Ribas de Sil: Trails, Heritage and River

Ribas de Sil combines a distinctive river landscape with hiking trails, historic buildings and traces of gold mining. When planning your trip, it is worth considering which of these aspects interests you most: the routes vary in length and course, while the churches, bridge and former mining sites each offer their own insights into the region’s history.

The Sil Landscape and Routes

A Cubela lies on a nearly 180-degree meander formed by the Sil and is the destination of the Ruta da Cubela. The nearly 14-kilometre PR-G 180 Ruta da Cubela is a circular route: about half runs close to the Sil, while the other half passes through higher areas of native woodland and meadows. This means that the route combines riverside sections with stretches at higher elevations.

Another route is the Camiño de Inverno. This 14.6-kilometre stage runs from Quiroga through San Clodio to A Cubela and passes almost entirely through Ribas del Sil. At nearly 14 kilometres, the PR-G 180 is a similar length, but the descriptions refer to different routes: a circular route with sections by the river and through higher woodland and meadow terrain, compared with a stage with specified start and end points.

The Ruta do Ouro is shorter, at eight kilometres, and can be travelled by bus. It offers views of the remains of gold-mining sites dating back thousands of years in Peites, Figueiredo and Piñeira. This is distinct from the route through the Complejo Arqueológico de Covallón: this 4.5-kilometre hiking trail links four Roman gold-mining sites in Ribas del Sil. The two options therefore lead to different historic traces of mining.

Buildings and History

The Igrexa de Santa María de Torbeo dates from the late Romanesque period and may have been built at the end of the 13th century. Part of the architectural heritage of the Abbey of San Clodio has also survived. Founded around a thousand years ago, the abbey is represented today by its church, a tower and the entrance portal.

Another striking structure is A Ponte de Ferro, completed in 1883. Its two metal bridge girders, measuring 78 and 18 metres, are supported by two stone arches. The bridge can therefore be described not only by the time it was built, but also by its construction: the stone arches and metal girders together form the bridge.

By the River and in Town

The Canón do Sil forms a natural boundary between the provinces of Lugo and Ourense; Ribas del Sil lies on the Lugo side. The canyon slopes also feature contrasting landscapes: sunny slopes have Mediterranean vegetation, while shady ones have Atlantic vegetation and landscapes. This contrast shapes the character of the river valley, with the two sides differing from one another.

Playa fluvial de San Clodio has a large bathing area and an amphitheatre where sociocultural activities take place throughout the year. Outdoor sports facilities offer opportunities to play football, basketball and table tennis; there is also a motorhome parking area. Swimming, sports and events each offer a different focus by the river.

A bakery in Ribas del Sil is also part of the local character; it still makes bread and empanadas in a wood-fired oven. When looking for a hotel in Ribas de Sil, you can use your travel interests as a starting point: routes and gold mining, historic buildings or riverside activities each offer a different focus for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Castro De Rei, O Vicedo, Hortás, Chantada, Vilar, Vilaxoán, Ourol de Arriba, Antas De Ulla.

For the main travel overview: Lugo.