Where can you sleep?
If you are coming to Orense and would like to enjoy of the touristic opportunities that this region can offer, you have plenty of places to choose from. There is the more urban option, for those visitors who would prefer to stay near the city centre, but which needs to be booked in advance since the capital runs out of accommodation very quickly.
Nevertheless, there is also much to see away from the city, which is the reason why we suggest enjoying of the rural tourism in this province, which will offer you some of the most incredible landscapes like Allariz and its historic and artistic heritage, and a medieval character that makes it a unique place.
Another must that will also help you find some peace and quiet, with some of the greatest views, is Ribadavia, Galicia's capital of the province a long time ago and where many different cultures were met, as the old jewish quartier shows.
In Parada del Sil you will find also some of the best views in the province with the vast, green oasis of the woods that surround the area and will help you free your spirit.
What to do in the area?
Orense's beauty will leave you speechless, because it is one of the provinces with the greatest and largest historical heritage of Spain that will take you to the country's past.
You mustn't forget to visit Casco Vello at the very center of the capital and where you will find some of the most representative sights of the city, such as the Plaza Mayor, or the cathedral.
Since this is a region with many water springs, you can't forget either to check them out. The termal baths of Termas de A Chavasqueira are the perfect place to relax and enjoy of the magic properties of its waters.
Fo those who would like to combine culture and nature, we recommend visiting Bosque Merilán, as it hides a true natural treasure: the monastery of Santa Cristina, one of the most beautiful and magical spots in the Ribera Sacra.
The Pasarelas del Mao and Cañón del Sil are not for the light-hearted, but we strongly recommend visiting them if you can, especially if you feel like embarking on a true adventure.
What typical foods are recommended?
Eating in Orense means being able to enjoy of a unique gastronomical experience, filled with contrasts and flavours that will allow you to try the true essence of this land.
You will find here many local products that are treated with great care to be later served to you as part of the most exquisite dishes.
One of the most popular and world-renown ones is 'pulpo' (octopus), which has been collected from the sea to stay as one of the most typical dishes of this province. Together with 'pulpo', lamprey and eels caught in the river Miño are, together with the local meat, the main chapter of Orense's recipe book.
As for the traditional desserts from this region, 'bica' and 'almendrados' are the main examples of it.
You can conclude this gastronomic journey with any of the PDO Ribeiro wines.
Where are the festivities?
Celebrating special occasions is an important part of Orense's character that you should get to know too, where culture, tradition and folklore come hand in hand to show visitors its deep-rooted customs and tradition.
One of the important dates that you should write down are the carnivals, one of the best ways of getting to know the local colour of its people, where the streets are filled with music, street bands and music in many places. Gastronomy plays also an important part of it, as the streets are also filled with small food stands where you can grab a bite of the most traditional dishes.
Another important festivity is the Fiesta da Androlla in Viana do Bolo, where gastronomy is also the protagonist.
Finally, the Fiesta do Boi in Allariz, and Fiesta da Istoria, declared of National Tourist Interest, in Ribadavia, are two of the main ones.
