Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Canyon · Ourense, Galicia
Canón do Sil
The canyon of the Sil river in the Ribeira Sacra, with walls over 500 meters high and terraced vineyards that descend to the water. Catamaran tours run along the river.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Canón do Sil
The Canón do Sil is the gorge carved by the Sil river in the Ribeira Sacra, near its junction with the Miño, between the provinces of Ourense and Lugo. In some places the walls have over 500 meters of vertical drop, with very steep slopes covered with woods and terraced vineyards.
The vineyards with the Ribeira Sacra Denomination of Origin descend the slopes down to near the water, on stone terraces built over centuries. Harvesting on these slopes is done by hand and is known as heroic viticulture.
The most popular way to see the canyon is the catamaran trip along the river, which departs from piers such as Santo Estevo and navigates the most enclosed stretch of the gorge. Lookouts on the high roads on both sides of the river show the canyon from above.
The river is dammed in places, creating stretches of calm water where the boats sail.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1.5 to 2 hours for the boat trip; half a day if you include the viewpoints.
Best time
From spring to autumn, when there are more catamaran departures. In September and October the harvest takes place and the slopes change color. In winter boats typically run less frequently—check schedules.
How to get there
The piers and viewpoints are about 30 to 45 km from Ourense, along mountain roads. Driving or taking an organized tour from Ourense is the most practical option.
Tip
Book the catamaran in advance, especially on weekends and in summer. Combine the boat with the Monastery of Santo Estevo and a viewpoint to see the canyon from below and above.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Canón do Sil
What is the boat trip through the Sil canyon like?
Catamarans travel the most enclosed stretch of the canyon, with steep walls and terraced vineyards on both sides. Schedules and departures vary by season.
Do you need a car to go to the canyon?
It's the most practical way, because public transport is scarce. There are also organized tours leaving from Ourense.
What is heroic viticulture?
It is the cultivation of grapes on very steep slopes, on stone terraces, with the harvest done by hand, as in the Ribeira Sacra.