Ribeira Sacra, Galicia

The River Sil acts as a natural border between the provinces of Ourense and Lugo in the Ribeira Sacra region in Galicia, Spain. Although the last kilometres before the Sil flows into the River Miño might be better known for the wines (Mencía, Albariño and Godello) produced from the vineyards on the steep slopes (bancadas) of its narrow valleys and deep canyons, there are close to twenty monasteries in the area worth visiting, hence the name (Sacred Riverbank) of the area.

Club fluvial de Doade, Lugo

Canyons and valleys along the River Sil

Romanesque monastery of Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil

Inside view of the Romanesque Monastery of Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil

Aerial view of Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil in early Autumn

Remains of St Francis Cloister in Ourense