We will all agree that the Galician community has incredible natural landscapes that make it increasingly touristy. So you have to know each and every one of them. One of the points that most like in terms of natural spaces is referred to is the Sil Canyon, an area of canyons excavated by the passage of the river Sil in the Ribeira Sacra area, an area also famous for its wines.
This place undoubtedly has a lot to offer if we want to make a short weekend getaway. From boat cruises on the Sil to viewpoints, hiking trails and beautiful old monasteries. It is undoubtedly a place where you can enjoy the best of the Ribeira Sacra.
How we got to the Sil Canyons
Those who wish to reach this area, normally They go to the city of Orense, from which you can easily reach the Sil Canyons. Only if you come from the northern area should you go to Monforte de Lemos from the province of Lugo. From Orense take the N-120 and at Vilamelle turn towards the LU-P-5901. From Monforte de Lemos you take the PO-533 and then the aforementioned road. We can go by car or also sign up for an excursion, since some are usually organized from the cities of Santiago de Compostela and Ourense.
Unique natural space
The Sil Canyons have been excavated by the passage of the Sil river and some consider them the highest inland cliffs in Europe. Beyond comparisons, these canyons have a unique richness. Its location has meant that many of its customs and heritage remain standing, which makes it an area of great value. Customs such as the black pottery of Gundivós are proof of this. Furthermore, it is well known that in this area is carried out the cultivation of vineyards, in a system that is very different from the usual vineyards, since they have been established on the slopes of the mountains. The way to remove the baskets of grapes is by trains that have been recently placed or by lowering them to the river where they are collected in barges, which was the usual method.
Viewpoints in the Sil Canyons
One of the things that most like in these natural places are the incredible viewpoints from which you can take beautiful snapshots. Near the town of Parada de Sil, which is usually one of the stops if we go by car, is one of the best viewpoints there is. We mean to the Balconies of Madrid. If we go to the Sanctuary of Cadeiras we are next to it. From this place you have really impressive views of the Canyons and it is well worth getting there. Other viewpoints are the Mirador das Cadeiras in Sampil, looking at the other side of the Balcones de Madrid. The Santiorxo viewpoint has a wooden walkway from which to see the Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil monastery. Nearby are also the viewpoints of the Sanctuary of Cadeiras and Cotarro das Boedas. The Mirador de Cividade is located in the Lugo area and has a metal walkway that can give you some vertigo. In the Mirador del Duque you can see the terraces dedicated to the cultivation of grapes.
Boat routes
In addition to visiting the viewpoints by car, there is something else we must do if we are going to visit the Sil Cañones. Is about go on a catamaran route on the Sil river, watching the canyons from below. These river tours can be done from different piers, as there are in Santo Estevo, in Nogueira de Ramuín, in Abeleda, Castro Caldelas or in Belesar, O Saviñao. It is advisable to bring reserved the place on the boat in high season, that is, during the summer, because the visits can fill it up quickly.
Route of the monasteries
When making the route by car, we must not only stop at the viewpoints, but also enjoy the heritage of the area. Specifically of the ancient monasteries that are in certain points. The Monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil is currently a parador, so it can be a good accommodation. The Monastery of Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil It is one of the best demonstrations of Romanesque in rural Galicia. A monastery built in the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries that preserves its presence intact. One of its most beautiful areas is the Romanesque cloister inside, with a beautiful entrance door and a tower that served as a watchdog and bell tower. Another place that we can see is the Sanctuary of Cadeiras in Sober, near which there is a fort.