Praia de Rodas, Galicia, Spain

5Olarilolela 5:00 PM Aug 19, 2008

Camping Islas Cíes
Trip made in August 2008. After searching a lot for information about certains details that a trip to the Islas Cíes demand, I decided it was time to tell my experience of those holidays in order to call out the attention to anyone that is planning to go there. This is a natural resort island in which you cannot take your cars or motor vehicles (not sure about bicicles). The landscapes, sight seeing and beaches are one of the best ones i've ever seen and for all that tranquility and beauty it's worth a while. The island has only the following services: one small complex of one snack bar/pub, one self service restaurant, one small supermarket, one camping site (only lodging available), police, red cross, a very few inhabitants, another big restaurant near the docking site and another small restaurant near and beach access. Services to the essencial minimal. In order to get to the island you have to take a ferry that nowadays costs 18.50€ per person (roundtrip). It's advisable to make a reservation with the camping so buying the ticket is easier. The reservation may be done by phone but when you get there you'll have to pay 10€ per person that will be discounted on the final bill of the camping. The other problem: where to leave your car for long period of days. Simple, right beside the docking site there's a parking that has access right below the big pavement stairs. It's the cheapest (13.40€/day) and the security is very good. The car goes in an elevator that only you have access through a ticket yo show at the front desk. On the island there are a few things we must pay attention to: - you'll hear seagulls everywhere - you will have to walk about 1.2km through slightly sandy to cemented trails from the docking site to the camping site; be prepared to carry your bags. There is the possibility you can get your hands on one of the hand-cars available for use. Look for them near the docks and camping reception. - in the showers: cold water is free but hot water must be payed in coins when entering, like a slot machine. - the only supermarket "in town" has higher prices than Vigo; for example a familiar loaf bread is 3.5€ and 0.5kg of rice is 1€. - eating in the restaurant will cost about 15€ per person, per meal. - please, please don't leave any bags, clothes or garbage outside the tend unattented because of the seagulls. They don't bother much but they are wild animals searching for food and getting used to human presence. - people are only allowed to walk in marked trails. For the ones who practice, there is also a nudist beach available. Overall, it is simply a very beautiful island, with lanscapes that go from white sand beaches and light blue water to high rocky landscapes with trails of big green trees, with a lot of wild harmless animal life around. Enjoy Yourself.

4NunoOliveira 5:00 PM Aug 15, 2010

Worthwhile visit- some tips
Local tourism advertising does not let you forget that the Playa de Rodas on the Cíes island was called by someone "one of the best beaches in the world" and even though it is more likely to be one of the best beaches in Spain (which is pretty impressive too) it makes a very good full day or weekend visit if you're in the area, visiting northern Portugal and Galicia. We're a small family with a child aged six and we decided to camp for the weekend, so parents and visitors can expect: - Paid parking in the shopping mall at the docks and the elevator parking at Estacion Maritima daily prices range from 15-19 € a day. On weekdays you may find a free parking spot in the city relatively near so if you have the time it is worth looking. - Adults pay 18.5€ for a ferry round trip, children under 12 pay nothing except in August (6€) - quiet location and camping (even at night) and relatively roomy beach (be aware that full nudism is tolerated on all beaches) - choice of restaurants for meals and breakfast, beach always less than 5 minutes away from facilities and toilets. All are overpriced so bring what you can. - many other children around, safe water with no waves or large depths- short hikes around the island are possible for distracting restless urchins - bathrooms reasonably clean, hot shower costs 1€ for 6 minutes worth - there is NO FRESH WATER over 0.5 l, so bring all the water you can carry, strangely enough chocolate tablets and beer (fresh) are less expensive than rice and water (warm)- no kitchen or communal microwave - on windy days, stay on Nosa Senora beach which is a further 10 minute walk away from Rodas beach it is smaller, especially on full tide, but view is better, there's no wind and there are more rock pools and critters for small children to get busy on Hope you enjoy your visit!