Vilarchao: Hiking, Culture and Nature

Hiking and Landscape

Ruta Coles 1 is an approximately 20-kilometre circular hiking trail marked with orange squares. It passes through Pazo de Fontefiz and combines an extended hike with a specific destination along the way. Before setting out on a circular hiking trail, the current trail conditions should be checked. When preparing for circular hikes, planning is based primarily on their approximate length; the current condition of the trail remains a separate point to check. A marker describes the route, but does not replace checking the trail before setting out.

Botánico de Montealegre and Dragonenos are also located in the vicinity of Vilarchao. Botánico de Montealegre is a garden, while Dragonenos is a park. Successful community days with alpacas have taken place at Alpacas As Bolboretas. The current opening hours of gardens should be checked before visiting. The current opening hours of parks can be checked before visiting. The current dates of alpaca days should be checked before travelling. Gardens and parks each have their own opening hours, while community days with alpacas are tied to specific dates. The dates for such events should be checked again before visiting.

Culture and Local History

The Hórreo dous claros in Vilarchao is classified as “Integral (B.I.C.)”. The Follateira festivities also take place in Vilarchao. Festivities are events tied to specific dates; the current date is therefore part of the preparations.

A granite bust of the Cuban freedom fighter José Martí stands in Vilarchao’s square. It was unveiled in 1995 and commemorates the reception and treatment of Galician emigrants by the Cuban people. The Cruceiro de Vilarchao is a crucifix-type cruceiro and is located near the town hall.

The Coles town hall building in Vilarchao was originally built by the Asociación de Labradores e Gandeiros de Coles with money sent from Cuba. These buildings and memorials bring together local history, religious tradition and the connection to the history of Cuban emigration. Visitors interested in culture will find different forms of remembrance here, from the hórreo and the bust to the town hall building.

Museums and Historical Sites

Several museums are located in the vicinity of Vilarchao: Museo Arqueolóxico, Manuel Márquez. Galería de Arte and Museo Arqueológico Provincial. Ponte Vella is also one of the historical destinations in the vicinity of Vilarchao and is a historical site. The current opening hours of museums should be checked before visiting.

Natural Attractions

Carballeira de Vilarchao is a characteristic natural area of this locality, consisting mainly of native oak trees. Monte Picoto, a hill, is located in the immediate vicinity of Vilarchao. Monte San Trocao, a mountain, lies in the wider regional surroundings of Vilarchao. Before hiking through natural areas, the current trail conditions should be checked.

Pazó, A Peroxa, A Teixeira, Beariz, A Vilavella, Allariz, Os Peares, Sarreaus

Ourense