This biosphere reserve occupies 10% of the territory of continental Galicia and is divided into three major areas: the canyons of the Miño and Sil rivers, the inland valleys, and the eastern mountain ranges. The Sil Canyon and the Miño Riverbanks are among its most notable landmarks, with vertiginous terraced vineyards, native forests, and steep cliffs framing the landscape.
This area also includes the Courel Mountains Xeoparque, an environment of high biodiversity—home to more than 60% of Galicia's flora—and a rich ethnographic heritage. This natural wealth is complemented by unique cultural elements such as monasteries, historic routes along the Camino de Santiago, and charming little villages.
La Ribeira Sacra e Serras do Oribio e Courel It is a territory that invites peaceful exploration, combining nature, geology, culture and sustainability in one of the most unique landscapes in the northern peninsula.
Spring and autumn are the ideal times to discover the Reserve, both for the climate and the natural spectacle the area offers.
In spring, forests sprout vigorously, canyons are covered in greenery, and many plant species, such as orchids, are in full bloom. It's also a great time for bird and amphibian watching.
Autumn, for its part, transforms the landscape with a palette of ochre and gold, especially in the vineyards and riparian forests, making it a very attractive destination for nature photography.
Both seasons allow you to explore the trails in mild temperatures and enjoy the surroundings calmly, away from the summer crowds.
The Reserve offers multiple ways to explore its landscape and discover its biodiversity, as it is a space that invites observation, listening, and the leisurely enjoyment of one of the most emblematic landscapes of inland Galicia.
It's possible to explore its mountains, canyons, and forests with specialized guides, who offer interpreted routes focused on observing flora, fauna, and geological formations, with special attention to unique species such as orchids. Furthermore, many of these routes often include short stops dedicated to the historical and cultural heritage of the area, allowing you to discover churches that are true Romanesque gems and other elements that further enrich the experience of this exceptional natural setting.
The viewpoints, waterfalls, trails, and traditional paths are ideal for hiking and nature photography.
In addition, guided boat tours along the Sil and Miño rivers are available in the area, allowing you to discover the Ribeira Sacra from the water, in an environment of great ecological and cultural value.
The Reserve's territory, as a historic retreat, invites you to explore it leisurely, with numerous stops to admire its landscapes and discover its natural and cultural riches. The Sil Canyon is its greatest visual icon, with spectacular viewpoints such as Cabezoás, Castro, and the Balcones de Madrid, from which you can admire the vertical relief of the terraced vineyards.
The Ribeira Sacra landscape can also be explored from the water: cruises on the Sil River and boats departing from the Belesar pier on the Miño River offer a different view of the canyons and their terraced vineyards. In the area around Fión, on the Lugo side of the Miño Canyon, the viewpoints and traditional wineries are particularly noteworthy. In the case of the Sil Canyon, one of the must-see spots is the Miradoiro do Boqueiriño, also located in the province of Lugo.
Hidden among the lush forest are corners steeped in natural history, such as the ancient chestnut tree of Entreambosríos, which demonstrates the vitality of these ecosystems. And on the Mao River footbridges, a beautiful pedestrian route, you can observe the dialogue between the river, the forest, and ancient human infrastructure.
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The Green Spain Ecotourism Reserve is an invitation to experience northern Spain in a different way. It's not a network of accommodations.
