Things to do

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Hiking
Galicia is a walking paradise, with the many caminos to Santiago all coming together here. Galicia offers a large number of well-indicated and signposted walks, known as the PR (pequeño recorrida) and GR (gran recorrida) hikes.
 

Most routes are linear, and good circular routes aren't easy to find. We have walked and enjoyed the following circular routes:

- Beautiful Rio Pequeño hike in the Courel mountains PR-G 219
- Ruta da Cubela along the Sil River with magnificent views PR-G 180

- The route of the Santa Christina Monastery in Parada de Sil PR-G 98
 

Detailed information on walking and hiking routes can be found here

Ribeira Sacra
The Ribeira Sacra (wine) region is a spectacular area to explore with the terraced vineyards that cling to the steep riverbanks of the rivers Miño and Sil. The area offers waterfalls, river beaches, good food and wine, romanesque churches, century-old monasteries and other heritage sites as well as superb 'miradores' or viewing points.

The website of the Ribeira Sacra tourism board is multilingual and offers full details on what to do and see, where to eat, hiking routes as well as city trips and information on the Camino de Santiago.

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The boat trips on the rivers Sil and Miño are popular and it is essential to book in advance if you would like to go. You can embark on the Miño in Belesar and Peares. The Sil offers boat trips from Doade and Sober.

Most bodegas have visiting hours and offer wine tastings in Spanish. If you would like a guided tour in English we can recommend Bodega Algueira or Regina Viarium in Doade.

Sightseeing
Lugo is an old Celtic city and the only city in the world to be surrounded by completely intact Roman Walls. The old town is bustling in summer with restaurants and bars and is a lovely place for Sunday people-watching. The cathedral and the provincial museum are worth a visit too and don't forget to get an ice cream in Bico, just off the main plaza. 

Ourense is a medieval city with small cobblestone streets in its a pedestrianised centre. Its thermal springs right on the banks of the river Miño are a delight on colder days. Soaking in these baths is pure bliss and entry is free.

Santiago de Compostela is a great city to visit, its old center is pedestrianised and dotted with little bars and restaurants. Lunch with the locals in the Mercado de Abastos, enjoy a coffee on a terrace while pilgrims pass by and visit the Cathedral at 14.00h to avoid queues (at this time everyone else is having lunch!).
 

The monastery of San Julian de Samos is just a short drive from Casa da Cabaza along pretty country roads. The stunning gardens, the unusual modern-style murals and the impressive chapel are all worth a visit.

The guided tours in Spanish last about 40 minutes.
For an up-to-date timetable please check the website of the monastery.

The eco museum Pazo de Arxeriz is a nice and informative museum showing visitors what life was like in the old days in the Ribeira Sacra. There are lovely gardens and the archeological dig on the hill next to the manor house offers the most stunning views of the 'Cabo do Mundo'. Daniela speaks English and would be happy to show you around.

Rectoral de Gundivos: Elías makes the most beautiful black pottery at this stately home in the Ribeira Sacra. If booked in advance, he will happily show you around and give a demonstration.

Galicia has a rich Romanesque heritage and there are many places of interest. The Ribeira Sacra is considered to have the highest concentration of rural Romanesque architecture in Europe, so if this is something you like there is lots to explore and see!

Eating out

Below are a few places we like and recommend:

A Cantina Pulperia Luis, Sarria +34 982 53 53 34
For traditional Galician style pulpo. Simple and delicious.
 

A Faragulla, Chantada +34 982 88 13 51
The best restaurant in the area with good food and an excellent sommelier.
 

A Taranxela or Quinta Sacra, Pincelo +34 637 47 82 60
The food isn't special but the location is wonderful. You can spend a day swimming, eating, drinking and they offer boattrips on the Miño.

Adega Alguiera, Doade +34 982 15 22 38
Bodega, winery and restaurant so you can book a full day out here. Winetasting, lunch, a short walk and a boat trip on the river Sil.

Braseria Casa Reboiro, Ribasaltas +34 661 71 23 01
Good food, friendly service and excellent free range Galician meat.

 

Chamouco Cerveceria, Boveda +34 982 42 60 09
Pizza's and tapas, simple food with friendly service.

Restaurante Roma, Sarria +34 982 53 22 11

Galician cuisine, better quality than the usual with a nice terrace in summer.

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Trespes, Monforte de Lemos +34 661 43 43 36

Lovely terrace next to the Roman bridge and the river, good food with local ingredients. 

Hospital, pharmacies & health centres

The closest hospital, including emergency services is in Monforte de Lemos. Both O Incio and Boveda have a health centre.

 

The opening hours of the health centre in O Incio are Monday to Friday from 08.00h - 15.00h. To make an appointment please call: 982417532 / 982427077.
The nearest pharmacies are in O Incio and Boveda.

Supermarkets, ATM and gas station

There is a supermarket and a bakery in O Incio (the bakery will deliver bread if you ask them). There are 2 supermarkets in Boveda. For more elaborate shopping try Sarria and Monforte, where the nearest petrol stations are located. The nearest ATM is in Rubian or O Incio.

Loss, damaged or missing property

We understand that sometimes accidents happen. Should you break anything please let us know immediately. If it is something minor we usually won't charge. If it's a larger issue, we would like to agree the cost with you before you leave to avoid any issues later.
 

While Casa da Cabaza is safe, we are not responsible for the loss of any valuable belongings or documents left in your room, your car, public areas or elsewhere.