Traditional crops – Monastery of Santa Cristina loop from Chamoso

Hiking trails & Routes

Spain

Galicia

Ourense

El Barco De Valdeorras

Parada De Sil

Traditional crops – Monastery of Santa Cristina loop from Chamoso

Moderate

4.7

(47)

289

hikers

Traditional crops – Monastery of Santa Cristina loop from Chamoso

04:01

12.1km

420m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Last updated: August 28, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Reserva da Biosfera Ribeira Sacra e Serras do Oribio e Courel

Waypoints

Start point

Get Directions

723 m

Chestnut Trail in Parada de Sil

Highlight • Trail

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.

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2.60 km

Traditional crops

Highlight • Trail

The PR-G 98 takes the Santa Cristina detour along an ancient country path dug into the mountainside centuries ago in remote and steep places, like the remains of the stone villages that appear during the journey through this enchanted world. Remains of mills, houses, wineries, “sequeiros” and a multitude of constructions with mossy walls emerge from the small natural steps of the terrain that are suitable for building a building. The rest of the surroundings are a forest of chestnut and oak trees, old and gnarled, forgotten by man and time, placed everywhere forming a magnificent forest of enormous trees that hide the views of the Sil gorge. The river is close but practically unreachable.

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3.73 km

Monastery of Santa Cristina

Highlight • Religious Site

The Benedictine monastery has its origins in the 10th century. First it was an independent monastery and after the reform of the 16th century, it remains as a priory dependent on the monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil, as well as that of San Vicente de Pombeiro in lands of Panton. At this time is when the cloister is reformed and the paintings of the church are made. It was one of the most important monasteries in the Ribeira Sacra during the Middle Ages, as evidenced by the remains of the communication routes that are preserved. The monks dedicated themselves to the cultivation of chestnut trees and vines. The confiscation meant the definitive abandonment of the place.

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6.70 km

View of the Sil River Gorge

Highlight • Viewpoint

6.95 km

As Fontiñas Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

The As Fontiñas viewing point is an excellent window into the best-preserved natural ecosystems in the Sil Canyon, a mysterious and balanced mix of water, stone, forest and space. The course of the Gavias stream reaches the edge of the cliffs from the fields of Requián and before entering the Sil River it plunges down a crazy and dizzying succession of rocky steps. In one of them it creates the Pozo da Ovella waterfall, a giant's cauldron that demonstrates the energy of the water when it falls furiously down the walls of the great Sil gorge.

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8.82 km

Ribeira Sacra and Serras do Oribio and Courel Biosphere Reserve

Highlight • Natural Monument

9.00 km

Balcones de Madrid Viewpoint (Os Torgás Viewpoint)

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Torgás recreational area is in an area where a bush called heather abounds, it is also close to leafy groves of century-old chestnut trees.
Mountainous hiking area, with viewpoints that offer panoramic views of a river valley.

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9.19 km

Foxo do Lobo (Wolf Trap)

Highlight • Structure

"A "foxo do lobo" was an ancestral trap used to regulate wolf populations in certain geographical areas. Centuries ago, its population was not the same as it is today and that is why the wolf was a threat to the livestock that provided food. There are several types of "foxos" but basically the function was the same: to make the wolf get trapped in a big hole and from there it could not escape.

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12.1 km

End point

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.07 km

2.94 km

2.74 km

1.35 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

4.12 km

2.94 km

2.75 km

760 m

745 m

641 m

178 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (670 m)

Lowest point (380 m)

Weather

Sunday 11 October

22°C

9°C

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Comments

September 13, 2025,Nach Parada del Sil

That was really my limit. After halfway, it's all uphill. And not on paths: over rocks. We were on the trail for 6 hours, including breaks. But: stunningly beautiful. And simple is boring 😉

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September 13, 2023,🇪🇸 Ribeira Sacra die Zweite - Runde von Parada do Sil

The parking lot in Parada do Sil is the starting point for today's circular hike.

A large part of the path is surrounded by mossy stone walls and you feel somewhere between a fairytale forest and Indiana Jones. The ancient, gnarled and lichen-covered trees (mainly oaks and chestnuts) also contribute to this special atmosphere. In addition, the climate here is …

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July 20, 2023,Parada de Sil - Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil - Balcones de Madrid

From Parada de Sil we hike along beautiful paths to Mirador so Castro. To get to the viewpoint you have to go through the campsite. We continue to the Monasterio Santa Cristina De Ribas de Sil, a beautiful and ancient complex. Attention: If you want to visit the church, you should note the opening times. Entry cost 3 euros per …

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