Ribeira Sacra combines river canyons, viewpoints, and monastic heritage. This three-day proposal organizes visits by day to help you choose stops and plan your travel.
3 days in Ribeira Sacra
How to get there
Day 1
- visit the Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas and its Interpretation Center. The monastery is carved into the natural rock. Its church, from the 6th century, is one of the oldest temples on the peninsula. Visit: 988 372 020
- visit the Monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil, now a National Parador. It undoubtedly had great historical significance, as at least 9 bishops chose to spend their final days there. Free access for almost the entire year. Tel: 988 110 010
- on your way to Santa Cristina, stop at the Cabezoas Viewpoint.
- visit the Monastery of Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil, which originated with the settlement of hermits, and was one of the most important during the Middle Ages.
- end the day at the Balcón de Madrid viewpoint.
To avoid overcrowding, the local Tourism Consortium requests that you reserve the tickets you plan to purchase in advance.
Day 2
- improvise a visit to the Fervenzas (waterfalls) of Cachón, on the way to the Pasarelas del Río Mao (see directions below)
- Pasarelas del Río Mao: starts at the Church of San Lorenzo de Barxacova, heading towards the old Light Factory, you will return to the same point after about 2 hours. The route is of medium difficulty, and the original is longer: 16 km and about 5 hours.
- visit Castro Caldelas and its medieval Tower
- take a catamaran route through the Sil Canyon
- visit one of the wineries in the area
- end the day at the viewpoint of the Duke and of Souto Chao
Day 3
- we start the day by visiting Monforte de Lemos: go up to Monte San Vicente to visit the Tower that remains from the Fortress of Monforte, the Palace of the Counts of Lemos, and the Benedictine Monastery. Down in the lower area of the city: the Colegio Nuestra Señora de la Antigua, and the Old Bridge.
- visit the exterior and the church of the Monastery of the Divine Savior. It is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in this area. 982 456 155
- stop at the church of San Martín de A Cova, to continue to the nearby viewpoint of Cabo do Mundo. This one is partially covered by vegetation. There are 2 nearby options: one is the Castro of the Ecomuseum of Arxeriz, or the viewpoint of the winery Abadía da Cova.
- end the day in Chantada with a relaxing walk along the banks of the Asma River.
What to eat
Ribeira Sacra is inland territory. If you're looking to eat the best of each area, then we must recommend pork (and its derived products: chorizos, blood sausages, ham..), lamb, kid, game.. If you prefer fish, the trout are excellent. As for wines, the D.O Ribeira Sacra produces wines of the highest quality.
Do not miss trying the Bica mantecada, a butter cake, ideal for any breakfast.
Practical information
- This route would be incomplete without a catamaran ride and a visit to a D.O Ribeira Sacra wine cellar. My recommendation is to first choose the day for the catamaran based on the forecast, making sure it's a clear day and not too hot. In that case, bring a hat and sunscreen!
- Once you have a reservation for the catamaran, redesign your itinerary based on this ride and the hotel or accommodation. There are different docks for the catamaran. Pay attention to the shore you are on, as the nearest bridge may be far.
- Now yes, you can book the routes.
- Finally, book a visit to one of the wineries in the area. You can see a map with the wineries at this page. The photo on a spectacular swing on the hillside, which belongs to the Bodega Terra Brava, has become fashionable. If you're interested, access to the swing is with the entrance ticket and visit.
- Keep in mind that there are many viewpoints. We have selected the main ones, and we recommend doing the same, as otherwise you would need more time to complete the route.
- Except for Monforte and Chantada, we are in a very rugged area, with small villages, and not large urban centers. Choose a nearby restaurant, and make a reservation if it’s the weekend.
The best experience
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQMsJ6fjdyU
"There are 2 elements that give meaning to the Ribeira Sacra: a catamaran ride on the river, the backbone of the space; and visiting a winery, to understand their way of life."
GABRIELA GARCIA
Travel Blogger
The best accommodation
Credits for the main image: Mirador de Cabezoas