Vilouxe lookout
River bends.
Fernando — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Anual — CC BY-SA 4.0 · JCNazza — CC BY 3.0 · JCNazza — CC BY 3.0 · JCNazza — CC BY 3.0
The Sil Canyon is a deep river gorge in the Ribeira Sacra area of Galicia, north-western Spain, on the border between the provinces of Ourense and Lugo, about 24 km in a straight line east of the city of Ourense. Over millions of years the Sil river has cut a narrow valley into granite, with walls dropping steeply hundreds of metres to the water and long bends winding between the hills. Chestnut and oak woods cover its slopes, and old farming terraces, built since Roman times, cling to the sunny sides. Viewpoints along the roads above look down on the gorge, among them the Vilouxe lookout and the «Balcones de Madrid», with wide views over the river's bends. In summer, river cruise boats sail between the high walls, giving visitors a view of the canyon from below. The viewpoints are free, while boat trips are paid and usually run from spring to autumn. Roads in the area are narrow and winding, and the autumn colours make October one of the best times to visit.
River bends.
Between the walls.
Since Roman times.
Ribeira Sacra, Ourense, Galicia, Spain
Usually spring to autumn.
Autumn, for the colours.