Galicia’s Secrets Panoramic Road Itinerary
Embark on a journey through the heart of Galicia, where you will discover its secrets and experience its beauty. The Galicia's Secrets Panoramic Road trip starts in the city of Ourense and takes you through 134 kilometers of stunning scenery and historical sites. Along the way, you will pass through Xunqueira de Espadanedo, San Esteban de Ribas de Sil and Ferreira de Panton.
The best time of the year to drive this route is in the Spring and Summer, when the landscapes are at their most beautiful. You will be able to take in the stunning views of the rolling hills and lush green valleys as you drive, and perhaps stop and explore some of the historical sites along the way. The roads are generally in good condition, although there are some curvy and narrow roads to look out for.
This is a road trip that can provide a very high level of experience and memories, and is suitable for every driver. It can also be managed on a moderate budget, so it won't break the bank. The recommended time to complete the Galicia's Secrets Panoramic Road is one day, but you could take longer to really explore the area and take in all the sights and sounds.
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number of days
134 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Ourense
Distance 134 km
Driving time 2.8 h
Pace: modest
34.8 kWh
Airports
SCQ
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VGO
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Ourense, the capital of the Galicia province in Spain, is an excellent starting point for the road trip named "Galicia’s Secrets Panoramic Road". This city is renowned for its thermal springs, which makes it a great place to relax and explore the culture of the region. Its Roman bridge, the As Burgas thermal springs, the Cathedral of San Martiño, the Puente de San Francisco, and the old quarter of Ourense are all must-see attractions.
For travelers coming from abroad, the closest international airport is Vigo Airport (VGO), located approximately 90km away. Car rentals are available at the airport for those who want to travel around the region at their own pace.
Galicia’s Secrets Panoramic Road is a great way to discover the hidden gems of the region. Starting from Ourense, you will be able to explore the stunning landscapes, unique architecture, and cultural heritage of Galicia. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventurous road trip, this is the perfect place to start.
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Ourense
- Xunqueira de Espadanedo
Distance 26 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: modest
6.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a thrilling road trip from Ourense to Xunqueira de Espadanedo! This 26 km stretch of road will take you less than an hour to complete and will take you through some of the most scenic routes in the region. Sections of the road are narrow and winding, so be sure to stay alert while driving. Along the way, you will see some of the most beautiful views of the countryside, with rolling hills and lush forests. Make sure to stop at the Monastery of Santa María de Oseira, a 12th-century Romanesque building that is a must-see. For a bit of history, take a trip to the Castle of San Cibrao, a medieval castle built in the 10th century. Finally, don't forget to visit the Church of San Xoán de Espadanedo, a 12th-century Romanesque church. For more information on attractions, accommodations, restaurants and campsites, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Get ready for an amazing road trip experience!
Xunqueira de Espadanedo - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Xunqueira de Espadanedo
- Parada de Sil
Distance 22 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: modest
5.8 kWh
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Start your road trip in Xunqueira de Espadanedo, Spain and end in Parada de Sil, a journey of just 22km and a driving time of less than an hour. Enjoy the scenic road while you drive, with some narrow sections, and take in all the beautiful sights along the way. Make sure to stop off at the incredible Castle of Sanabria in Xunqueira de Espadanedo, and the beautiful Church of San Miguel in Parada de Sil. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, why not take a break in the small village of Puebla de Sanabria, with plenty of places to eat and drink. For those looking to stay the night, there are plenty of accommodation options in the area. To find out more about attractions, restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage.
Parada de Sil - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Parada de Sil
- San Esteban de Ribas de Sil
Distance 19 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: slow
4.3 kWh
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Embark on a 19 km journey from Parada de Sil, Spain, to San Esteban de Ribas de Sil, and be mesmerized by the beauty of the winding roads and narrow sections of the route. Take in the stunning views of the landscapes and appreciate the picturesque scenery of the rural roads. Be sure to pay attention to the road, as it is quite winding in some sections, and narrow in others. Enjoy the drive and make sure to take plenty of photos along the way!
Visit the small village of Parada de Sil, and explore its old churches and monasteries. Then, head to San Esteban de Ribas de Sil, and take in the stunning views of the Río Sil, and the surrounding mountains. Be sure to take a stroll along the riverbanks, and take in the serene atmosphere of the area.
This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy the drive, and explore the beauty of the area!
San Esteban de Ribas de Sil - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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4
San Esteban de Ribas de Sil
- Os Peares
Distance 13 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: slow
3.1 kWh
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Start your road trip from San Esteban de Ribas de Sil and travel to Os Peares, a 13 km journey that will take you less than an hour. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning views of the rolling hills and lush countryside. As you drive, be sure to keep an eye out for steep ramps, winding roads, and narrow sections. You'll also want to make sure to take in the beautiful scenery along the way.
When you arrive in Os Peares, you'll be rewarded with a great selection of places to explore. Visit the Church of San Esteban, a beautiful 16th century church that stands as a reminder of the area's rich history. Or take a stroll through the Plaza Mayor, a charming square that's been the heart of the town since the 16th century. If you're looking for a more active experience, check out the nearby hiking trails, which offer spectacular views of the countryside.
No matter what you choose to do, you're sure to have a great time on this stage of your road trip. And for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage.
Os Peares - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Os Peares
- Ferreira de Panton
Distance 15 km
Driving time 0.2 h
Pace: fast
4.4 kWh
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Are you ready for a road trip adventure? Join us for a spectacular drive from Os Peares to Ferreira de Panton. This 15 km drive takes less than an hour, and offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region. As you travel, keep an eye out for the rolling hills and lush greenery that make the area so special.
Once you arrive in Ferreira de Panton, you'll find plenty of things to do. Visit the stunning Church of San Xoán de Ferreira to admire its beautiful architecture, or take a stroll through the town's cobblestone streets. If you're looking for a great spot to relax, head to the nearby Pantón River for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
No matter what you choose to do, you're sure to have a great time on this road trip from Os Peares to Ferreira de Panton. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Ferreira de Panton - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Ferreira de Panton
- Chantada
Distance 26 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: modest
6.7 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Ferreira de Panton to Chantada! This 26 km route will take you less than an hour to drive, and you'll be able to take in the stunning views of the Spanish countryside. As you drive, keep your eyes peeled for narrow sections of the road, and be sure to take in the breathtaking scenery. Along the way, make sure to stop at the iconic Monastery of San Xoán de Caaveiro, the breathtaking Church of San Martiño de Xeve, and the historically significant Castle of San Xoán de Río. Make sure to also take in the breathtaking views of the Cabe River. As you journey towards Chantada, make sure to take a break and enjoy some of the delicious local cuisine. When you reach Chantada, be sure to explore the beautiful Plaza Mayor and the impressive Church of San Martiño. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Chantada - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - - Wikimedia Commons
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7
Chantada
- Taboada
Distance 13 km
Driving time 0.2 h
Pace: fast
3.9 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Chantada to Taboada! This 13 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete, and you will get to explore some of the most interesting places in the region.
Start your journey in Chantada, where you can visit the Church of San Miguel Arcángel, a historic building with an impressive Baroque façade. Then, take a stroll through the Plaza Mayor and the Plaza de la Iglesia, two of the most beautiful squares in the area.
Continue your trip to Taboada, where you can admire the ruins of the Castle of Taboada, a fortification of great historical value. You can also take a walk through the old town and visit the Church of San Francisco, a beautiful building from the 18th century.
This is just one of the many stages of this incredible road trip. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please visit the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Taboada - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - - Wikimedia Commons
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Taboada
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Taboada is the perfect destination to wrap up a road trip through the secrets of Galicia. Located at the northern tip of the province of Lugo, Taboada is a small town that offers beautiful views and interesting places to visit.
The town is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, which make it a great spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, or simply enjoying the scenery. The nearby rivers are perfect for fishing and kayaking.
One of the main attractions of Taboada is the Iron Age hillfort, which is located on top of the highest hill in the area. This ancient fortress offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and is a great place to learn about the local culture and history.
Other points of interest in Taboada include the Romanesque church of San Roque, the church of Santa María de la Asunción, and the ruins of the ancient monastery of San Paio de Taboada.
If you are coming by car, the closest international airport is Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ). From there, you can take the scenic route along the Galicia’s Secrets Panoramic Road and make your way to Taboada.
No matter how you choose to get there, Taboada is a great destination for those looking to explore the secrets of Galicia. With its stunning scenery, interesting historical sites, and plenty of outdoor activities, Taboada is the perfect place to end an unforgettable road trip.
Galicia’s Secrets Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Ourense
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End:
Taboada
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Distance:
134 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ),
Vigo Airport (VGO)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the Galicia's Secrets Panoramic Road Trip, an enchanting 134-kilometer voyage that starts in the thermal city of Ourense. This route weaves through the heart of Galicia, showcasing its stunning vistas, verdant landscapes, and a treasure trove of cultural heritage.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
The adventure includes stops at the historical Xunqueira de Espadanedo, home to the Monastery of Santa María, which dates back to the 9th century. Further along, in San Esteban de Ribas de Sil, travelers can marvel at the Sil Canyon's steep terraces, famous for their vineyards that produce the exquisite Ribeira Sacra wine. Lastly, the village of Ferreira de Panton invites visitors to explore the Romanesque Church of San Facundo and the medieval Pazo de Tor. The journey is enhanced by the stunning vistas of terraced vineyards, the meandering Sil River, and the traditional Galician architecture.
Best Time to Go:
The most idyllic time for this Road Trip is during the spring, when the landscape is awash with blooming flowers, and the summer months, which offer lush greenery and comfortable temperatures for exploring the outdoors.
Potential Risks:
The route includes some hairpin turns and narrow stretches that demand attentive driving. Nonetheless, the Roads are well-kept, contributing to a safe driving experience.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
This adventure is not only about scenic beauty but also a deep dive into Galicia's gastronomy, with opportunities to taste local specialties like pulpo a la gallega (octopus), empanadas, and the region's famed cheeses. The Trip can be budget-friendly, with affordable accommodation and dining options along the way. While it's possible to complete the drive in a day, taking a couple of days allows for a leisurely pace to savor each location's unique offerings.
A good choice for:
The Galicia's Secrets Panoramic Road Trip is a mesmerizing journey perfect for those who appreciate the fusion of natural splendor with historical depth. It's a must-do for anyone seeking to uncover the lesser-known delights of one of Spain's most magical regions.
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