It is the only beach in Spain included as one of The World’s 50 Best Beaches 2025 – and yet it is not located in the Balearic Islands or the Canary Islands.
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When we think of the best beaches in the country, our collective imagination usually turns to Mediterranean islands or major tourist destinations. However, the Spanish beach that has made it into the world’s top 20 is in Galicia, less than an hour by boat from Vigo, within a national park where access is regulated.
This is Rodas Beach, ranked 18th in the international list and the only Spanish representative in the ranking.
A place that feels almost unreal
This Galician beach has attracted global attention before. In 2007, the British newspaper The Guardian named it the best beach in the world. Nearly two decades later, international experts continue to confirm that this recognition was no exaggeration.
Rodas Beach has a distinctive crescent shape and stretches for 1.3 kilometres of fine, white sand. Formed from crushed shells, it connects the islands of Monteagudo and O Faro – two of the three that make up the Cíes archipelago.
The water is a striking turquoise hue reminiscent of the Caribbean, although the Atlantic quickly reminds visitors of its true nature, with temperatures that rarely exceed 17°C even in summer. This contrast between its tropical appearance and cool waters is part of what makes it so memorable.
Around a 40‑minute walk away lies Monte Faro, a viewpoint from which the entire beach can be seen, offering one of those panoramic views that needs no filter.
Why is this Galician beach among the best in the world?
The World's 50 Best Beaches is not based on popularity, but on the assessment of thousands of industry experts: specialised journalists, travel guides and coastal explorers.
The criteria analysed include:
- Water quality
- State of conservation of the environment
- Presence of wildlife
- Not too crowded
- Overall experience
Rodas meets all these criteria. The Cíes Islands were declared a Natural Park in 1980 and, in 2002, were incorporated into the Atlantic Islands of Galicia Maritime‑Terrestrial National Park, along with Ons, Sálvora and Cortegada.
This protected status entails strict management measures, including controlling boat anchoring, regulated trails, careful waste management and a limited daily visitor capacity.
In 2025, Rodas shared the ranking with Cala Goloritzé (Sardinia) – ranked the best beach in the world that year – as well as Fteri (Greece) and Entalula Beach (Philippines). All these locations share a common trait: well‑preserved natural environments, far removed from mass tourism.
How to get there and what you should know before you go
Visiting the Cíes Islands requires planning. Access is only possible by boat, and during peak season, prior authorisation is required through the Xunta de Galicia website up to 90 days in advance. Places for August typically sell out within hours.
Ferries depart from:
- Vigo
- Cangas
- Bayonne
The journey takes between 45 minutes and an hour. There is only one accommodation option on the islands: the official campsite, which allows visitors to stay overnight and enjoy the surroundings at sunrise.
Basic services – including lifeguards, a restaurant and restrooms – operate during the peak season. Outside this period, access to the islands may be restricted or closed.
September is one of the most recommended months to visit, thanks to its quieter atmosphere and generally favourable weather conditions.
The Atlantic as you've never seen it before
Rodas is an Atlantic beach – and it shows. The sky can change in a matter of minutes, the wind appears without warning, and the water is never warm.
Yet that very authenticity is part of its appeal. It is a landscape often described as a Caribbean‑style paradise in Europe, combined with the raw, unspoiled character of the Atlantic.
The fact that the only Spanish beach in the world’s top 20 is located in Galicia reflects a clear trend: well‑preserved natural environments, far from overcrowding, are increasingly valued.
A place where nature still sets the rhythm.
