Northern Sil River Route

This route begins in Monforte de Lemos, known as the capital of Ribeira Sacra. The city’s various sights and attractions can be visited either at the beginning of the day or at the end of the day. The banks of the Cabe River, the old bridge, the medieval walls, the Jewish quarter, and an extensive network of museums are some of the attractions this city offers. 

The first stop will be the town of Os Peares, which is reached by travelling on the N-120 in the direction of Ourense. What can you see in Os Peares? This small town is notable for its position at the intersection of four municipalities and two provinces. This is also the location where the Sil and Miño rivers converge, which are the largest rivers that flow through Ribeira Sacra. While in Os Peares, be sure to take a look at the colourful murals painted on the walls of various buildings. They were created as part of the project "A Touch of Colour in Ribeira Sacra", sponsored by the Ribeira Sacra Tourism Consortium. 

The next stop is the Pena Pombeira Viewpoint, which is reached by taking a sharp turn onto LU-P-4104 after crossing the Miño river and taking the bridge over the Sil River on the N-120a. The LU-P-4014 then ascends through a series of sharp switchback curves above the final stretch of the Sil River. While ascending, you can observe the San Pedro dam, the last one on this river before it flows into the Miño, and you can also visit the Romanesque Church of San Vicente de Pombeiro. The viewpoint is reached by travelling along an unpaved road and it offers one of the least-known views over the Sil River and the Monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil, which is located across the river from the viewpoint. 

Returning to the main highway, you will continue in the direction of Ferreira de Pantón, which is the capital of the municipality of Pantón. There you can visit the Convent of San Salvador de Ferreira, also known as the Convent of Las Bernardas, which is the only location in Ribeira Sacra where monastic life remains active. 

Next, travel towards Monforte de Lemos on the N-120, and turn off when you reach the sign indicating Canaval, then continue south to the town of Sober. From Sober, take LU-5903 in the direction of Sil Canyon (Canón do Sil) the next stop, which is the Santiorxo Viewpoint (Miradoiro Santiorxo). This viewpoint offers a broad panorama over the Sil River, and if you look closely, you can probably see the Monastery of Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil hiding among the chestnut trees, halfway down the steep slopes of the Sil Canyon. 

Next, continue along the LU-5903 until reaching Doade. Continue through that village on the same road, and soon you will see a sign indicating the Pena do Castelo Viewpoint (Miradoiro Pena do Castelo). From this viewpoint you can look directly down across the terraced vineyards, planted on the steep slopes of the riverbank. The best way to visit this viewpoint is to leave your vehicle at the start of the unpaved road (there is an area with a wooden picnic table where you can park), then walk up to the viewpoint, which is at a distance of about 1 kilometre. 

The final part of this route is to return from Doade back to the starting point, Monforte de Lemos, on LU-903.