Among the many wonderful things about Greece is that everyone has a favorite island—and everyone is right. For veteran Forbes travel contributor Jim Dobson, that magical isle is Sifnos. Reachable by ferry from Athens in a little over two hours, Sifnos has beautiful beaches, numerous hiking trails along the Aegean Sea and a remarkable 237 churches. Here’s where to eat, stay and play on Sifnos.
The secret Spanish islands you didn't know existed
21.07.2023 - 08:46 / roughguides.com
Spain’s islands – from the Canaries to the Balearics – are some of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe, and travellers keep returning to them again and again. As their popularity grows, however, so do the crowds, and visitors are increasingly looking for alternatives. It's time to look beyond Tenerife, Ibiza and Mallorca, Spain has so many other special islands to explore. Here’s our guide to Spain’s secret islands that you never even knew existed. Shhh… don’t tell everyone they’re here.
The Cies Islands lie off the coast of Galicia but could be mistaken for the South Pacific with their powdery white sand beaches and verdant forest-covered interiors. The Cies are made up of three separate islands –Monte Agudo, O Faro and San Martiño. All three are car-free and hotel-free, and only allow a maximum of 2,200 visitors per day. The star attraction is the Praia de Rodas, a large sweep of sugary sand, which acts as a sandbar joining Monte Agudo and O Faro. After enjoying some beach time, head into the hills to explore the network of well-signposted hiking trails across the islands. Some of the most rewarding hikes lead up to the Monte Faro lighthouse and Alto do Principe viewpoint. Snorkelling, kayaking or boat trips can make up the rest of your time. The only accommodation on the islands is Camping Islas Cies, which offers pitches, as well as glamping-style tented lodges.
How to get there: Fly to Vigo in Galicia, then take a ferry to either Monte Agudo or O Faro.
The Caribbean-esque Islas Cies in Galicia, Spain © daguimagery/Shutterstock
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Ons Island lies off the coast of Pontevedra, surrounded by seven small islets. There are only around 80 people living on the island, and the whole of Ons is, in fact, a National Park. One of the most important nature conservation and wildlife sites in Spain, it’s a paradise for bird lovers – home to everything from cormorants and peregrine falcons to European storm-petrels and razorbills. There is a total of 10 beaches on the island, a mix of buzzy, quiet, rocky and even nudist, so you’re sure to find one to suit you. If you prefer to stay active, Ons has you covered for that too, with four short-ish hiking trails across the island. There are no hotels, but if you want to stay longer than the day, you can always stay at Camping Isla de Ons, offering pitches and fixed bell tents.
How to get there: The nearest airport is Vigo, from where you can take various modes of transport to Bueu or Portonovo on the mainland. Ferries leave from both during the summer months, approximately every hour. Ferries also depart from the city of Vigo at certain times of the
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