Cies Islands from Vigo or Baiona in 1 day?

[Karen Schoenfelder]

We are interested in taking 1 day while walking from Porto to SdC to take a 1 day side trip to the Cies Islands. It looks like you can go from Baiona or Vigo. For anyone that has done it--where did you leave from? Can you take a boat in the morning and return the same day? We don't want to spend 2 nights in a tent. What is there to do on island? I assume swimming and hiking? Do you have to take your own food or is there somewhere to buy food? I have seen that you need to get an authorization from the Xunta 1st, then book the boat trip. Please give me details of what you did and where you left from, etc. Thanks!

 

[Ajrk]

We are interested in taking 1 day while walking from Porto to SdC to take a 1 day side trip to the Cies Islands. It looks like you can go from Baiona or Vigo. For anyone that has done it--where did you leave from? Can you take a boat in the morning and return the same day? We don't want to spend 2 nights in a tent. What is there to do on island? I assume swimming and hiking? Do you have to take your own food or is there somewhere to buy food? I have seen that you need to get an authorization from the Xunta 1st, then book the boat trip. Please give me details of what you did and where you left from, etc. Thanks!

I visited from Vigo.Well worth the trip.It has beautiful beach’s if you are feeling lazy. I climbed to the highest point which has spectacular views. Where the ferry docks is a cafe where you can get food and drink and use the facilities.Several sailings a day as you need an additional permit to stay overnight. The daily permits can be arranged by the Ferry company in the harbour but I got on to the Xunta website and got a permit number which I gave to the ferry company and that totally speeds up the process.Permits are limited to a certain amount per day so get it early if in high season / good weather