Sleeping on the Cíes Islands: the campsite, and why it matters so much
There is only one place to stay on the Cíes: a campsite on Faro island. And it has a quirk that changes everything in August — its places come from a different allocation than day visitors'.
In other words: when the Xunta calendar has been red for weeks for day visits, booking the campsite is still a way onto the islands. It is not a trick: the National Park simply manages the two quotas separately.
They handle the permit
You do not need to go near the Xunta website. Once the campsite booking is made, they arrange the overnight permit and you receive a QR code per camper by email, shown when boarding. No need to print it, but keep it findable on your phone.
When it opens
The 2026 season ran: Easter week and from 15 May to 14 September. Within it, high season is 19 June to 5 September. At Easter neither the shop nor the lounge open, and there is no kayaking, snorkelling or night walks.
You can stay a maximum of 15 consecutive days.
2026 rates
With your own tent
| Low season | High season | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 10,90 € | 11,90 € |
| Child (3-10) | 7,90 € | 8,90 € |
| Tent pitch | 10,90 € | 11,90 € |
Per night, VAT included. You bring the tent: it is not included.
Rental tent
| Low season | High season | |
|---|---|---|
| Single tent | 69 € | 74 € |
| Double tent | 99 € | 105 € |
| Child 3-10 supplement | 7,40 € | |
| Ages 11-17 supplement | 10,40 € | |
| Babies (0-2) | free | |
In high season rental tents require a 2-night minimum. Sleeping bags €10 per stay; travel cot €10. Rental tent check-in from 15:00 and check-out before 12:00 — later than that and you are charged another day.
What it is like
It sits on Faro island, 700 metres from the information hut. It has reception, a restaurant, a shop, a lounge, showers, lockers, a washing machine, a phone-charging point, a first-aid room and night security. And yes: no cars, no noise, and a starry sky that is half the reason to go.
Book directly at campingislascies.com (+34 986 438 358). Not an affiliate link: we earn nothing if you book there, but it is the right way to do it.
The small print on cancellations
There is a tangle worth understanding before booking: the camper permit is tied to a specific ferry operator. If you cancel the campsite, the campsite must cancel the permit — and until it does, the operator cannot cancel your boat tickets. If you rebook, a new permit is issued; the old one cannot be reassigned.
Practical translation: if you cancel, get written confirmation from the campsite that the permit has been cancelled, and only then claim the ferry refund.
Rates, dates and conditions checked on 14 August 2026 on the campsite website and the National Park portal. New rates are published each season: always confirm at booking.