including two restaurants and a cafe.
Who Will Love the Cíes Islands?
The Cíes Islands are pretty primitive. I found the landscape here quite rugged with jagged and dramatic cliffs.
Cíes is smaller than Ons, so the hiking trails are shorter, but what they lack in distance they make up for with their grandeur. As the island is smaller, it’s also easier to cover more ground and explore the island in its entirety with more ease.
The Cíes Islands are built around tourism, and no one permanently resides on the islands. It is extremely popular with visitors and is one of the main attractions for those visiting Vigo on large cruise ships. The secret is out, the Cíes Islands are an extremely popular spot to visit, hence the daily visitor limitations.
With the being said, the Cíes Islands are spectacular. It really is a slice of heaven, especially on a warm sunny day. If you prefer picturesque beaches, shorter hikes, and epic viewpoints, the Cíes Islands are for you.
Ons Island Highlights
If visiting Ons Island, you will be visiting the largest island in the entire Atlantic Maritime National Park of Galicia. Ons is an actual inhabited island, so it has a much different feel than the Cíes Islands. Ons offers scenic hiking trails, white sand beaches, delicious cuisine, and opportunities to view wildlife.
There are four hiking trails on Ons Island. In my opinion, hiking the numerous trails is the best way to see all of the highlights of the island.
Ruta Sur has the stunning Miradoiro de Fedorentos viewpoint, and the famed Buraco do Inferno. The “hell hole.” is a collapsed sea cave that is connected with numerous myths and legends. Ruta Norte hugs the rugged west coast and includes a stop at the tiled lighthouse and the Punta do Centolo.
Ons has a handful of white sandy beaches. They are not as famous as those on Cíes, but they are still beautiful. My favorite beach on Ons was the nudist beach, Mielde Beach.
Ons Island has a campsite, but it also offers a few private accommodations to sleep in. There are three main restaurants in the main settlement of Curros. In fact, Restaurante Casa Acuña is famous for its polbo á feira, a traditional way to cook octopus. The owner won a competition in Galicia for having the best Octopus.
Who Will Love Ons Island?
Ons Island has a much different feel than Cíes Island. There is a year-round population and a small settlement that has banded together to survive the isolated living conditions.
Ons is a paradise for hikers. As this is the largest island, the hiking trails are longer and more varied. The landscape isn’t as dramatic as the Cíes Islands, but there is still a wide range of viewpoints, coves, and smaller cliffs. There has been a ton of restoration work for the island to have its native vegetation back, and it shows.
Ons Island still feels a little bit like a secret in the tourism world. It is definitely overshadowed by its neighbor, the Cíes Islands. Ons Island seems more popular with Spanish locals and families looking to enjoy quality time with each other in a quieter environment.
If you prefer hiking trails, primitive beaches, and something a little more off the grid, then Ons Island is for you.
Quick Recap on Cíes and Ons Islands
Here’s a quick comparison chart on the amenities and things to do for Cíes Islands and Ons Island.
| Amenities & Attractions | Cíes Islands | Ons Island |
| Number of Daily Permits (High Season) | 1,600 – 1,800 | 1,300 |
| Campsite (Reservations Required) | Yes | Yes |
| Alternative Lodging Options | No | Yes |
| Restaurants & Cafes | 3 | 3 |
| Hiking Trails | 4 | 4 |
| Lighthouse on Island | Yes | Yes |
| Nude Beach | Yes | Yes |
| Living Communities | No | Yes |
Final Thoughts | Which Island Should You Visit in Galicia Cies or Ons?
So, which island should you visit in Galicia… Cíes or Ons? The short answer is, why not visit both? Although they are only a short distance from each other, the islands are extremely different from each other.
Most visitors will choose to visit the Cíes Islands. They are the most popular and famous. The landscape is extremely dramatic, the beaches are world-class, and the viewpoints are unforgettable.
On the other hand, those who are looking for a quieter and hidden gem may opt to visit Ons Island. If you prefer hiking and solitude, Ons Island is the ideal option.
I have visited both islands and loved the Cíes Islands, but there was something really special about the Island of Ons. As I am an avid hiker, the Ons Island really impressed me. That’s not to say I would skip the Cíes Islands. Both are magic in their own right. The Island of Cíes definitely has that initial “wow” factor that Ons may be lacking for some.
In short, this is a quick comparative guide on the Cíes Islands and Ons Island. Both islands are found in the Parque Nacional Marítimo-Terrestre das Illas Atlánticas de Galicia. This quick guide compares both islands and includes how to visit them, and highlights of each island.
Cíes Islands and Ons Island are two of my favorite places in the Rías Baixas in Galicia. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit at least one of these spectacular islands.
Have you visited Cíes or Ons Islands in Galicia? What is your opinion? To me, it’s so hard to choose just one! Let me know in the comments below!
Pack This Post for Later! Pin It!
Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.
