A Rúa offers everything from views of the Sil and vineyards to old wine cellars, the historic district of A Rúa Vella and churches with different historical connections. So, depending on your interests, you can focus on the landscape, wine-growing, trails or architecture during your trip.

Views of the Sil and the vineyards

From Miradoiro de Barranco Rubio, you can enjoy sweeping views to the south of A Rúa, Petín, the Embalse de San Martiño reservoir on the Sil River and the extensive vineyards. These benefit from the valley’s climatic advantages. The panorama brings together the named places, the expanse of water and the vineyards; the reference to the climate also provides a specific connection to the vineyards.

One way to explore the area on foot or by bicycle is the circular route between A Rúa and the end of the Embalse de San Martiño reservoir. It is 1.8 kilometres long; the walk takes one hour and the bicycle ride half an hour. The route is considered easy. Check the distance, estimated times and difficulty rating locally before setting out.

Wine-growing traditions among cellars and wineries

As Pinguelas is a group of old wine cellars on the banks of the stream in A Rúa. The facilities are of great ethnographic and historical-cultural value and are included in the Galician Cultural Heritage catalogue. They were specifically designed to make use of natural temperature and humidity conditions for making and storing wine. Their construction connects cultural heritage with the practical use of natural conditions for wine-growing.

There are several active wineries near As Pinguelas, where you can learn about the production of D.O. Valdeorras wines. Individual visitor options may vary; check in advance to find out what is available.

Historic district and churches

A Rúa Vella is the historic district of A Rúa and a landmark on the Camino de Invierno. The Iglesia de Santo Estevo is also in A Rúa Vella; its origins date back to the Middle Ages. The Igreja de Fátima, also known as Iglesia de Fontei, offers a different historical perspective: it was built between the 19th and 20th centuries and is considered an outstanding example of religious architecture in Valdeorras.

Every May, a festival in honour of the Virgen de Fátima is celebrated at the Iglesia de Fátima. The church is decorated for the occasion and attracts many worshippers. The exact festival dates and programme may vary. If you would like to include the festival in your travel plans, check the latest details in advance.

Routes with different landmarks

The A Rúa Vella – Somoza – A Reza route starts in the square in A Rúa Vella. It crosses the N-120, follows a path to A Pala and then continues along a trail to As Pinguelas. There is a spring with particularly good water at the destination. Trail conditions may vary; check them before your trip.

For a circular walk with a specified distance and duration, the route by the reservoir offers concrete planning information. The route via A Pala, by contrast, focuses on the described trail and the spring at the destination. This lets you choose the route description that interests you most without combining the two routes into a single trail.

Discover more destinations: Vilela, Pepín, Rairiz De Veiga, Congostro, Quinta, Monterrei, Cea, Vilamartín de Valdeorras

For the wider travel overview: Ourense.