Chantada: Asma riverbanks, heritage and festivals

River paths along the Asma, the Miño Valley, historic churches and festivals offer different starting points for planning a stay in Chantada. There is also a culinary tradition featuring dishes, wine, spirits and baked goods.

Walking route, riverside promenade and landscape

An official year-round walking route starts at Praza Santa Ana in Chantada. At 2.3 km, it connects the town centre with the Asma riverbank and the Sangoñedo recreation area. Check the route conditions before setting out. Another distance refers to the riverside promenade along the Asma: it stretches for 2 km along both riverbanks, from Alameda Xavier Costa Clavell to the Sangoñedo recreation area. These figures therefore refer to the walking route and the promenade, each following its own specified course.

Between Belesar and Chantada, the Miño Valley lies 300 m below the surrounding plateau. On the sunlit slopes are terraced vineyards cultivated as part of “heroic viticulture”. The landscape also includes Monte Faro, designated as a Site of Community Importance within the Natura 2000 network.

Cultural history in buildings and murals

The Casona de Lemos dates back to the 16th century. Today it serves as Chantada’s cultural centre, municipal tourist information office and exhibition hall. This historic building thus brings together its past and several present-day functions.

The religious buildings also reflect different periods. The Monastery of San Salvador de Asma was established in the final years of the 10th century. Santa María de Nogueira de Miño is a Romanesque church dating from the second half of the 12th century. Santa María de Pesqueiras was recognised as an Asset of Cultural Interest in the category of Historic-Artistic Monument by decree dated 16 October 1950.

A comparison of the murals reveals different centuries and subjects: San Miguel do Monte preserves 15th-century paintings depicting the Descent from the Cross. Santa María de Nogueira de Miño has preserved 16th-century Mannerist murals attributed to Mestre de Nogueira. The scenes depicted include the Resurrection of Christ, the Last Judgement, the Ascension and the Annunciation.

Festivals and culinary tradition

The Folión de Carros takes place as part of Chantada’s patron saint festivities on the Saturday of the fourth weekend in August. It has been recognised as a Festival of Tourist Interest since 2002 and as an Asset of Cultural Interest since 2018. The Entroido Ribeirao is celebrated in the parish of Santiago da Riba on four traditional days: Lambedoiro Sunday, Corredoiro Sunday, Entroido Sunday and Entroido Tuesday. The date varies between February and March. The celebrations feature Volantes, Peliqueiros or Maragatos, as well as Mecos. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these festivals, check the specific date.

Chantada’s culinary tradition includes, among other dishes, Pulpo á feira, Lacón con grelos and Cocido, as well as cured meats and veal. Other specialities include wine with the Ribeira Sacra designation of origin, liqueurs and brandy. Empanada and Tarta de almendra are also among the traditional baked goods. This variety gives local cuisine its own place alongside the river paths, cultural heritage and festival traditions.

Discover more destinations: Viana, A Veiga de Logares, Campos de Vila, Nespereira, A Pobra do Brollón, Camposo, Burela, Fonfría.

For the broader travel overview: Lugo.