Free walking tours in Chantada and what to see

Must-sees

Chantada is a town in the Lugo part of the Ribeira Sacra, on the right bank of the Miño. Its historic centre keeps arcaded mansions on the Praza do Cantón, the Praza do Mercado and nearby streets. On the Praza do Mercado is the Casa de Lemos, now a cultural centre, and not far away the church of Santa Mariña. The riverside path along the Asma and the Alameda are good places for a stroll in town.

The municipality is rich in rural Romanesque: Santa María de Pesqueiras, with mural paintings, San Salvador de Asma, linked to a former monastery, and Nogueira de Miño are the main stops. Belesar, by the Miño reservoir, has terraced vineyards running down to the water and a bridge of ancient origin. For views, climb Monte do Faro, with its hermitage on the summit, or viewpoints such as Cabo do Mundo.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Chantada, but there are some organised activities. You can visit a Ribeira Sacra winery with a tasting, take a catamaran trip on the Miño from the Belesar jetty or go up in a balloon to see the canyons and vineyards from the air. For the old town and the Romanesque churches, the simplest option is to go on your own with information from the tourist office.

How long to spend

A morning is enough for the town. If you add Belesar, the catamaran trip and a winery, allow a whole day. With two days you can tour the Romanesque churches, climb Monte do Faro and walk the Belesar vineyard route. At harvest time the terraces are in full swing and it is a good moment to visit.

Where to stay

The most practical option is to sleep in the centre of Chantada, near the Praza do Cantón, with restaurants and services on foot. If you want scenery, there are rural houses and stays among vineyards in the parishes near the Miño, especially towards Belesar, though you will need a car. Monforte de Lemos, half an hour away, has more choice and works as a base for the rest of the Ribeira Sacra.