Ourense has a privilege that is noticeable behind the wheel: in less than an hour you can go from the Praza Maior to a canyon 500 metres deep. The Sil river acts as a natural border between Ourense and Lugo and has carved out a monumental gorge, with tiny vineyards on slopes that demand a heroic effort. These six getaways can be done in a day, and the furthest one is 57 minutes away without traffic. Here you have what to see in each one and how to plan it.
Sil Canyon: catamaran between vineyard slopes
The Sil canyon is a monumental fluvial gorge, with walls up to 500 metres deep and vineyards on steep slopes, which acts as a natural border between Ourense and Lugo. It is 22.8 km and 38 minutes by car from Ourense to Nogueira de Ramuín without traffic. To see it from the water, Picuco organises the Catamaran trip through the Sil Canyons.
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Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil Monastery: guided tours and prices
Santo Estevo is one of the most outstanding sites of Galicia's monumental heritage, and seeing it from the inside changes the visit. Guided tours of the church take place from Wednesday to Sunday at 10:00, 12:00 and 16:30. In October 2026 they cost 5 € per person, 4 € for groups, and free entry without a tour is 2 €. Book at least half an hour in advance if you want to enter with a guide. You can consult the Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil Monastery file to organise your day.
San Pedro de Rocas Monastery, in Esgos: an ancient rock monastery
In Esgos, an ancient monastery and church for Catholic worship, no longer in use, is preserved, excavated into the rock. It is 25.0 km and 41 minutes by car from Ourense to the Centro de Interpretación do Mosteiro de San Pedro de Rocas without traffic. It is a short and comfortable stop to combine with others in the canyon. You have all the details in San Pedro de Rocas Monastery.
Balcones de Madrid, in Parada de Sil: viewpoint over the Sil canyon
The Balcones de Madrid are a viewpoint in Parada de Sil, in Ourense, with views over the Sil river canyon. It is 43.3 km and 49 minutes by car from Ourense to Parada de Sil without traffic. Leave the car in the designated area and walk about 200 metres along a dirt path to the viewpoints. If you can, visit at sunset: the light at that hour is the best reason to go up. Prepare your visit with the Balcones de Madrid file.
Mao River Boardwalks: wooden walk over the river
The Mao River Boardwalks are a path along a wooden walkway with panoramic views of the Mao river and its surroundings. It is 43.3 km and 49 minutes by car from Ourense to Parada de Sil without traffic. Parking is very limited: barely a few spaces on the OU-0605 road, next to the path signs. Consult the Mao River Boardwalks file beforehand.
Baixa Limia-Serra do Xurés Natural Park: high mountains, balancing rocks and Roman road
Xurés mixes high granitic mountains with steep peaks, mid-altitude mountains and valleys covered by reservoirs. Its needles and balancing rocks, granite stones that time has left in complicated balances, are the hallmark of the area, and the Roman footprint of the Vía XVIII passes through here. It is 65.3 km and 57 minutes by car from Ourense without traffic to the Centro de Interpretación do Parque Natural Baixa Limia - Serra do Xurés. It is the furthest getaway on the list and requires the full day. Picuco organises a Horse ride with picnic in the Xurés Natural Park there.
Driving times from Ourense and access to each getaway
The times on this list are measured from the Praza Maior of Ourense and without traffic, so add some margin during rush hour. The canyon can be reached via several detours from the OU-536 A Rúa-Ourense, via the local road from Castro Caldelas to Luíntra passing through Parada de Sil, or from Os Peares, between Ourense and Monforte de Lemos. Check the route before leaving and calculate your return journey with daylight.
Frequently asked questions
What to see near Ourense in one day?
The Sil Canyon is a monumental fluvial gorge where the Sil river acts as a border between Ourense and Lugo. Los Balcones de Madrid, in Parada de Sil, are a viewpoint with views over the Sil river canyon. And the Pasarelas del Río Mao are a path along a wooden walkway with panoramic views of the Mao river and its surroundings.
How long does it take to get from Ourense to each getaway?
It is 43.3 km and 49 minutes without traffic to Parada de Sil, both for Los Balcones de Madrid and for the Pasarelas del Río Mao. It is 25.0 km and 41 minutes without traffic to the Centro de Interpretación do Mosteiro de San Pedro de Rocas. It is 65.3 km and 57 minutes without traffic to the Centro de Interpretación do Parque Natural Baixa Limia - Serra do Xurés.
What nature getaways are there near Ourense?
Baixa Limia-Serra do Xurés Natural Park combines high granitic mountains with steep peaks, mid-altitude mountains and valleys covered by reservoirs. There, the needles and balancing rocks are granite stones that time has designed in complicated balances and have become the hallmark of the area. In Parada de Sil, the Pasarelas del Río Mao are a wooden walkway over the river. And the Sil Canyon has canyons 500 m deep.
What guided activities does Picuco organise on these getaways?
Picuco organises a catamaran trip through the Sil Canyons to see the gorge from the water. It also organises a horse ride with picnic in the Xurés Natural Park, designed to traverse the mountain range calmly.