Ourense Many guidebooks devote little time to Ourense but it has an abundance to offer. The countryside is as green and beautiful as anywhere in Galicia and the River Miño is more spectacular the further it winds inland.

Visit: The village of Los Peares, two spectacular parks, the mountain ranges

The village of Los Peares is where the Rivers Sil and Miño meet. Close by is the Monastery of Ribas de Sil, and along the banks of the Miño to the west, surrounded by vineyards and forests is Ribadavia with a fine position overlooking the river. The Dominican Monastery and the Jewish quarter are both worth a visit here.

Two breathtaking natural parks, the Baixa Limia-Serra do Xurès and the Monte O Invernadeiro, are found in Ourense. Partly surrounded by Portugal to the south and west, Baixa Limia-Serra do Xurés shows a great contrast of landscape. From the wide flat banks of the river Limia, to the high mountain peak of Nevosa, the wildlife inhabiting these parts ranges from wolves and wild boar to eagles and kestrels.

Monte O Invernadeiro comprises a series of mountain ranges: the Sierra de Queixa, the Sierra de San Mamade and the Montes Do Invernadeiro making this area perfect for hill walking and also nature-watching. Fallow deer, stags and their predators the wolves are all present in an area where man is notable for his absence.