Free walking tours in Allariz and what to see

Must-sees

Allariz is one of the best-kept towns in Galicia. Its historic centre of cobbled streets and stone houses was thoroughly restored and won the European Urban Planning Prize in 1994. It's quick to walk around but deserves a slow pace. Among the churches, Santiago, San Esteban and Santa María de Vilanova stand out, along with the Royal Convent of Santa Clara and its museum of sacred art.

The other half of the visit is the Arnoia river. Its banks have been restored as a riverside walk, with mills, boardwalks and green spaces. It's worth crossing the medieval bridge of Vilanova and visiting the Muíño do Burato mill and the ethnographic park. The Museo do Xoguete, devoted to toys, is a fun visit if you have children.

Free tours and guided visits

Allariz has no regular free walking tours. The usual options are guided visits of the historic centre and the Santa Clara convent, which explain the town's medieval history and its role as a royal residence. Tailor-made routes are also organised for groups, often combined with the riverside walk.

For excursions, Allariz combines well with Ourense, about twenty kilometres away, where you can add the old town and the hot springs by the Miño. Another option is the Ribeira Sacra or the Ribeiro area, with winery visits. And don't leave without trying almendrados, the town's typical sweet.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough for the old town and the riverside walk, but a full day is ideal. In the morning, the churches, Santa Clara and the centre. In the afternoon, the Arnoia river, the mills and a museum. If you stay over and have a second day, use it for Ourense or a wine route around the province.

Where to stay

The best option is to stay inside the historic centre or on its edge, by the river. That way everything is a short walk away and you enjoy the town once the day visitors leave. There are restored stone houses and small places that fit the atmosphere. If you want more choice, the city of Ourense is close and works as a base for getting around by car.