OFF the coast of Spain are a group of islands that many say feels like the Caribbean, but for a fraction of the coast.
The archipelago called the Cíes Islands are made up of three islands; Monte Agudo, O Faro and San Martiño.
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The Cies Islands is an archipelago made up of three islands Credit: Getty
Playa de Rodas on Faro Island is the 18th most beautiful beach in the world Credit: Alamy
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The islands are completely car free, and are described as being ‘Caribbean-like’ but on a camping budget.
Monteagudo is the largest and northernmost of the three Cíes Islands which can be reached by ferry from Vigo.
This is where visitors will find one of the world’s best beaches called Playa de Rodas, or Rodas Beach.
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Coming in at 18th in the world, the beach has ‘soft white sand and clear, calm waters’ – much like those in the Caribbean.
Visitors agree with one calling it a “natural paradise” and another agreed that it is “absolutely beautiful, pale sand crystal clear water.”
Others have said it’s the perfect place to swim with small fish that appear in the shallow water.
But there are warnings of the sea being cold as it is in the Atlantic as opposed to the warmer Caribbean Sea.
The coast is popular for snorkelling with lots of lobsters, crabs and sometimes bottlenose dolphins even being spotted too.
The sandbar across Playa de Rodas is what connects Monteagudo to its neighbour, Faro island.
Meanwhile, San Martiño can only be reached by private boat or on kayak tours – it’s a wild island so the top activities here are swimming and birdwatching.
For more on Spain, here are some of our favourite holiday spots…
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Hotel Best Punta Dorada, Salou
The Spanish resort is a popular destination near PortAventura World, a theme park with over 40 attractions and huge rollercoasters. It’s also close to sandy beaches like Platja de Llevant, and the scenic Camí de Ronda coastal walk.The hotel itself has an outdoor swimming pool to enjoy, as well as two bars along with evening entertainment and shows.
BOOK HERE
Jattvibe Club El Dorado, Majorca
With its palm tree-lined pool and Mediterranean backdrop, it’s a miracle this Majorca resort is so affordable. Expect a classic family holiday feel – where days revolve around soaking up the Spanish sunshine, chilling by the spacious pool and sipping on frozen cocktails. Set away from the busier resorts, it’s a good option if you’re after a more out-of-the-way escape.
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Magic Aqua Rock Gardens, Benidorm
The Magic Aqua Rock Gardens Hotel is African-themed and less than a mile from the beach. It has two outdoor pools, including a children’s freshwater pool with a waterfall and a tipping water bucket for the little ones. There’s also an aquapark with slides, and a kids club for both younger children and teens.
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Globales Montemar, Ibiza
For a calmer side of Ibiza, this hillside resort has two pools, a kids’ splash zone, and an all-inclusive buffet with a poolside bar. It’s a 10-minute walk from Cala Llonga’s shallow turquoise bay, offering a scenic, family-friendly base away from the island’s main party zone.
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Visitors can camp on Cies Islands for under £10 per night Credit: Alamy
The islands are fairly quiet too as visitor numbers are limited because the islands form part of a national park.
During the high season it can welcome 1,800 visitors a day, but in low season, this drops to 450.
There are no overnight stays allowed until the Easter period and dates between May 15 to September 14.
But for those who want to stay, you can do so on Faro Island at the campsite.
You can pitch your own tent at Camping Islas Cíes from €10.90 (£9.49) per adult.
If you want to book and have a tent provided, prices start from €69 (£60.07).
On site are plenty of facilities like a phone charging station, snack bar, supermarket, even a souvenir shop.
There’s also a restaurant that looks across Rodas Beach which specialises in seafood like scallops and razor clams.
The site offers activities too from kayak tours to snorkelling, star-gazing and children’s workshops from games to arts and crafts.
When it comes to getting to the islands, it is slightly complicated.
The first thing you have to do is request a free authorisation code up to 90 days in advance.
After that then use it to buy a boat ticket for one of the crossings from Vigo which takes around 45minutes.
These leave the Estación Marítima port and operate frequently during high season which is between May and September.
From the UK, visitors can head to Barcelona, then take a transfer to Vigo Airport.
Return flights in May start from £100, with camping costs, a five-night stay equates to around £150.
Meanwhile, trips to the Caribbean can start from £850pp.
For more inspiration, here are 20 of Europe’s most beautiful islands that have direct flights from the UK – and some of the world’s best beaches.
And this beautiful Spanish island feels like Costa Rica without the long flight – with 31C summers and volcanic beaches.
The Cies Islands have been described as being like the Caribbean on a camping budget Credit: Alamy
