Monte Faro Route

Monte Faro Route

The Cíes Lighthouse Route is the longest and most popular, offering some of the most spectacular views of the Vigo estuary. It starts at the information booth, and along the path to the left, we cross to the Lighthouse Island via the 19th-century causeway that connects the two islands. If the water is clear enough, we can look out into the lake and observe a wide variety of algae, crustaceans, and fish. We continue along the path at a moderate pace, as we need to conserve energy for the end. The first contrast in scenery appears when we see the dunes of Rodas Beach on the right and a forest on the left. We leave the Cíes campsite behind and pass by the visitor center (which houses an exhibit on the park's features). About 300 meters further on, at the junction near Nosa Señora Beach, we turn right and begin a surprising ascent. Halfway up, we see Pedra da Campá, a rock perforated by the salt-laden Atlantic winds. We then take a 100-meter detour to the bird observatory to observe yellow-legged gulls and European shags and listen to their calls. Before the final ascent, we can also visit the As Hortas hill fort, where the remains of a Bronze Age settlement can be found. Returning to the main path, the route winds its way to the summit, undoubtedly the most impressive zigzag in Galicia. From up there, we'll see the waves crashing 175 meters below and admire the island of San Martiño, as well as enjoy an extraordinary panoramic view of the archipelago, the Vigo estuary, the Morrazo peninsula, and the Ons archipelago.