Parador Castillo de Monterrei

Monterrei Castle is situated near Verín, a beautiful town in the southeast of the province of Ourense. Here we can explore the traditional neighbourhood of San Lázaro, the Casa do Asistente, with its unique coat of arms, and walk through the old quarter discovering other corners such as the Plaza de la Merced, the Cabreiroá spring, the chapel of San Lázaro, the Plaza Viriato, the Plaza del Rey or the Plaza Mayor, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the river Támega.

Here you can also visit the mineral-rich medicinal springs of Verín, go on routes exploring the Monterrei D.O. wineries, and visit the Parque Natural del Invernadero. Additionally, its proximity to the Portuguese border means you can visit the town of Chaves.

If you’re a lover of nature sports, Verín has the perfect environment for mountain biking and hiking routes.  At the Parador we’ll answer all your questions and offer you seasonal activities such as horse riding, golf and swimming. The Castelo de Monterrei is also an ideal place to follow the St. James’ Way and the Silver Route, both of which pass through the area, and the Thermal Water Route between the Galician town of Verín and the Portuguese towns of Chaves and Vidago.

Monterrei Tourist Train

Galicia also offers tourist train tours, one of which is the Monterrei Tourist Train. It lets you discover the Monterrei region and its Designation of Origin, and includes a tasting at the Gargalo Winery owned by the designer Roberto Verino, plus visits to the Castle of Monterrei, the gardens of Allariz, the Collegiate Church of Xunqueira de Ambía, the Moncho Borrajo Museum and the train station of Baños de Molgas. Days: 18 June and 2, 15 and 30 August. Consult prices at the Parador.

Entroido

A Festival of National Tourist Interest, it is one of the most popular Carnivals in the region. It begins on a Sunday, the so-called "Domingo de Corredoiro", with the sound of fireworks, brass bands and the gathering of the "cigarrones" (masked men who run around encouraging people to participate) in the morning. That same day, in the afternoon and evening, the first masked ball is held in the main square, although the Carnival begins on Thursday, the "Jueves de Comadres", when the women leave the men at home and go out to dinner in disguise. The most exciting day is Sunday, with the great parade of floats and cigarrones.