Riós brings together chestnut landscapes, walking trails and visible traces of local history. This makes the municipality an interesting destination for a trip where you can choose how to balance nature and cultural experiences. If you’re looking for a holiday rental in Riós, these themes can help you decide what to focus your time on: trails and chestnut groves, historic sites or the autumn festival.

Chestnuts as a central theme: trails and culture

The Roteiro Europeo da Castaña links sections for walking, horse riding and cycling. It passes through chestnut groves with centuries-old trees. The route begins near the Church of Santa María de Riós and ends at the Church of Santo Estevo de Trasestrada, next to the Chestnut Interpretation Centre. In this way, the chestnut provides a common thread connecting the landscape, churches and the place where different aspects of chestnut culture are presented.

Similar-sounding names refer to different places here: Foxo dos Lobos is a four-kilometre route that begins and ends in Pedrosa and is located in the Serra de Urdiñeira. The similarly named Foxo do Lobo, by contrast, is a historic structure. Another hiking option, the Ruta das Fervenzas–Cortegada, is rated as moderate. The descriptions emphasise different aspects: Foxo dos Lobos has a specified length, while the difficulty of the Ruta das Fervenzas–Cortegada is indicated.

The Foxo do Lobo was built by local shepherds around the 10th century and used until the 15th century to gather livestock and protect it from wolf attacks. The Foxo dos Lobos in Pedroso was signposted, restored and cleaned in 2017. Its historical context makes it a distinct point of interest alongside the trails through the chestnut groves.

Churches, Interpretation Centre and Pilgrimage Route

The Church of Santa María de Riós was completed in 1718 and has a Baroque tower. It lies near the start of the Roteiro Europeo da Castaña. At the end of the route stands the Church of Santo Estevo de Trasestrada, right next to the Chestnut Interpretation Centre. The centre is located in La Iglesia, in the parish of Trasestrada, in a restored former rectory. It combines tradition and modernity to present the chestnut and various aspects of the municipality of Riós. In this way, architectural history and the interpretation of local themes complement the trails’ connection with the landscape.

The Vía da Prata also offers another point of reference for planning a trip: a section of this route, which is part of the Way of St James, passes through the municipality of Riós. The pilgrimage route thus connects with the municipality as a whole, beyond its individual churches and chestnut-related sites.

Autumn festival with chestnuts and mushrooms

Since 1990, the municipality of Riós has organised the Festa da Castaña e do Cogomelo to promote chestnuts and mushrooms as typical autumn produce of this mountainous region in the southeast of Ourense province. The festival has been awarded the designation “Fiesta de Interés Turístico de Galicia” (Festival of Tourist Interest of Galicia). It ends with a public meal and a tasting of chestnuts and mushrooms, organised by the municipality. If you’re planning your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates in advance, as future dates may vary.

Discover more destinations: Viana Do Bolo, Congostro, Sarreaus, Seixalbo, O Viso, Laza, Parada De Sil, Pepín

For the broader travel overview: Ourense.