オウレンセの峡谷・トップ11

Very good views of the Sil River canyon

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.

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 Castro de Santomé, located near the Lonia River in Ourense, is an important archaeological site that includes remains of a pre-Roman fort and a later Roman settlement. The site offers spectacular views and is surrounded by an exceptional natural environment, where the natural pools or cauldrons formed by the erosion of the Lonia River stand out. These cauldrons, also known as giant's cauldrons, are circular formations in the rocks of the riverbed, originating from the movement of water over time. The area is ideal for hiking trails, combining historical heritage and natural beauty, making it a very attractive destination for lovers of archaeology and nature.

The walkway route from the Mao River to the Sil Canyon is one of the most beautiful areas to see in the Ribeira Sacra (and, in general, of everything there is to see in Ourense) The total distance of the Mao walkways is 1.8 kilometers and the difference in level to be overcome (using stairs) is 41 meters.

Mirador da Pedra Longa, a majestic rock formation in the shape of a vertical monolith whose height exceeds 7 meters and is made up of just one piece of stone. Rain and wind have been responsible for sculpting this wonderful work of art for millions of years. It is accompanied by the special background that the valley and the Sil canyon give it. From here you will see a good stretch of the Sil River, from Pombeiro (Pantón) to the mouth of the Cabe River, in A Barca. Also in the distance you will appreciate the high and vertical slopes of the canyon in Sober, in the parishes of Belmonte or Santiorxo.

don't go off track

Along the Sil River Canyon as it passes through the Ribeira Sacra there is a wide network of viewpoints on both banks. Beautiful views.