Ribeira Sacra from Santiago: Canyons, Rivers and Monasteries

The Ribeira Sacra is one of those places that surprises even those who think they know Galicia. Just over an hour and a half from Santiago de Compostela, a landscape of canyons, deep-set rivers and monasteries hidden among impossible vineyards opens up.

Why visit the Ribeira Sacra

It is a destination that brings together wild nature, Romanesque heritage and winemaking tradition. The excursion is ideal both for occasional visitors and for nature lovers: in a single day you see spectacular viewpoints, ancient monasteries and the famous heroic viticulture.

What you visit on the route

The route usually includes one of the great monasteries in the area, viewpoints over the Sil canyon and, when possible, a catamaran trip along the river. All of it accompanied by the explanations of a local guide who knows the history and legends of every place.

When to go and what to bring

The Ribeira Sacra is beautiful all year round, but the grape harvest (September–October) has a special charm. Bring comfortable clothes, water and, above all, your camera: the Sil viewpoints offer some of the best photos in Galicia.