Incio offers practical starting points for planning your trip around walking routes, waterscapes, and cultural heritage. At the Embalse de Vilasouto, the signposted Ruta de Vilasouto runs along a large part of the shore. Wooden walkways and several recreation areas are part of the route; activities include swimming, fishing, cycling, and children's games. The walking route is 3.6 kilometres long and has a low difficulty level. The reservoir lies between Monte Agudo and Pena Furada.

Choose Routes by Length and Landscape

Those comparing routes by length will find a range of options in Incio: the Ruta de Trascastro is about 5 kilometres long and runs between A Ferrería and Trascastro. Along the way, it passes old mills on the banks of the Cabe and Antigua rivers, as well as the Castro de Igresario archaeological site in Trascastro. The Ruta de Eirexalba is about 11.7 kilometres long, starts and ends in Vilarreguengo-Eirexalba, and runs along the Embalse de Vilasouto. It also includes the Mirador del Monte Eirexalba, at an altitude of 585 metres.

The distances offer an initial basis for comparing the routes; their waypoints highlight different features. Mills and an archaeological site shape the Trascastro route, while the Eirexalba route includes the reservoir shore and a viewpoint. At 3.6 kilometres, the Ruta de Vilasouto is shorter than the other two routes. Check current route conditions before setting out.

Iron Ore Mines and Petroglyphs

The PR-G 225 Ruta do Ferro starts at Pena do Chao, a rocky area with a petroglyph and a viewpoint over the valley of the Antigua and Cabe rivers. The route runs along the northern slopes of Pico de Santa Bárbara, A Boibela, and Penedo do Campo; all three mountains are over 1,000 metres high. The iron ore mines of Cova do Avión, Cova da Tinta, and Cova do Couso lie along the route. Do not enter the mines without permission.

The petroglyphs at Pena do Chao form a group of circular, hemispherical cup marks carved into the rock. A municipal description from 2024 notes several benches at the viewpoint, an information panel about the petroglyphs, and a sloping bench for stargazing. The viewpoint combines a view over the valley with the petroglyphs and information about them.

Rivers and Waterfalls

Waterfalls and river courses also feature among the described destinations. The Fervenza de San Pedro do Incio can be reached from the church of San Pedro de O Incio; at the Embalse de San Pedro, it drops about 4 metres. The Antigua River flows underground in places and re-emerges near its main waterfall. To reach the Fervenza do Río Antigua, leave your car in San Miguel and walk down to the river. As route conditions may change, check them before setting out.

Church, Crafts, and Tradition

The Iglesia de San Pedro Fiz de Hospital is classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem built it at the end of the 12th century or the beginning of the 13th century; the order later became known as the Order of Malta. The church was built largely of marble and has striking blue tones on its façade. It also lies on a historic branch of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago, connecting the French Way with the Winter Way.

The 14th edition of the Feira de Artesanía y Productos de la Tierra, documented in 2024, combined craft stalls with workshops for all age groups. It also featured local food stalls selling typical products such as honey and cheese. Another cultural tradition is rooted in A Cervela, where traditional dances have been performed for more than 500 years in honour of Saint Santa Lucía.

More to Discover in Incio

The Buxán climbing area has 52 climbing routes. The Museo da Pedra in Buxán displays works by Álvaro Pereiro as well as finds from local castros, including a millstone and axe fragments. For another themed route, try the PR-G 239 Ruta do Mamut e os Castros in O Incio: it is six kilometres long, starts at Castro de Lebón, and links archaeological remains and historic castros with mammoth sculptures and life-size mammoth replicas.

Discover more destinations: Pidre, Sabenche, A Airoá, Ourol, Valbón, Fonte De Cervos, Cervo, Palas De Rei.

For the broader travel overview: Lugo.