Cristosende is located in the heart of the vineyards of the Ribeira Sacra, a Denominacion in its own right. You can walk along the many paths passing through the vineyards seeing the people at work tending the vines on the terraces, many of which date from Roman times.
The wine of the region is made using mainly the Mencia grape for the red, and the Albarinio & Gordello for the white. There are numerous bodegas to visit (mostly by appointment) where you can taste these excellent wines and make purchases if you wish.
There are numerous ancient buildings, Romanesque churches and monasteries to visit, and the perfectly preserved Roman bridge at Villarino Frio where you can almost hear the legions marching smartly across.
The village of Cristosende is perched on a saddle of land that overlooks the Rio Sil, which is the flooded Canyon de Sil, a reservoir created in 1945 – 1965. This stunning gorge with its spectacular scenery is beautiful at any time of the year. For much of the year a small cruiser, and a larger catamaran cruise twice daily up part of the canyon – a highly recommended trip. There are facilities to hire canoes on the Sil . Sometimes our canoe is available for use, at your own risk, likewise there are three bikes, but bring your own cycle helmets.
There is also a tourist road train that goes part of the way into the canyon and down along a vineyard road.
Swimming in the river Sil is a lovely experience, deep water but surprisingly, beautifully warm in summer. About 2kms to nearest access.
