Area dos Cans is the southern beach of the island and the practical entry point for nearly every visitor to Ons. The ferry pier sits at its northern end; the beach curves away southward toward the lower cliffs. It is sheltered, sandy, and calm, with water that warms up faster than the exposed western coast because the ría holds heat better than the open ocean.
For day-trippers who want to combine a swim with time at the village and a shorter walk, Area dos Cans is the obvious choice — it requires no more than ten minutes' walk from the pier in either direction. Those willing to invest an hour's walking each way will find Melide, at the far end of the island, quieter and more dramatic; Area dos Cans is for those who came for the beach and the boat ride.