Getting to know the Ribeira Sacra through the Way of Saint James

In the community of Galicia we can find thousands of emblematic places spread over its 4 different provinces. The Cathedral of Santiago is one of the most important and well known, however there are many others such as the Ribeira Sacra, a dream place where we can see nature in full splendor. 

The Ribeira Sacra is one of the best known and most impressive areas of Galicia. It comprises the southern part of the province of Lugo and the northern part of the province of Ourense, coinciding with the banks of the rivers Cabe, Sil and Miño.

The Ribeira Sacra is very wide and it is difficult to choose just one place to enjoy it. In all the towns that make it up we can find important places where you can enjoy the most of the nature of this place. Here are some of the most visited places by tourists, but there are many more along the Ribeira Sacra.

• Embarcadero (Ribas de Sil)
• Fluvial Beach A Cova (Saviñao)
• Augacaída Waterfall (Pantón)
• The Tower of Homage (Monforte de Lemos)
• Monastery San Pedro of Rocks (Esgos)
• Viewpoint of Vilouxe

Another aspect that stands out in the Ribeira Sacra are all the available activities. Besides the traditional catamaran, it is possible to realize routes BTT, to mount the kayak or to realize paddle surf among many other things. You can also visit a winery and do a wine tasting, or enjoy nature through different hiking trails.

If you want to walk the Camino de Santiago and not miss the opportunity to enjoy the Ribeira Sacra, you should know that you have 2 options to do so. These two Jacobean routes are the French Way and the Winter Way, being able to know the Ribeira Sacra in different points according to the chosen route.

This Jacobean route crosses the Ribeira Sacra during two of its stages. These are the Sarria-Portomarín and Portomarín-Palas de Rei stages, which are part of the final stretch of this well-known route. In this case, pilgrims can enjoy the splendor of the Miño River and cross over it just before reaching Portomarín and finishing the stage.

The Winter Way is the one with the longest route through the Ribeira Sacra. Through this route, pilgrims can enjoy the canyons of the Sil through towns like Quiroga, in addition to the crops that decorate the entire banks of the Miño in the area of Belesar. In this section of the Jacobean route also passes through towns like Chantada and Monforte de Lemos, where you can also enjoy the Ribeira Sacra and its incredible gastronomy.