Here is a collection of links, sites and tips on what to do this summer, should you visit the Ribeira Sacra. There is a tourist information in Monforte, near the "Escalapio" the Escorial of Monforte and there is one in Sober, the new all glass centro de Ribeira Sacra.
You can also always drop me a line or simply drop by to get more information, if you stay with us in the Casa de las Flores and you ask me, I might talk your ear off (joking).
First as I love trains the Galaico Expreso Ribeira Sacra.
As of 17th of July until 12th of September this train will run Saturdays and Sundays between Monforte and Ourense.
In the morning at 9:30 from Monforte, you can return on the same train with a stop in Os Peares or you can stay in Ourense and take the late afternoon train back.
For more details click on the picture and it will load a PDF with full details.
Yes, at 22 Euro it is not cheap, but being a special train, running through one of the most outstanding landscapes (parts only have a train track) with a bar and just 1st class compartments, I think it's a must go.
How about taking a kayak out for a spin? Than go for a swim or lay on a beach?
Club Nautico Belezar (10) offers guided tours, even on dry land (walking) and / or just rental. To get there you even have to cross a dam. From Monforte take the CG 2.1 to Escairon (Santiago). A while after Escairon the road dips down. You'll see a glimpse of the Belezar dam. There is a turn off to Pesquiras. It is before you go across the large bridge. Go there and the second bridge to your left, just follow the signs Club Nautico. 
This will bring you to the impressive dam. Go across and in front of the power station turn right.. You can't miss it. If you go straight and than right in front of the power station, you'll get to another great view point.
To see it in overflow mode you'll have to come in winter or early spring when we have had too much rain. Contacts: Acibros Monforte & Proadventur Quiroga as well as Turnauga Coruna
At are more sedate pace is this years VinoBus.
You can join it in Monforte and be guided through the impressive wine region of the Ribeira Sacra. It stops at a very nice Adega (or Bodega) where you can sample and order or buy.
The wine museum in Monforte, well worth a visit, should have you prepared for this tour.
Rutas Romanico - There is also an opportunity to visit churches, which are very often closed and it's not easy to get keys. More information - Rutas Romantico PDF -
Don't forget to pick up the "Caminando" guide from LugoSur in the tourist informations. It has descriptions of lovely walks and inspirations to discover the Ribeira Sacra and the O Courel.
We haven't yet been there, but are being told that visiting the Eco museo & Fundacion Xose Soto de Fion makes for a great excursion. Click on the picture to visit the site for much more information.
Then there are the artesans. Some are easy to find others not or just appear on Ferias.
Two I can recommend. One is the Oleria in Gundivos - next village to us. Here Elias produces the black pottery in traditional and some more modern forms.
A lightweight souvenir and real price of handcraft can be found at Anna's Studio. Traditionally woven fabrics, the wool spun and dyed according to traditions, you are welcome there and for a small fee you get a full tour. Anna's husband, who works in the cellar, happens to be a well known basket maker. He always has some traditional baskets and is happy to explain the origin and different techniques used. Contact: Natural Textiles Anna C.
These are just some examples of what to do this summer whilst visiting Galicia and more specifically the Ribeira Sacra.
You may wish to read our quick guide about - Tourism in the Ribeira Sacra - ,because you will be pretty much on your own. It is one of the best kept secrets for nature lovers all year round and so far, the local tourism organisations do their best to keep it that way.
