Best day trips from Ourense
Ourense makes a brilliant base for exploring inland Galicia. Medieval villages, ancient monasteries and dramatic river canyons all sit within easy reach. Best of all, most trips take under an hour by car. So pack your walking shoes, and let’s look at where to go.
Ribeira Sacra and the Sil Canyon
The Ribeira Sacra is easily the most dramatic day trip from Ourense. Steep terraced vineyards cling to the canyon walls above the Sil river, and ancient monasteries hide among the forests. Book a sailing with Catamarán Río Sil to glide beneath the cliffs from the Abeleda jetty. Reserve online ahead of time, since summer sailings sell out fast.
Afterwards, visit the Santo Estevo monastery, now a stunning parador surrounded by oak woodland. Nearby, Castro Caldelas also rewards a short stop, with its medieval castle towering over the village. If you’d rather explore further, the mountain village of A Pobra de Trives makes a scenic extension to the day.
Driving is by far the easiest way to reach the canyon, since public transport barely touches this area. If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location. If you haven’t got wheels yet, it’s worth sorting one out before you go. Hire a Car.
Allariz
Just twenty minutes from Ourense, Allariz is one of Galicia’s prettiest towns. Its riverside old quarter earned a European Town Planning Prize for its careful restoration, and it really shows. Wander past the Romanesque Iglesia de Santiago, then head to the Convento de Santa Clara, home to the largest Baroque cloister in Spain.
Don’t miss the Museo do Coiro, dedicated to the town’s leather-working heritage, or the quirky Museo do Xoguete toy museum. For the best view over the rooftops, climb up to Monte do Castelo, where the old fortress once stood. Afterwards, cool off at the Acearrica river beach, a favourite with locals on warm afternoons.
Allariz also doubles as Galicia’s unofficial outlet-shopping capital, with fashion and footwear stores tucked into its old stone buildings. It’s an easy half-day trip, though foodies may want to linger longer over the town’s famous almond desserts.
Getting here by car is simple and quick. If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location. Don’t have a car sorted yet? Hire a Car.
Ribadavia
Ribadavia calls itself the capital of the Ribeiro wine region, and it wears that title proudly. Vineyards ring the town, while the historic centre hides one of Galicia’s best-preserved Jewish quarters. Start at the Castillo de los Sarmiento, where an audio-guided tour leads you through the old fortress walls.
From there, wander the Barrio Xudeu, once the most prosperous Jewish neighbourhood in Galicia. Stop by the Museo Sefardí, set inside a former bakery, to learn about Sephardic life in the town. Round things off at the Museo Etnológico, housed in the grand 18th-century Pazo de Baamonde, before strolling along the Avia riverside for lovely views of the old bridges.
Since Ribadavia sits on the main rail line, the train makes a genuinely easy option here. Check connections. Prefer to drive instead? If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location.
Celanova
History lovers shouldn’t skip Celanova, home to one of Galicia’s grandest monastic complexes. The Monasterio de San Salvador dominates the town’s main square with its huge Baroque church and two elegant cloisters. Guided tours run several times a day from the tourist office, and they’re well worth booking ahead, as numbers are limited.
The real highlight sits tucked inside the monastery gardens: the tiny Capilla de San Miguel. This Mozarabic chapel dates back to the 10th century and remains almost entirely unchanged. Its stone carvings and blue-tiled interior make it one of the oldest surviving buildings in Galicia, so it’s a genuinely special stop.
Celanova sits roughly 25 minutes south of Ourense, making it an easy add-on to a Ribadavia day trip. Driving is the simplest option. If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location. Hire a Car.
Santiago de Compostela
Fancy a bigger day out? Santiago de Compostela sits just over an hour from Ourense, and it’s every bit as impressive as its reputation suggests. The Cathedral of Santiago anchors the old town, marking the end of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Book tickets for the rooftop tour or museum in advance through the cathedral’s own website.
Beyond the cathedral, wander the Praza do Obradoiro, browse the covered Mercado de Abastos food market, and duck into the Museo do Pobo Galego to learn about Galician culture. Since it’s easy to fill a whole day here, an early start pays off.
Trains run regularly between Ourense and Santiago, making rail the most relaxing choice. Check connections. Driving works well too, and traffic rarely causes trouble outside rush hour. If you are already in Spain, you can click here to get directions from your current location.
Wherever you choose, these day trips show off just how varied inland Galicia really is. Between canyons, vineyards and medieval streets, you’ll never run short of places to explore from Ourense. For more inspiration, check out our 7-day itinerary for Galicia.