Verín

Day Trips

Wake up to a fresh breeze in Plaza Mayor and admire the ornate balconies of the 18th-century houses. Wander through narrow cobbled streets lined with stone buildings that whisper centuries of history. Taste a warm empanada gallega at a family-run café as the town stirs to life.

Spend the afternoon browsing boutique shops filled with handmade ceramics, local crafts, and artisanal linens. Stop at a tavern for a plate of jamón ibérico paired with a glass of Albariño. Learn about Verín’s past at the Casa da Cultura, soaking in the local artwork and historical exhibits.

As dusk falls, enjoy a dinner of hearty caldo gallego in a rustic tavern, warming up by a crackling fire. Join locals for an evening paseo along Avenida Rosendo G. Milia, where conversations drift on the cool night air. Finish the night with a scoop of turrón ice cream, admiring the soft glow of streetlights on stone façades.

Start the day at the historic Termas de A Chavasqueira, immersing yourself in its mineral-rich thermal pools. Feel the therapeutic waters ease away tension as lush greenery surrounds the spa complex. Enjoy a light breakfast of Galician yogurt and honey in the spa’s sunlit lounge.

Indulge in a soothing mud wrap and aromatherapy massage before floating in the heated outdoor pool. Take brief breaks to sip herbal teas in the wellness garden, listening to the gentle burble of a nearby spring. Recharge with a healthy salad infused with local olives and cheese at the spa’s café.

As evening descends, return for a final soak under the stars in the thermal bath. Savor a light tapas dinner at the spa terrace overlooking manicured lawns. Drift home feeling refreshed, ready for the next day’s adventures.

Embark on a scenic boat cruise along the Castrelo de Miño river, marveling at riverbanks draped in emerald vineyards. Learn about the intricate irrigation channels that sustain the D.O. Monterrei wine region. Enjoy a mid-morning pastry and coffee as the boat glides peacefully downstream.

Disembark for a guided kayak paddle through calm waterways, exploring hidden inlets and native flora. Pause for a lakeside picnic of cured meats, local cheeses, and crusty bread. Paddle to a secluded spot and take a refreshing dip in the cool river.

Return to Verín for dinner at a waterfront bodega, sampling freshly grilled trout paired with crisp Godello wine. Watch the sun set in a blaze of color over terraced vineyards. End the evening with a stroll along the river promenade, listening to ripples against the hull.

Journey to the imposing Castillo de Monterrei where medieval stone walls rise against the sky. Explore the barracks, chapel and ramparts while taking in panoramic views of the Verín valley. Capture photographs of arrow slits and aged battlements that transport you back to medieval times.

Descend to a nearby winery in the Monterrei appellation for a tasting of robust red and white varietals. Tour underground cellars carved from granite, inhaling the earthy aroma of aging wine barrels. Pair each pour with regional cheeses and savory chorizo on a sun-soaked vineyard terrace.

Return to Verín as dusk settles and dine at a boutique wine bar offering small plates matched to local vintages. Sample Godello, Mencía, and more while discussing flavor profiles with an expert sommelier. Cap off the night with a leisurely walk through illuminated streets under a star-filled sky.

Set off on a scenic 40-minute drive to Puebla de Sanabria, admiring rolling green hills on the way. Begin at the 15th-century castle overlooking a tranquil lake and learn about centuries of Galician history. Wander through flower-filled squares as local vendors prepare their stalls.

Rent a small boat on Lago de Sanabria and glide across glimmering waters, surrounded by forested peaks. Pause for a picnic of locally sourced sausages, tortillas, and chilled wine on a hidden shore. Hike a short trail around the lake, breathing fresh mountain air.

Return to Verín for dinner at a cozy taverna, indulging in pulpo a la gallega drizzled with smoky paprika oil. Share stories with fellow travelers at communal tables while swallows dart overhead. End the night with churros dipped in warm chocolate as a sweet farewell.

Attend an early service at the Iglesia de Santa María, admiring its Gothic arches and stained glass windows. Take time to photograph ornate stone carvings and the tranquil cloister courtyard. Afterwards, sample traditional bread and cheese at a nearby café.

Stroll through Verín’s bustling local market, scanning stalls of fresh produce, cured meats, and vibrant textiles. Chat with farmers selling honey, jam, and seasonal fruits grown in nearby orchards. Pick up ingredients for a picnic in the park or souvenirs for loved ones.

Head to Parque do Escudeiro for an alfresco dinner featuring market finds beneath ancient oak trees. Listen to live bagpiper melodies drifting on the breeze. Watch the sun dip behind rolling hills, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange.

Return to the grand Fortaleza de Monterrei for a deeper dive into its hidden cisterns and chapel frescoes. Climb the watchtower for an unrivaled vista of terraced vineyards and distant mountains. Snap photos of the fortress’s symmetrical layout from every angle.

Visit a family-run winery at the base of the fortress walls to taste elegant Godello and bold Mencía varietals. Walk through vine rows guided by the winemaker, learning about traditional organic methods. Enjoy a charcuterie board prepared with house-cured lacón and local olives.

Dine at a courtyard restaurant framed by ancient stone walls, where candlelight flickers off vaulted ceilings. Pair regional dishes like zorza tacos and Tetilla cheese with crisp white wines. Conclude the evening with an after-dinner stroll beneath moonlit battlements.

Embark on a guided hike through the remote Sierra de Xures, trekking past granite outcrops and fragrant pine groves. Listen to birdsong echoing off rocky cliffs as you ascend gentle slopes. Stop for a morning snack of nuts and dried fruits with panoramic views before you.

Descend to a hidden waterfall for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear pools. Enjoy a packed lunch of empanadas, seasonal fruit, and chilled water by the rushing stream. Capture the lush green surroundings in photographs that showcase Galicia’s pristine wilderness.

Return to Verín for a rustic dinner of lamb stew simmered in local red wine. Savour each spoonful while warming up by the hearth in a traditional stone inn. End the day with a nightcap of artisanal brandy, reflecting on the day’s natural beauty.

Visit an historic olive oil mill on the outskirts of Verín to witness the traditional pressing process. Breathe in the heady aroma of freshly extracted oil as machinery hums. Sample drizzles of golden oil on crusty bread, tasting subtle hints of grass and herbs.

Join a hands-on gastronomy workshop where you learn to make empanada gallega and filloas under a local chef’s guidance. Knead dough, mix fillings of tuna or pumpkin, and master the perfect fold. Feast on your creations paired with sparkling Ribeiro wines.

Dine at a nearby vineyard restaurant, indulging in gourmet bites inspired by Galician ingredients. Pair each course with olive oil-infused sauces and local condiments. Conclude the evening dancing to lively folk tunes performed by regional musicians.

Board a restored heritage train at Verín station, letting vintage carriages transport you through the tranquil countryside. Admire rolling vineyards and quaint hamlets drifting past sunlit windows. Learn about the line’s history during a narrated journey.

Disembark at a rural station for a guided walk to a local farm house, enjoying countryside views dotted with olive groves. Sample homemade cheeses, breads, and preserves while chatting with farming families. Return to the train for a leisurely ride back to town.

Celebrate your final night with a multi-course farewell feast at a renowned Verín restaurant. Indulge in signature dishes like empanada de zorza and crema de queixo while pairing each with estate wines. Raise a glass to ten unforgettable days of discovery and savor every last morsel.