Parking for the A Abeleda and Ponte do Sil jetties

At the bridge on the Monforte de Lemos to Castro Caldelas road over the Sil there are two jetties, one on each bank, and a different company sails from each. On the Ourense bank, A Abeleda, from which the Catamarán Río Sil catamaran leaves. On the Lugo bank, Ponte do Sil, formerly known as Doade, from which the Lugo Provincial Council's boats sail to Santa Cristina. They are a few hundred metres apart, and the parking for one also serves the other across the bridge.

Where to leave the car

Parking is free. At A Abeleda you park in line, beside the road itself, at kilometre 18 of the Castro Caldelas to Monforte road; that is the address Catamarán Río Sil gives for its jetty, which belongs to the municipality of Castro Caldelas, in Ourense. If that row is full, the same company says there are more spaces a few hundred metres away, on the other side of the river, beside the Doade jetty. From there you walk back over the bridge.

Neither operator advertises supervised parking or reserved spaces for motorhomes or coaches. If you are in a group, ask when you book: Catamarán Río Sil has a section on crossings for groups.

How early to arrive

Both operators are punctual. The Lugo Provincial Council asks you to be at the Ponte do Sil jetty at least 30 minutes before departure, with your ticket and ID or passport; under-3s do not pay, but need a ticket. Catamarán Río Sil asks you to arrive early and sails on the dot. In July and August and at weekends the catamaran places run out and the in-line parking fills up sooner, so arrive half an hour before your boat at least. If you cannot go, Catamarán Río Sil allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Services at the jetties

At the Ponte do Sil jetty there is a café. On the A Abeleda catamaran no food or drink is served, but you can bring your own; in summer it is worth bringing water. On the Provincial Council boats pets are not allowed, except assistance dogs, and the Mencía boat is accessible on the lower deck: if you use a wheelchair, call the booking centre beforehand, on +34 982 260 196, because access depends on the level of the reservoir.

Getting there

From Monforte de Lemos it is about 20 minutes by car to the bridge. If you are sleeping in the area, the Casa Grande de Rosende or the Parador de Monforte are close at hand. To see the canyon from above, the Balcones de Madrid are on the Ourense bank; on the Lugo one you can stop at an Amandi winery such as Algueira. The Monforte tourist office publishes the boat times every month.