The 2025 list of the World’s 50 Best Beaches has just been released, and Spain’s Playa de Rodas on the Cíes Islands has proudly taken the #18 spot. Found on the Cíes Islands, just off the coast of Galicia, it’s a quiet and scenic beach that feels far away from Spain’s more built-up coastal spots. The recognition places it alongside some of the world’s most beautiful shorelines.

A White-Sand Beach in the Atlantic

Playa de Rodas stretches for about 700 metres in a soft curve, creating a natural bay between two of the Cíes Islands. It has fine white sand and calm, turquoise water that looks almost tropical from a distance. Many compare it to Caribbean beaches, but it has the cool, fresh feel of the Atlantic, perfect on a hot summer day.

The beach is part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, which includes the Cíes Islands and other nearby islets. This means the environment is well protected and remains unspoiled, with limited development. Behind the beach, you’ll find pine forests, small walking trails, and protected sand dunes that are home to local birds and plants.

A Beach You Have to Reach by Boat

There’s no road access to Playa de Rodas. Visitors usually take a ferry from Vigo, Baiona, or Cangas during the spring and summer months. Boat tickets can sell out in advance, especially in July and August, because the number of people allowed to visit each day is restricted to protect the area. This keeps the beach quiet, even at the height of the season.

Once you arrive, you’ll find basic services, a small café, toilets, and lifeguards in high season, but the focus is very much on nature. Most people bring what they need for the day and enjoy swimming, walking, or simply relaxing in a calm and open setting.

How It Compares to the World’s Top Beaches

Playa de Rodas shares the 2025 list with some incredible beaches from around the world. Cala Goloritzé in Italy, which took the #1 spot, is known for its dramatic cliffs and clear water on the island of Sardinia. You can only reach it by hiking or by boat, and it has a similar untouched feel.

In second place is Entalula Beach in the Philippines. This small beach on the island of Palawan is surrounded by limestone cliffs and is popular for snorkelling, kayaking, and its relaxed atmosphere.

All three beaches have something in common: they’re harder to reach, but worth the effort.

Best Time to Visit Playa de Rodas

The best time to visit is between late May and early September, when ferries run daily and the weather is warm and dry. Even during peak season, the limited access helps keep the beach from feeling overcrowded. The water is cold year-round, but most people still swim in the summer, especially on sunny days when the sea is calm and clear.

If you’re staying in Vigo or another nearby town, day trips are easy to organise. Just remember to check ferry schedules and book in advance. Overnight stays are also possible at the island campsite, but spots are limited and need to be booked well ahead.

A Beach for Slowing Down

Playa de Rodas is the kind of place where people tend to slow down. There’s no music playing from loud bars, no jet skis, and no crowds pushing for space. It’s a place to walk barefoot on the sand, float in the sea, watch the boats in the distance, or follow a trail into the woods and look out over the cliffs.

Whether you’re in the area for a few days or planning a longer trip through northern Spain, it’s a beach that stays with you, peaceful, natural, and unlike anywhere else on the mainland.

You can check out the full list of the world’s 50 best beaches here