In Cenlle, you can plan your trip around several specific themes: outdoor thermal pools, paths along the Miño, circular hikes and traces of Roman mining. There is also a wine-growing landscape with a long history. The different route lengths and difficulty levels can help you choose the right focus for your stay.
Thermal Pools and Paths Along the Miño
The Barbantes recreation area is located in the parish of A Barca de Barbantes and has three outdoor thermal pools that are free to access. A 4.7-kilometre riverside path also runs along the Miño near Barbantes. Ducks, herons and cormorants can be spotted along the riverside stretch between Barbantes and Laias—possible encounters, not guaranteed sightings.
Another route is a 1.96-kilometre thermal path from the Barbantes thermal area to Vila termal Laias. The path is completely flat and suitable for families and bicycles. It is also called Ruta do Miño and has some trail markers and information boards about fauna and flora. The thermal springs of Laias have been in use since Roman times.
The permanent orienteering course is located between the Barbantes thermal area and Hotel Balneario Laias Caldaria, in the Espacio Natural Ribeiras do Miño natural area. The riverside path along the Miño and the thermal path from Barbantes to Laias are two different routes; the orienteering course is a separate course.
Circular Hikes with Different Difficulty Levels
The Ruta Calzada Romana is a 15-kilometre circular hike rated moderate to difficult, with around 400 metres of elevation gain. Part of the route follows an old Roman road that connected San Cibrao de Lás with the Roman mining site of A Coba da Moura. Its length, elevation gain and difficulty rating offer practical guidance if you are planning a more challenging hike.
At 11 kilometres, the Ruta Cova da Moura is shorter and is described as a circular hike of moderate difficulty. It offers a view of the Miño near Barbantes. The two routes therefore differ not only in length, but also in their stated difficulty and elevation gain: the Calzada Romana has around 400 metres of elevation gain, while no figure is given for the Cova da Moura.
Mining History and a Waterfall
A Cova da Moura is a mining site dating from the end of the Bronze Age to the early Iron Age. The 70-metre-long, 1.80-metre-high tunnel was used by the Romans to channel water to the gold-washing installations at the local mining site. The route and the mining site share the name Cova da Moura; with its view of the Miño, the hike also reveals another aspect of the landscape.
Fervenza de Xubín features rapids, pools and waterfalls. The tallest waterfall plunges around 40 metres over granite and gneiss rock. The described approach follows the N-120 between Ourense and Vigo, a turn-off at Xubín and then a track to the entrance of an abandoned privately owned quarry. From there, it is a few metres on foot to the waterfall. As access conditions can change, check them before your visit.
Vineyards and Hiking Trails
Viticulture is also part of the landscapes described here. The vineyards of Cuñas Davia cover two hectares in four plots and have a history of winegrowing stretching back 800 years. The Priorato de Razamonde estate covers 24 hectares; 20 hectares are vineyards, while the rest is covered by native forests and hiking trails. At Cuñas Davia, two hectares of vineyards are spread across four plots; the 24-hectare Priorato de Razamonde estate includes 20 hectares of vineyards, while the rest is covered by native forests and hiking trails.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Laias, Xunqueira De Ambía, A Rúa, Casdenodres, Lobios, Allariz, Bubaces, Eiras.
Return to the main travel overview: Ourense.
