The best MTB trails around Parada De Sil

In the surroundings of Parada de Sil there are several paths marked by old “carriozas” or traditional paths that run through beautiful “castiñeiros” (chestnut) forests, with centuries-old specimens, buildings and ethnographic remains linked to chestnut cultivation. The “souto” of chestnut trees is a living symbol of the rural world of the Galician interior. The itinerary is a thematic walk in the chestnut culture, an open-air museum among centuries-old specimens that serves to protect resources and maintain the cultural and environmental value of the rural environment.

The Balconies of Madrid have a history that speaks of emigration, dreams and human adventures in unknown lands. The original name of Os Torgás was changed when the people of the Ourense villages of the Ribeira Sacra hung themselves from the cliffs of the River Sil to say goodbye to their loved ones who were leaving for Madrid and other lands in the south with the dream of a new life. The viewing points form small steps hanging over the river gorge and cause a special fascination. The breeze in the air carries the aromas of vineyards hanging on steep rocky terraces and melodies of elves emerging from enchanted forests, descendants of the primitive mythological beings who resisted the sacralisation of their plant kingdom by the monks and long before by the Roman legions. The walls of the Sil Canyon are a monumental sculpture five hundred metres high made of fierce, bare granite, a fortress of living rock up to the edge of the viewing points that filter the wind, the lights and the eternal songs of all the people who have passed through this fantastic natural balcony to say goodbye or find someone.

The Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas is one of the oldest and most unique monasteries in Galicia, located in the municipality of Esgos, in the province of Ourense. This monastery stands out for being partially excavated in the rock, which gives it a unique and mysterious character. The foundation of the monastery dates back to the 6th century, although most of the structures visible today date from the 9th and 10th centuries. The monastery church is composed of three naves excavated in the rock, with a series of anthropomorphic tombs also carved in the stone. Outside, you can see a bell tower that was added in the 15th century. San Pedro de Rocas is known not only for its architecture, but also for its natural environment, surrounded by forests and mountains, making it a place of great beauty and tranquility. The monastery has been declared a Historic-Artistic Monument and is an important tourist and pilgrimage destination.

The Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas is one of the oldest and most unique monasteries in Galicia, located in the municipality of Esgos, in the province of Ourense. This monastery stands out for being partially excavated in the rock, which gives it a unique and mysterious character. The foundation of the monastery dates back to the 6th century, although most of the structures visible today date from the 9th and 10th centuries. The monastery church is composed of three naves excavated in the rock, with a series of anthropomorphic tombs also carved in the stone. Outside, you can see a bell tower that was added in the 15th century. San Pedro de Rocas is known not only for its architecture, but also for its natural environment, surrounded by forests and mountains, making it a place of great beauty and tranquility. The monastery has been declared a Historic-Artistic Monument and is an important tourist and pilgrimage destination.

The Mirador de O Boqueiriño, in the Ribeira Sacra, is located on the slope of the Sil River canyon. It offers spectacular views of the terraced vineyards and the Sil canyon. Built from wood and Corten steel, it is designed to blend into the natural landscape. It is an ideal place to contemplate the unique landscapes of the region, known for their beauty and serenity.

The viewing platform was designed by the Ola Estudio architectural studio, a Galician team specialising in landscape interventions and sustainable architecture. The viewing platform is built primarily from wood and Corten steel, durable and resistant materials that allow the structure to blend harmoniously with the natural environment. The use of Corten steel, which develops a protective patina that imitates rust, contributes to the rustic aesthetic of the Galician landscape.

Designed to offer panoramic views of the Ribeira Sacra landscape, especially the Cabe River valley and the surrounding areas of the city. From this viewing point you can see the terraced vineyards, the hills and the lush forests that characterise the region.

Quiet route with little traffic