Gorges, Vineyards and Monasteries of Galicia

Overview

1. Day

   1
   Arrival Day

   1. Castro CaldelasCastro Caldelas

   Arrive in time to take in the spectacular views and sunset over the valley before you – the very landscape you’ll be exploring on foot the day following. A visit to the old town with its castle and cafés comes recommended, it’s a fabulous place to stop and enjoy a coffee and the locally speciality, bica (a variety of sweet sponge cake), as well as a nice glass of local wine.

2. Day

   2
   Castro Caldelas to Cristosende

   9.6 mi · 15.4 km

   1. Castro Caldelas to Cristosende
   2. CristosendeCristosende

   Take a descending path through the valley, through oak, maple and chestnut forests. At the base of the valley, the path climbs across vineyards, with far-reaching views over the landscape. Here, you can take a coffee break in quiet village of O Pombar, join the riverside trail that leads to the fascinating, abandoned San Paio monastery. Your route then crosses paths with small, authentic villages before turning the ascent into the charming village of A Portela, with fantastic views of the hilltop Castro Caldelas. You’ll find even more scenic views over the area as you follow a trail along the gorge, before heading up to Cristosende, a village that looks out onto the countryside surrounding.

3. Day

   3
   Cristosende to Parada de Sil

   7.8 mi · 12.6 km

   1. Cristosende to Parada de Sil
   2. Parada de SilParada de Sil

   Follow a path down to the waters’ edge as you walk along a riverside path linking villages surrounded by cherry trees, oaks, chestnuts and vines…even orange trees in the villages that are closer to the water. Here you’ll find oak forests on your climb up to Parada de Sil where, if you take a moment to look over your shoulder, you’ll see some fantastic views of the river.

4. Day

   4
   Parada de Sil Cliffs, Monastery and Viewpoint

   11.1 mi · 17.9 km

   1. Parada de Sil Cliffs, Monastery and ViewpointCan be reduced to 7.5 miles / 12.2km for an easier day
   2. Parada de SilParada de Sil

   A spectacular stretch! The route offers many viewpoints over the 400m high gorge, amazing paths running close to the cliffs and through beautiful chestnut forests, to descend to Santa Cristina Monastery, a must-stop place.If you prefer an easier day, from Santa Cristina walk up to Castro and then to Parada, to complete a pleasant circular walk.If you are up for a longer walk, from Castro walk up to visit two viewpoints and then walk back to rejoin the circular walk.

5. Day

   5
   Parada de Sil to Santa Estevo to Penalba

   9.6 mi · 15.4 km

   1. Parada de Sil to Santa Estevo to Penalba
   2. PenalbaPenalba

   Today’s journey starts with a short transfer (not required if you stayed in the Parador), to the San Estevo Monastery, from which there are incredible views. Walk down through a scenic forest trail, with views of the gorge and of the monastery behind you as your trail meets the picturesque village of Paradela. Once you reach the plateau, walk across open areas with views for miles over the impressive granite rocks, before reaching the confluence of the Sil and Miño river gorges. Re-joining a forest trail, suddenly you’ll find the route opening to views of the river in Penalba, before walking the last part of your route through vineyards.

6. Day

   6
   Penalba to Turbisquedo

   8.2 mi · 13.2 km

   1. Penalba to Turbisquedo
   2. TurbisquedoTurbisquedo

   As you walk the first section of around 2.7 miles/4.5 km from Penalba to Os Peares you will cross the impressive Miño river. From there, explore the secluded and beautiful Bubal gorge to reach your lovely and extraordinary accommodation, Pazo de Turbisquedo. If you wish, you can create a shorter day by travelling with your luggage as far as Os Peares.

7. Day

   7
   Turbisquedo to Barra de Mino

   8.8 mi · 14.2 km

   1. Turbisquedo to Barra de MinoWalk to Barra de Mino and transfer to Ourense.
   2. OurenseOurense

   Last stage! Walk through oakland and meadows to the town of A Peroxa. From there you descend to the River Miño along a beautiful path, visiting an old castle and pretty villages along the way. At Barra de Miño you will be collected our local driver and transferred to Ourense. You may wish to have a shorter day with a lift to A Peroxa, leaving you plenty of time to explore the old town of Ourense.

8. Day

   8
   Day 8

   Transfer to airport, or if you’re looking to extend your holiday – let us know and we’ll be happy to arrange extra days in Galicia.