Ons Island

Illa de Ons

Part of the Atlantic Islands National Park, this quieter sister to the Cíes Islands offers wild cliffs, hiking trails and pristine beaches with far fewer crowds. It's an easy ferry trip from Pontevedra's ría for a peaceful nature escape.

Things to do

• Hike to Faro de Ons — Walk the paved road up to the lighthouse for sweeping views over the Ría de Pontevedra and the Atlantic.
• Explore Buraco do Inferno — Peer into this dramatic sea-carved chasm on the island's wild west coast where waves crash through a collapsed cave.
• Relax at Praia de Melide — This crescent beach backed by dunes is one of the island's best spots for swimming and sunbathing.
• Walk the island's circular trail — A well-marked path loops around Ons past cliffs, heather-covered hills and old stone walls, taking about 3-4 hours to complete.
• Visit Area dos Cans (Home cove) — A sheltered, turquoise-tinted beach on the sheltered eastern side, popular for calm-water swimming.
• Browse the tiny village of O Curro — The island's only settlement has a handful of houses, a small church and a few shops selling local crafts.

Food to try

• Pulpo á feira — Tender boiled octopus sliced and dressed with olive oil, paprika and coarse salt, served at the island's small restaurants.
• Percebes — Goose barnacles harvested from Ons' rocky shores, prized as a Galician delicacy and best eaten simply steamed.
• Empanada de zamburiñas — A savory Galician pie filled with small scallops, a popular light lunch option on the island.
• Fresh grilled sardines — Sardines straight from local waters, grilled over coals and enjoyed at outdoor tables near the harbor.
• Albariño wine — Pair your seafood with a chilled glass of albariño, the crisp white wine from the neighboring Rías Baixas region.

Local customs & good to know

• Book ferry tickets in advance — Boats to Ons run seasonally from Pontevedra, Sanxenxo, or Bueu and can sell out quickly in summer.
• Bring cash — Many of the small eateries and shops on the island don't accept cards, so carry euros.
• No cars on the island — Ons has no vehicle traffic, so all exploring is done on foot along marked trails.
• Respect the national park rules — As part of a protected national park, camping is only allowed in the designated campsite and visitors should stay on marked paths.