Select Your Country:
View Shortlist
Office now closed
Opening Times

Office hours: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:30; Sat 09:30 - 13:00

Office hours: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:30; Sat 09:30 - 13:00

Office hours: East Coast USA: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:30 (04:00 - 12:30 local time); Sat 09:30 - 13:00 (04:30 - 08:00)

West Coast USA: Mon - Fri 09:00 -17:30 (01:00 - 09:30 local time); Sat 09:30 - 13:00 (01:30 - 05:00)

Office hours: Ottawa: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:30 (04:00 - 12:30 local time); Sat 09:30 - 13:00 (04:30 - 08:00)

Vancouver: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:30 (01:00 - 09:30 local time); Sat 09:30 - 13:00 (01:30 - 05:00)

Office hours: Canberra: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:30 (20:00 - 04:30 local time); Sat 09:30 - 13:00 (20:30 - 24:00)

Office hours: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:30 (22:00 - 06:30 local time); Sat 09:30 - 13:00 (22:30 - 02:00)

Office hours: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:30 (check internet for local time equivalent); Sat 09:30 - 13:00

Ribeira Sacra

  • 9 Night Route

    Price: from £1245
  • 6 Night Route

    Price: from £910
    Gorge landscape
  • 6 Night Route

    Price: from £1045
    With vineyard stay

Gorges of Southern Galicia

Back to Routes
Far reaching views of the valleys

Far reaching views of the valleys

Gentle walking through green pastures

Gentle walking through green pastures

Autumnal woodlands

Autumnal woodlands

Home of some great wines

Home of some great wines

Autumn colours in the vineyards

Autumn colours in the vineyards

Ourense's cathedral

Ourense's cathedral

The stunning gorge of the river Sil

The stunning gorge of the river Sil

Parador de Santo Estevo

Parador de Santo Estevo

Morning mist in the valley

Morning mist in the valley

Stay here and sample the wines

Stay here and sample the wines

The old town of Ourense

The old town of Ourense

  • 9 Night Route

    Price: from £1245
  • 6 Night Route

    Price: from £910
    Gorge landscape
  • 6 Night Route

    Price: from £1045
    With vineyard stay
Price: from £1245
Nights: 9
Grade:
Walk: 3¾ - 5 hr/day

We loved being the only people on the tracks and also trying to understand the history of the area. There is plenty of evidence of past ways of life in the half-abandoned villages. I feel that sympathetic low impact tourism is beneficial to the area. The views of the river were always stunning.

JK, UK - October 2024

We were impressed by all the work that goes into keeping the walking instructions up-to-date. Loved the simplicity of the walking days; being focused on the route, the views, the smells, the flora and fauna and the evidence all around us of the centuries of painstaking, ingenious and skilled agricultural labour - poignantly thrown into relief by the deserted and semi-deserted villages.

Arabella, UK - October 2024

Everything about the Ribeira Sacra walk was wonderful. The scenery was beautiful and interesting, including the Sil Gorge, old monasteries, deserted stone villages, ruined castles, vineyards, chestnut groves and sunken lanes. We saw only one other hiker and the occasional local person during the walk so it was very peaceful. The paths were varied and scenic. One of the highlights was the accommodation, which varied in style from small, simple, family-run hotels to the Parador; all were interesting and very comfortable, and the owners and hotel staff were, without exception, friendly and helpful, despite our lack of Spanish. Turbisquedo and Casa Rectoral winery not only provided fascinating, high quality accommodation, they also served us delicious dinners that were included in the walk price. The navigation app worked well. Aznar, the local representative, was excellent. He was in touch almost daily and provided helpful advice. All aspects of the walk were immensely enjoyable – we loved it!

Heather & Colin, Australia - October 2024

We loved the walking, especially through the woods and meadows. We enjoyed being the only walkers - saw one Spanish group and that was it. The accommodation was a high standard, even better than last year in the Basque region. Cristosende and the Vineyard were exceptional.

Morag, UK - May 2024

Favourite part was walking out of the hotel on the first day to begin the walk. The countryside was beautiful and each day differed from the previous. Favourite leg was Turbisquedo to Ferreiros.

Matthew, Australia - May 2024

Overall, we had an excellent experience. The route really was "unspoiled" (your word) and "authentic" (our word). We enjoyed experiencing what appeared to be and felt like "old Europe", especially as we passed through tiny villages with subsistence farms and old, well-maintained churches. The mixture and level of accommodation was perfect, and the routes appropriately challenging. We were impressed by the care with which the varied route was assembled. Your recommendations were spot on, and we found following them wise.

Ronald & Brigitte, USA - September 2023

It's a great walk with spectacular scenery. Yes, we were lucky with the weather. We hardly saw anyone else which we like, as it was definitely their quiet time of the year. The variety of accommodation was nice too. We wouldn't have wanted to stay in Paradors all the way, so nice to mix it up with the different places we had.

Ian, UK - September 2023

I loved the feeling of stepping back in time. The history of this area is fascinating. We never saw another hiker. So many people are walking the Camino but never see the rest of this area.

Debra, USA - September 2023

We hadn't been to this part of Spain and the Ribiera Sacra sounded intriguing, undiscovered and fascinating - which it was. We have been on a few walking trips with On Foot and would be reluctant to book with any other company. Turbisquedo was the highlight - just amazing in every respect and a wonderful, passionate owner. Fantastic food and the best packed lunch. Wished we could have stayed there longer - next time!?

Dilly, UK - September 2023

We loved the walking, the variation in the scenery, the mix of terrain, the mix of hotels, all special in different ways. We met some lovely people. We enjoyed some great food and wine. Also it was quite special to be walking and rarely seeing anyone, we felt immersed in the countryside. The weather was on our side.

Hilary, UK - September 2023

We had an amazing holiday, probably the best of the eight routes we have been on. Ribeira Sacra is definitely a very well kept secret. The walking was delightful and just right for us now that we have a combined age of nearly 157! Perhaps our favourite walks were the Balcony Walk on a hot sunny day (32C) and the Parada De Sil circuit but we also enjoyed the walks through woods and villages.The late summer flowers were at their best especially ling and bell heather and carpets of autumn croci.

Lindsay, UK - September 2023

Very easy team to work with. All the team members are up to date on your specific holiday and travel arrangements. We have walked in Galicia before (The Lighthouse Way) so we were interested in exploring more of the area. We think it's a fantastic area for walking. We loved the network of ancient pathways and the quiet solitude.

Sue, UK - September 2023

We were amazed at the scenery. The gorges are very deep and impressive. We like exploring different places. We've been to other areas of Spain and thought this sounded completely different - and it was! We like exploring different places.

Graeme & Nora, Canada - May 2023

Well, we had the most fantastic time on this new trip and absolutely loved it. The views, the wild flowers, the birds (including a hoopoe on one of the days) were all beautiful.

All the hotels were really good and our hosts very, very welcoming. Bill showed us the tower and was very attentive throughout our stay and then we were on to Maite and the wine tasting. I don’t know if I speak for all five of us but this was my favourite place to stay. Maite’s renovation of the rectory is superb and she told me that, although her profession is wine making, she has travelled a lot and knows what she likes in a hotel. She’s certainly done it well. The food was delicious, too. Pepe’s bar in Parada de Sil was fun – full of buckets to catch the rain and a bottle of wine for 5 Euros! I could go on but won’t bore you.

Anon - May 2023

More independent feedback
Ribeira Sacra - On Foot Holidays

At a glance

9 nights (8 walking days) - the full route. Shortenable to 8 nights if you miss out one night in Parada de Sil (choice of walking options). For extra nights consider Cristosende, Parador, Turbisquedo, Ourense. See 'Prices' tab for what's included.
Suggested route pairing: Lighthouse Way

How much walking?

Full days: 11-17 km per day, 3¾-5 hrs walking
Using shortening options: No specific shortening options, though taxis can be arranged.

Max. Grade:

Vineyards and riverside walking to Ourense

Tucked away in the south of Galicia, Spain’s most north-westerly province, is the wine country of Ribeira Sacra – “Holy riverside”, a name that stems from the vineyards in the area established by monks in the Dark Ages.  The country is incised with deep valleys offering extensive south-facing slopes perfectly designed for the ripening of the grape, though with practical challenges imposed by the steepness of the terrain.  For many years this was a forgotten area, and it is only recently that the wines produced here are getting the recognition they deserve.

For the walker the attraction of the area is in the dramatic gorge scenery, and our route makes the most of the riverine landscapes, starting in the citadel of Castro de Caldelas, and finishing after an exploration of two gorges (the Sil and the Minho and their associated hinterlands) in the capital of the region, Ourense.  The old town is crammed with cobbled streets and historic buildings, and a particularly fine collection of tapas bars, each carefully checked by the writers.

All versions of the walk end with a night in Ourense.

Walked by On Foot Staff:  Debbie, Simon, Fi and Bea

Consider pairing this route with Lighthouse Way (2½ hrs) – for more details click here.

REVIEWS: For independent walker reviews submitted to the Association of Independent Tour Operators visit AITO.com.

TRAVEL ADVICE: To find the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for UK citizens travelling to Spain, click here. Citizens of other nations will also find it useful, but should always check their appropriate local agency.

ARTICLES: Read an article about On Foot’s Ribeira Sacra holiday from The Guardian newspaper here.

Route Highlights

  • The gorges of the Sil and the Minho
  • The wines of the Ribeira Sacra
  • Staying in old farmhouses and manor houses, and in a working vineyard (with option for winery tour and tasting – supplement, payable locally)
  • Three ancient monasteries, one now a Parador (where you stay)
  • Ourense, its old town, cathedral and its bars

This route features the following characteristics and interests: Remote, Villages and farms, Food, History, Wine

We Recommend

Extra nights in Cristosende for the pool (in season) and views, at the Parador for the spa (but no views), Turbisquedo for comfort, historic interest and affable host, and Ourense to explore the history and try the tapas! Consider pairing this route with our Camino Primitivo or Lighthouse Way routes.

Eating and drinking

Galician food is robust, like its people, but there is an emphasis on fish which reflects its proximity to the sea.  Caldo Gallego (vegetable soup), empanadas and la tarta compostelana should also be tasted.  The Galician grape varieties are principally Godello (white) and Mencia (red), mainly drunk quite young, though some vineyards are starting to produce wines that age well, and other grape varieties such as Tempranillo are creeping in.

How much Walking?

Full days: 11-17 km per day, 3¾-5 hrs walking
Using shortening options: No specific shortening options, though taxis can be arranged.

Some waymarked paths but in the main the waymarking is local, so attention to the route notes is important if GPS not used.  No seriously steep or technical walking.  Highest point on route 850m, lowest 300m.

Medium:  Average cumulative uphill stretches (CUSs) 550m (375m-750m) per day.

Acrophobia/vertigo warnings: None.

On Foot Holidays Companion app available from 2025, for GPS navigation/mapping and all other documentation and advice. Separate GPX files for your own device also available.

Important note: Times given for each day are  walking times for an “average” walker and exclude stops. “CUSs” stands for “Cumulative Uphill Stretches” and measures the aggregated ascents in each day, expressed in metres of climb. See “Walk Grading” for more information.

When to go?

The best months to walk: May, late September, October

Other possible months: April, early June, early September, November

Northern Spain is best walked in late spring and in autumn, though early June can be lovely too.  The route is not offered in the summer months because of heat and accommodation busy-ness!

Start Dates

Recommended
Possible
Unavailable

Weather Chart

 

Rainfall and temperature chart for Ourense

Itinerary

About the Route

Day 1 - Arrive in Castro de Caldelas

After a taxi ride from Ourense (included), check in to your hotel, then have a wander around the old town, admire the views from the citadel and check out the (modest) choice of restaurants for your first supper.

Day 2 - Castro de Caldelas to Cristosende

From the town, descend through oak woods to a stream and then climb through vineyards to a beautiful abandoned monastery. Continuing to pretty A Cruz, there is then a choice; our preferred route via Teixera is shorter, and offers your first full view of the spectacular gorge just before your next accommodation. (Medium-hard: 3½ hrs walking (allow 5 hrs), 12½ km (8 miles), CUSs 535m) or add another 4 km/1 hr.

Day 3 - Cristosende to Parada de Sil

This is the day you see the Sil river close up. A walk down to the water is followed by some attractive villages and an “Adega” (winery) on the river bank, before a beautiful riverside path to the hamlet of Rabacallos. Here you can opt to take the short steep option to your destination, or a recommended longer version up a side stream through pretty woodland, passing an old mill with a sad story, before coming out at the top onto the Parada de Sil plateau, and a short walk through fields to your next accommodation in this attractive village. (Medium-hard: 4½ hrs walking (allow 6 hrs), 14¼ km (9 miles), CUSs 740m). Alternative: With shorter, steeper end: Medium-hard: 4¼ hrs walking (allow 5¾ hrs), 12½ km (8 miles), CUSs 830m.)

Day 4 - Parada de Sil circuit

A day of three parts. The first is on broad tracks through pine and oak woods, taking in three viewpoints over the Sil, the second on narrow paths, sometimes steep but always interesting, through abandoned farmland to the monastery of S. Cristina in its remote fastness, and the third on ancient stone-wall-lined lanes which once linked the villages before the arrival of the motor car, now lovingly cleaned by local walking groups. (Medium: 3¾ hrs walking (allow 5 hrs), 11½ km (7 miles), CUSs 500m)

Day 5 - Parada de Sil to the Parador

A day of many viewpoints over the Canon do Sil. An easy start to the day on a quiet road before ascending to moorland and the first viewpoint. More follow, winding in and out of woodland, crossing streams, visiting tiny villages set in a bucolic landscape, never far from the river, before a final descent to the glorious former monastery, now one of Spain’s famed Paradors. (Medium: 5 hrs walking (allow 6¾ hrs), 16¾ km (10½ miles), CUSs 500m). Lift possible to shorten walk – save up to two hours walking.)

Day 6 - The Parador to Penalba

This varied walk has many magical moments, starting with a great balcony walk from the Parador, before encountering many of the old ways between the villages, to a mini-fest of hórreos (traditional stone grain stores) at Biduedo. From here the path heads charmingly back to the gorge, where you have a choice – either to continue along the gorge at mid-level) or head back up to the plateau for an inspection of a Neolithic landscape, before redescending circuitously to the Mirador de Lampa, one of the best on the Sil. From here your path descends through commercial forest (though with some majestic views) to your next accommodation at Penalba. (Medium: 4¾ hrs walking, (allow 6¼ hrs) 15¼ km (9½ miles), CUSs 540m). Alternative: Shorter version along gorge to the Mirador de Lampa – saves 2½ km and 1 hr walking.)

Day 7 - Penalba to Turbisquedo

A shorter day, so take it a bit easy. Start off up the same track as you descended along yesterday, then a bit of quiet road walking into the village of Os Peares, where the Minho and the Sil meet. After crossing the river check out the riverside (the café could be open) before heading up the valley of the Bubal river. A short, steep climb through two abandoned villages (where your host tonight plans to re-establish a historic vineyard) is followed by a pleasant ramble through light woodland before reaching Bill and Juan-Carlos’ extraordinary house at Turbisquedo. (Medium-hard: 3¾ hrs walking (allow 5 hrs), 12¾ km (8 miles), CUSs 750m)

Day 8 - Turbisquedo to Ferreiros

This bucolic day is a little longer than yesterday, but not difficult. It rolls through the open countryside south of Turbisquedo, before reaching the little town of A Peroxa, complete with café and ruined castle. From here you descend almost to the River Minho before a gentle ascent up to your next night’s accommodation, formerly the church rectory and now a working vineyard. (Medium: 4 hrs walking (allow 5¼ hrs), 15 km (9½ miles), CUSs 375m)

Day 9 - Ferreiros to Ourense

Your final walking day starts off gently downhill through the villages connecting the countryside with the river, with occasional views to this broad waterway, before reaching it at the delightfully named village of Casanova. A stretch along the river and its inlets is followed by a short countryside length through pine forest before meeting the river again finally on the outskirts of Ourense. The riverside park and promenade is a good way to enter the city, and the ‘Roman’ bridge a lovely way to cross into the historic centre. (Medium: 4 hrs walking, (allow 5¼ hrs), 16¼ km (10 miles), CUSs 400m)

Alternative: lift all the way with the luggage to give time to explore Ourense, particularly if you only have one night there.

Departure day

Depart for home, or opt to stay further nights in Ourense to explore the old town.

Travel Information

ARRIVING BY TRAIN

Nearest railway station:
Start and Finish: Ourense

Train timings:
Ourense – Madrid ~3 hrs
Ourense – Santiago de la Compostela 40 mins

ARRIVING BY CAR

Parking is available in Castro de Caldelas on quiet side streets, or in Ourense (multistorey car parks).

ARRIVING BY AIR

The best “local” airport is Santiago de Compostela. Intercontinental flights would use Madrid – transfer by train – see below.

Santiago de Compostela
Land by: 16:00 for train or bus to Ourense then taxi transfer to first hotel
Return flight earliest: 14:30 after train from Ourense then bus or taxi to airport.

Direct pre-booked taxis from/to Santiago city/airport also possible to enable flights outside these times – see ‘Prices’.

Madrid
Land by: 13:00 for train to Ourense then taxi transfer to first hotel
Return flight earliest: 16:30 after train from Ourense then bus or taxi to airport.
For flights outside these times factor in an overnight stay in Madrid.

Flight information can change rapidly and not all flights run daily. Please do check directly with the airlines’ websites or Skyscanner (see below) before finalising any booking with us. Do not book your flights until we have confirmed that we have provisionally reserved accommodation for you.

For up-to-date schedules and flights from all airports check Skyscanner.

See “Getting to the start of the walk” below for transfer information.

 

Getting to the start of the walk

OUTWARD
Start points are Castro de Caldelas (full route, 8-night or gorge 6/7 night options) or Parada de Sil (6/7 night wine/history options). As the bus service from Ourense is a little infrequent (two a day – Mond to Fri 14:45 and 18:30, Sat 11:00 and 20:00, Sun 11:00 and 18:30), a pre-booked taxi to take you to your first night’s accommodation from Ourense station is included in the holiday price. For those wishing to make their own way to the start a discount will be available – ask for details.

RETURN
End point is Ourense. Fast trains to Madrid and Santiago.

Pre-booked taxis available for Santiago/Ourense. For prices see “Prices” tab.

Full transfer advice, including timetables, is provided in your Walkers’ Pack. Contact us if you would like additional pre-booking information.

Where You'll Stay

In true On Foot Holidays style there is a range of accommodation types on this route.  The simplest accommodation is clean and friendly, and rooms are modest in size, though nowhere cramped. There is no scope for upgrading or downgrading hotels until Ourense, though upgrading room types is possible in Cristosende, the Parador, Turbisquedo (marginally) and Ourense.

Castro de Caldelas – Casa de Caldelas (B&B)

Night 1

Castro de Caldelas – Casa de Caldelas (B&B)

A typical Galician 18th century house overlooking the town square.

Cristosende – Casa Grande de Cristosende (B&B)

Night 2

Cristosende – Casa Grande de Cristosende (B&B)

Traditional village house with spacious rooms, some with views over the Sil river.

Parada de Sil – O Balcón da Ribeira (B&B)

Night 3 & 4

Parada de Sil – O Balcón da Ribeira (B&B)

A bustling village cafe (and village shop!) with simple but modern rooms above and in an annexe behind.

Santo Estevo – Parador de Santo Estevo (B&B)

Night 5

Santo Estevo – Parador de Santo Estevo (B&B)

A substantial former monastery, now with comfortable rooms and a spa instead of monks' cells.

Penalba – O Remanso dos Patos (B&B)

Night 6

Penalba – O Remanso dos Patos (B&B)

Family-run hotel, with small pool and terrace overlooking the river.

Turbisquedo – O Turbisquedo (dinner, B&B)

Night 7

Turbisquedo – O Turbisquedo (dinner, B&B)

An 18th century country house, full of antique furniture and genteel charm.

Ferreiros – Rectoral de San Eusebio (dinner, B&B)

Night 8

Ferreiros – Rectoral de San Eusebio (dinner, B&B)

Small but comfortable and beautifully modernised rural hotel with spacious rooms and winery.

Ourense – Barceló Ourense Hotel (B&B)

Night 9

Ourense – Barceló Ourense Hotel (B&B)

Smart hotel with spacious rooms, in the centre of the city.

Prices

Price: from £1245 for 9 nights

Total 9 nights in double/twin room, all breakfasts, 6 picnics and 2 evening meals, taxi from Ourense station or town to first hotel, luggage transfers between all hotels on walking route; full Walkers Pack with route directions, maps, transfer and background information; local telephone support.

Also included: On Foot Holidays Companion app (from 2025), providing navigation/mapping and digital version of the Walkers’ Pack as above. Separate GPX files for your own device also available. If choosing to walk with app only (no printed materials): Discount of £40 per pack (based on one pack per room) from 2025.

All prices are per person unless otherwise indicated, and are based on a standard booking in May. Prices may vary seasonally and a fixed price will be given to you before you commit.

Single Room Supplement (SRS): From £330
Lone Traveller Additional Supplement (LTAS): From £195
Large Party Saving (LPS): Groups of more than 2 people (on an identical itinerary, on the same booking and booked at the same time) – discount of at least £45 per person
Maximum party size: 10

 

Add Ons

Additional B&B night in Parada de Sil: £40 pp (single room supplement £20)

Additional B&B nights in any other accommodation: Contact On Foot – seasonal pricing

Sending Walkers Packs to addresses outside the UK: £20-£60 (per pack, location dependent)

TAXIS

Santiago/Airport to first hotel: £190/£210 (supplement)
Ourense to Santiago/Airport: £130/£150

Pricing is for 1-6 persons. Minibuses for larger groups – contact On Foot Holidays.

Reserve your dates Add to shortlist
Aznar Fernandez de Pinedo

Our local team

Aznar Fernandez de Pinedo

Aznar was born and grew up in Bilbao, where he soon developed his love for nature (he is a keen naturalist), hiking and the rural environment in general. He studied Business and has worked for many years in multinational corporations in the IT sector, living in both Barcelona and Madrid. But in 2014 he decided to change his career to work on what he loves most.

Sign up to our Newsletter

    Email Me
    Route PDF

      Yes
      * I have read and agreed your privacy policy. (On Foot Holidays guards your details carefully, and will never sell them to a third party.)
      Yes
      Please put me on your Email list to receive your regular newsletter with news from On Foot Holidays including new routes, changes to existing ones and offers.

      Thank you!

      Thank you for contacting us. We will respond within the next working day.