Cíes Islands

Illas Cíes is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Galicia, in northwestern Spain. The islands sit at the mouth of the Ría de Vigo, around 2.75 km from the mainland, and fall administratively under the city of Vigo, in the province of Pontevedra. Formerly known as Illas de Baiona, they are now regarded as one of the emblematic natural sites of the Galician coast.

Where exactly are the Cíes Islands located?

The archipelago stretches for 7.1 km, with a maximum width of 2 km. The islands close off the western entrance to the Ría de Vigo, separating it from the open Atlantic. Their coordinates place them at roughly 42.23°N, 8.9°W, within the Rías Baixas — the string of estuaries characteristic of southern Galicia's coastline.

What protected status do the islands hold?

The Cíes Islands were declared a Nature Reserve in 1980, a recognition of the archipelago's exceptional ecological value and a step toward shielding it from uncontrolled human activity. That protection was later expanded: in 2002 the islands were incorporated into the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park (Illas Atlánticas de Galicia), which brings together several archipelagos along the region's coast under a single conservation framework. As a result, the Cíes Islands are today managed as part of a broader network of protected areas intended to preserve their distinctive natural environment for future generations.

Which province and region do the islands belong to?

Administratively, the Cíes Islands form part of the city of Vigo, Galicia's largest urban center, even though the islands themselves lie some distance from its built-up area. They are formally located in the province of Pontevedra, within the autonomous community of Galicia in northwestern Spain. This position — straddling the open Atlantic and the sheltered waters of the Ría de Vigo — accounts for the archipelago's distinctive character, combining exposed oceanic coastline with the calmer conditions of the ria.

How does the archipelago's former name differ from its current one?

The islands were previously known as Illas de Baiona, a name referencing the nearby town of Baiona. Today, the name Illas Cíes has firmly replaced that older designation, both in official records and in everyday use among locals and visitors alike.

Frequently asked questions

How large is the Cíes Islands archipelago? The islands extend for 7.1 km, with a maximum width of 2 km.

How far offshore are the islands located? The archipelago lies about 2.75 km from the coast of the Rías Baixas region.

Which city administers the Cíes Islands? The islands fall under the city of Vigo, in the province of Pontevedra, Galicia.

Since when have the islands been protected? They were declared a Nature Reserve in 1980 and became part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park in 2002.

What was the archipelago previously called? It was formerly known as Illas de Baiona.