Free walking tours in Monforte de Lemos and what to see

Must-sees

Monforte de Lemos is the main town of the Ribeira Sacra and was the seat of the powerful Counts of Lemos. The first thing that catches the eye is Mount San Vicente, which towers over the town. Up there are the keep, the old counts' palace and the monastery of San Vicente do Pino, now a parador. The views over the valley make the climb worthwhile.

Below, by the river Cabe, stands the Colegio de Nuestra Señora de la Antigua, a huge Renaissance building nicknamed the Galician Escorial. Its picture gallery holds works by El Greco and Andrea del Sarto. Very close is the old bridge and, on the other bank, the Poor Clares convent, with a sacred art museum. The town also has a railway museum and a centre devoted to Ribeira Sacra wine.

Free tours and guided visits

Pay-what-you-like free walking tours are not plentiful in Monforte. The usual options are guided visits of the historic centre and the Colegio de la Antigua, which is visited with a guide to see the church and the picture gallery. Some routes also climb Mount San Vicente and explain the history of the Counts of Lemos.

Excursions are the area's great draw. The most recommended is a catamaran trip through the Sil or Miño canyons, which lets you see the terraced vineyards up close. There are also winery visits with tastings, routes to monasteries such as Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil and tours of viewpoints over the canyons.

How long to spend

One day is enough for the town. Spend the morning on the Colegio de la Antigua and the old bridge, and the afternoon on Mount San Vicente and the sacred art museum. If you want to see the Ribeira Sacra, stay two or three days: one for the catamaran and viewpoints, another for wineries and monasteries. You will need a car to get around the area.

Where to stay

The centre, between the river Cabe and the climb up Mount San Vicente, is the best area to sleep. From there you see everything on foot and have restaurants and the railway station close by. If you want a treat, the parador occupies the old monastery at the top. If your plan centres on the canyons, you can also look for rural houses among the vineyards, near the boat piers.