Description

Few corners of Galicia surprise the way the Ribeira Sacra does. On this excursion to the Ribeira Sacra and Allariz from Santiago de Compostela you’ll see it for yourself, guided by someone who knows every bend in the road. This region, split between the provinces of Ourense and Lugo, is famous for its vineyards grown on impossibly steep terraces and for a religious heritage so dense it has put the area forward for UNESCO World Heritage status.

A couple of hours from the Galician capital awaits a tour designed so you don’t miss a thing: monasteries tucked deep into nature, landscapes that take your breath away, and medieval villages best explored on foot, at a slow pace.

The highlight of the excursion to the Ribeira Sacra and Allariz from Santiago de Compostela is the catamaran ride through the Sil river canyons: an hour and a half sailing between rock walls over 400 metres high, surrounded by what’s known as heroic viticulture, grown where no machine can reach. Everything is set for a trip you won’t forget, through land steeped in history, wild nature, great food and even better people. Book this excursion from Santiago de Compostela now and see it for yourself.

The itinerary of the excursion to the Ribeira Sacra and Allariz from Santiago de Compostela is designed to make the most of every hour of the day. The order of the visits may vary depending on the boat and monastery schedules.

Capilla del Pilar (departure)

The bus leaves from the Capilla del Pilar, in Santiago de Compostela, heading inland toward Galicia’s interior, between the provinces of Lugo and Ourense.

Catamaran route through the Sil river canyons

The excursion boards at Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil to sail the Sil river canyons from a perspective you can’t get on land: the area’s most inaccessible vineyards, clinging almost over the water. For an hour and a half you’ll travel between the canyon’s steep walls while learning about the heroic viticulture that has made the Ribeira Sacra famous.

Viewpoint over the Sil river canyons

A stop at a viewpoint where natural beauty, heritage and culture meet: a granite mass over 700 metres high that drops straight down to the river, with more than 400 metres of vertical drop. One of those places that’s hard to put into words and well worth seeing in person.

Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas

The excursion to the Ribeira Sacra and Allariz from Santiago de Compostela continues at the Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas, one of the oldest in Galicia, with origins dating back to the 6th century. Here you can see anthropomorphic tombs carved into the rock, the 19th-century church façade, its bell tower, and the Fountain of San Benito, whose waters local tradition holds to be miraculous. The monastery sits on Mount Barbeiró, surrounded by forest.

Guided visit to Allariz

Last stop before heading back: Allariz, one of Galicia’s most charming villages. Stone squares, churches, medieval bridges and a natural setting declared a Biosphere Reserve surround an old town full of stories and local legends that the guide shares along the way.

Return to Santiago de Compostela

After a day packed with landscape and history, the bus heads back to the Galician capital to close out the excursion to the Ribeira Sacra and Allariz from Santiago de Compostela. Keep in mind that the order of the visits may vary depending on catamaran availability.