Spain's 'secret' islands that rival the Caribbean with return flights for £31

Sparkling turquoise water, year-round sunshine and dazzling white sand beaches.

These are just some of the drawcards of the Cíes Islands , a little-known Spanish archipelago that travellers often describe as a European version of the Caribbean .

Adrift off the Atlantic Coast of Galicia, about a 45-minute boat ride from Vigo, this ‘ truly magical ’ destination is made up of three main islands: Monte Agudo, O Faro, and San Martiño.

Part of the UNESCO-recognised Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, it was famously revered by the Romans as the ‘islands of the Gods’ — yet for all its beauty, it remains largely unspoiled by tourism.

This is thanks to a cap on visitor numbers, which has been in place since 2017. Today, 1,800 visitors can visit the islands each day from 15 May