Parador de Santo Estevo

Monks' cells above the canyon

The monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil was founded in the 10th century and grew over the centuries, so it mixes styles: it has three cloisters, one Romanesque, one Gothic and one Renaissance. Today it is a Parador. It is in Nogueira de Ramuín, on the Ourense bank of the Sil canyon, surrounded by forest and with views of the slopes of the river.

The rooms occupy the monks' former cells. There are standard doubles, superior doubles and junior suites, with contemporary decor inside stone walls, air conditioning, minibar, safe and flat-screen television; there is a lift and accessible facilities. The spa is in the monastery's former cellars and has an outdoor jacuzzi looking onto the forest.

Arriving by car along the Ourense bank

The Parador is set apart from the villages, surrounded by forest, and you arrive by car: from Ourense it is 28 km on the A-52, or you follow the N-120 towards Monforte and turn off at Penalva towards Luintra. Large coaches cannot come down to the door. The outdoor car park is free, partly covered, and there is a charger for electric cars.

Having dinner here makes sense, because there is little around. The restaurant serves inland Galician cooking, with chestnut and wines from the Ribeira Sacra, and fish from the rías. The spa circuit costs €35 for guests (€30 with the Amigo de Paradores card). If you are going with children, bear in mind that children under 4 do not enter the spa and that those aged 4 to 12 pay half and have a separate timetable worth asking about.

When to go and what it costs

It closes in winter: from 3 January to 1 March 2027. In the calendar on its website, a double for November 2026 comes from €119 room only, and some days reaches about €190–200. There are rates with breakfast, half board, non-refundable rates and special prices for Amigos de Paradores.

From here, close by, are the monastery of Santa Cristina, in the forest on the same bank, and the Balcones de Madrid over the deepest part of the canyon.