O Courel, the forgotten Galicia

Hiking Tours

LENGTH

4 Days

DIFICULTY

Moderate

START & END

Santiago de Compostela or Porto

DISTANCE

45 Km

GROUP SIZE

8 to 12 Max

LODGING

Standard

From 660€ / per person

 4.5/5

LENGTH

4 Days

DIFICULTY

Moderate

START & END

Santiago de Compostela or Porto

DISTANCE

45 Km

GROUP SIZE

Max 8

LODGING

Standard

From 660€ / per person

 4.5/5

OVERVIEW

O Courel is a mountainous region located in the southwest of the province of Lugo, Galicia. This mountain range is completed by the mountains of Os Ancares, its sister to the north, the most spectacular natural frontier in the lands of Galaicas. It is a broken territory, of mountains fractured by geological cataclysms, of faults that formed pointed ridges and deep valleys, of vertical slopes and valleys furrowed by streams. Among its highest peaks, Formigueiros, Montouto and Pía Paxaro, there are natural landscapes that are a true paradise for hiking fans

This tour can also starts in Porto (Portugal) without change of price!!

GALLERY / PHOTOS

HIGHLIGHTS

Courel Mountains UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve
Pristine Scenery & landscape
Mountain Schist villages
Beautiful Chestnut growths

The last prestine forest of Galicia.
Old trails linking the villages
History from the bronze age and roman time

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - MEETING AT SANTIAGO. TRAVEL TO COUREL (2h)

Welcome meeting at Santiago de Compostela. Travel to the Coural mountain range and our accommodation in a small typical village of this Galician Area. If we have some time, why not wander and discover the atmosphere and ambiance of these remote mountain villages…

Accommodation: Standard.

Meals: Dinner.

DAY 2 - HIKE FOLGOSO TO SEOANE

This day is characterized by the following of old paths, we will recre- ate the movements between locations in the river Lor valley . We will hike on trails that have long been in disuse, which at the bottom of the valley unite Folgoso do Caurel with Seoane do Caurel. We will pass by small places, now uninhabited and, an old blacksmiths shop, that from the 15th to the beginning of the 20th century forged the valuable iron found in the slopes of these mountains. Ore al- ready explored since the Roman occupation in this remote region of Galicia.

Accommodation: Standard.

Meals: Lunch Box, Dinner.

DAY 3 - HIKE THE DEVESA DE PADERNE

Devesa de Paderne, is an area of woods and chestnut groves, a place of shade and great beauty. The day hike takes place on paths that lead to abandoned places and others almost deserted. Some of these date back to before the Roman occupation. Others like Vi- lasibil have houses from the 13th century, still inhabited today. Here the chestnut tree is still a source of livelihood. And in many places we see ruins of how they used to treat it. The ruins of the Casio de Brio, and the impressive view over the val- ley are another attraction, before returning to the starting point.

Accommodation: Standard.

Meals: Lunch Box, Dinner.

DAY 4 - HIKE THE DEVESA DA ROGUEIRA. TRANSFER TO SANTIAGO

One hike that takes us to the last patch of ainciant forest of Galicia. This natural area is the window to how was covered in the past al Galicia and north of Spain.

The landscape over the valley is amazing and highlights this place, full of calm. The villages perched on the green slopes give a more humane and deceptive tone. Today they are mostly ghosts villages and proof of the difficult past of this area. As it is still today. In late afternoon transfer to Santiago de Compostela

Meals: Lunch Box.

INCLUSIONS

INCLUDED

Transport: PRIVATE TRANSPORT
Guides: BILINGUAL GUIDES.
Accomodation: STANDARD ACCOMMODATION.
Meals: DINNER AND LUNCHES AS DESCRIBED
Activities: HIKING
Insurance.

EXCLUDED

Personal expenses.
Travel to and from Santiago de Compostela.
Extra drinks

OPTIONAL INCLUSIONS

Individual Room.
Transfer from Airport / Train Station to the meeting point.
Extra nights in Santiago de Compostela.

DATES & PRICES 2024

On demand

WHAT TO EXPECT

This is an mountain area of Galicia that have being cut from the outside world for long. The mountains are of rugged relief and hikes are for fit persons. The accommodations are simple small Inns and Guesthouses.

We are to expect beautiful sceneries, and hikes between villages that are simple and almost stopped into time. The forest are pristine and chestnut growth are amazing. In autumn this is a paradise to hike and for photographers.

MAP

REVIEWS

James Fair

This was a fantastic trip with lots of free time to explore the cities on your own. The local transport used was extremely good and the included activities, particularly the tapas and the Camino walk, were excellent.

14 Oct 2019

Susan and Dave

A great trip, with a wonderful group of fellow travellers. Incredibly well lead by Helder. Enabled an opportunity to get to know a little about Spain and to appreciate the diverse nature and history of the country.

15 Jun 2019