Forest Route

The Festival of the Chestnut is held in Burela in November. In addition to the typical ‘magosto’ (traditional Galician feast with chestnuts) ‘bollos preñados’ (filled bread rolls) are served and the wine is accompanied by live music and traditional dances. Not far from the urban centre, nature can be enjoyed in the recreational area of Monte Castelo. In addition to the beautiful panoramic view over the coast line (the Cantabrian level begins or ends in Burela), here you will find History.

Nearby there is the ‘castro’ settlement of Chao do Castro (not excavated), where the famous torque of Burela was found. This prehistorical jewel is a rigid gold necklace and distinctive ornamental element of power or wealth that is represented in the municipal coat of arms. It is the largest of the torques found in Galicia and is kept in the Provincial Museum of Lugo.

In the A Rilleira neighbourhood, belonging to the parish of San Xulián de Cabarcos, a Chestnut Festival is also held as a tribute to this Galician product. Take the opportunity to go to the recreational area of Santo Estevo do Ermo to stroll around the forest of the same name, on your own or along the hiking trail. This is a beautiful indigenous forest, made up of oaks, chestnuts, birches or laurels. You will also see the spectacular Santo Estevo waterfall, especially in the rainy season.

The walk through the authorised route of Fraga da Vilapena (PRG-85) is an immersion into these types of ecosystems that are so characteristic of Galicia. The trail, which is about 10 km, is surrounded by indigenous trees so you can make the most of it and go mushroom picking.

The Fraga Vella Route is at about 15 km from the town centre; it runs through the valley of the river Valiñadares and passes by the foot of the O Rei Cintolo Cave (check the visiting conditions). This site offers a wealth of flora and fauna for nature lovers to enjoy. It is repopulated by pine trees so in the autumn you can find a great variety and quantity of mushrooms. Specialist companies in the area organise mycology excursions.

Another essential place to go to is O Coro waterfall, in the hills of As Bouzas, which offers a beautiful river landscape.

In the neighbouring municipality of Mondoñedo, about half an hour by car, you can also organise visits on the subject of bees (making honey) and mycology accompanied by professionals of the area. On the way, let them take you to magical places such as the O Escouridal waterfall, A Frouxeira castle (on the border between Foz and Alfoz) or Pena Abaladoira. On the route to get to this last site, right in the middle of O Xistral mountain range, you will find a great variety of mushrooms.

The ‘liquid gold’, the honey, is one of the most representative agricultural products of O Valadouro and stands out for its quality. In fact, the Honey Fair (2nd weekend of October) is one of the gastronomic dates of reference in the municipality and all of the A Mariña coast of Lugo as bee-keepers throughout the region come to it.

Outside this date, arrange a time if you want to visit the Museum of Honey (private), plan a visit to a honey farm or participate in mycology routes. If you are by the Fraga das Leiras or by the Pozos Route, you will have the opportunity to see two beautiful sites. A typical ‘fraga’ and the Pozo da Onza waterfall.

The Autumn Market is held in O Valadouro in November during which attendants can purchase seasonal products and handicrafts. In the evening there is a popular ‘magosto’ (traditional chestnut festival hold in November).

Ourol shares a natural environment with O Valadouro starring the O Xistral mountain range and the course of the river Ouro, from which it takes its name. It has a great wealth of landscapes that offer an ideal framework for active tourism or hiking.

In the autumn, the mountains are filled with mushroom hunters (parasol mushrooms, ceps,.., very abundant in the high areas, and that along with other products offered by the territory are the basis of its gastronomy. The typical ‘magosto’ is celebrated in November in the parish of Miñotos.