Thermal history, woodland paths and views of the Miño reveal different sides of Cortegada. The historic town, associated with thermal bathing, is also known as “Cortegada de Baños.” When planning your trip, you can start by choosing a focus: architecture and thermal history, a route through the landscape, or individual cultural landmarks.

Thermal history and present-day use

The emblematic thermal building visible today is modernist and was built in 1937. Following a complete renovation in 2019, it is currently used as a thermal bath museum and restaurant. This brings architectural history and present-day use together under one roof. If you are planning to visit the museum or restaurant, check current visitor arrangements in advance.

Routes through woodland and riverside landscapes

The main route of the Roteiro por Terras de Cortegada starts at the Balneario Vello de Cortegada and follows the reservoir to the abandoned settlement of A Barca, where there is a laurel forest. The route then climbs through stands of oak and cork oak to the Church of San Bieito. Along this route, the woodland and the transition from the reservoir shore to the higher-lying tree stands are both highlights.

The Cortegada BTT route offers a different kind of route: it is a loop that starts and ends in Cortegada. The trail follows tracks and paths, often near riverside areas. For the river itself, the Augas do Miño kayak route is a separate option. It runs along a calm, accessible stretch of the Miño, with riverside vegetation and thermal springs along the riverbed. The descriptions emphasize different things: woodland and changes in elevation on the Roteiro, a loop and proximity to the river on the BTT route, and the stretch of river on the kayak route.

Viewpoints with different vistas

The Mirador a Bouza is in the centre of Cortegada, on high ground beside the road to Celanova. From there, panoramic views extend over the Miño’s meanders and riverside vegetation. The viewpoint can be reached on foot from the centre in about ten minutes, or by car. As access conditions can change, it is a good idea to check them before your visit.

The Mirador Coto da Pena offers panoramic views over the Miño valley, vineyards, green hills, the river and historic places. The viewpoints differ in what they showcase: A Bouza highlights the river’s meanders and riverside vegetation, while Coto da Pena also takes in vineyards, hills and settlements.

Churches and a Roman altar

The Santuario San Bieito de Rabiño is known for the Baroque façade of its church. San Breixo de Refoxos has a different history: it was a priory of Celanova, and in the 19th century its oratory was converted into a parish church. Together, these sites tell a story that moves from a Baroque façade to a change in the church’s function.

Another historic record is the Ara Romana de Zaparín, a Roman altar made of fine-grained granite with a six-line inscription. Today, it serves as the base for a cross in front of the parish church of Zaparín. These examples let you explore different aspects of the cultural heritage: architecture, the conversion of an oratory, and a Roman inscribed monument.

The Ribeiro wine region

Cortegada is part of the approximately 2,500-hectare production area for wines with the Ribeiro designation of origin. The area also includes Ribadavia, Arnoia, Castrelo de Miño, Carballeda de Avia, Leiro, Cenlle, Beade and Punxín. The wine connection is therefore regional in scope and spans several municipalities.

Discover more destinations: Casaio, Lobios, Vilanova, O Pereiro De Aguiar, Mesón, A Mezquita, Baños de Molgas, As Ferreiras

For the wider travel overview: Ourense.