Pre-booked delegates only. Meet at the entrance to the Congress Centre at 17.30 or at the embarkation point for the boat which is here.
It is a 15 minute walk from the auditorium to the embarkation point. Anyone with mobility difficulties should think ahead to book a taxi.
The boat leaves at 18.00 and you need to allow time to check in.
Bring suitable footwear, headgear and sun screen. Make sure to read the Tips and Requirements at the end of this page.
We are not planning a demanding hike on the islands. If you come to the Congress dressed casually (e.g. in jeans) you will be ready to depart.
The Cíes Islands (Galician: Illas Cíes; Spanish: Islas Cíes) are an archipelago off the coast of Pontevedra in Galicia, Spain, in the mouth of the Ria de Vigo. They were declared a Nature Reserve in 1980 and are included in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park (Parque Nacional Marítimo-Terrestre das Illas Atlánticas de Galicia) created in 2002.
The land is mountainous with rough, nearly vertical cliffs of more than 100 m (328 ft) on the western side, and numerous caves (furnas) formed by erosion from the sea and the wind. The eastern side is less steep, covered by woods and bushes and protected from the Atlantic winds, allowing the formation of beaches and dunes.
The underwater area surrounding the Cíes forms one of the richest ecosystems on the Galician coast. The most remarkable feature is a significant forest of brown algae.
The perimeter of the islands has different types of environments: the cliffs, exposed to strong waves, are populated by barnacles and mussels. In its underwater part, very rocky, you can find crabs, spider crabs, lobsters and octopuses.
On the beaches of the most protected areas there are many bivalve molluscs, as well as turbot, plaice and sole. The rocky but protected areas of the interior of the islands are populated by true forests of anemones and numerous sea urchins.
The waters surrounding the Cíes are usually visited by dolphins, whales and sea turtles.
Archaeological remains can also be observed on the seabed.
Tips and requirements
- Maintain a responsible attitude and collaborate in the preservation of the natural space: it is everyone’s heritage.
- Do not leave the paths intended for public use. Follow the marked routes at all times.
- Your safety is your responsibility. Do not engage in dangerous activities, such as getting too close to cliffs or bathing in rough sea conditions.
- Noise reduces environmental quality and prevents the enjoyment of the sounds of nature. Avoid all kinds of noise pollution.
- Bring appropriate shoes and clothing to enjoy the islands taking account of the weather.
- The boat trip on the upper deck is quite cold even in summer.
- Replenish fluids frequently and be sure to wear sun protection.
- Follow the instructions of the guides and guards.
- Take a bag for rubbish and take it back to Vigo with you. There are no litter bins on the islands which must be kept free of all contamination.
- Bring any medication you may need.
- Don’t forget your camera/binoculars/phone battery booster.