Anyone can visit the Monasterio de Santo Estevo, even if you are not staying at the parador. Santo Estevo was founded in the 6th century...

At the Parador Santo Estevo, there are 2 dining options: a restaurant and a cafe. I tried to make reservations for the restaurant in...

The Parador Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil is a sight to behold. It's a large complex in the woods with a view of the River Sil. Old...

If you have time to visit only 1 monastery, I would recommend the Moisteiro de San Pedro de Rocas. It's open daily from 10:30-13:45 and...

There are many old monasteries in the Ribeira Sacra region. We chose to visit just a few. The Mosteiro de Santa Cristina is open daily...

Monforte de Lemos is the start of the Ribeira Sacra wine region. There are many bodegas but you might need reservations at some of them....

We had a hard time finding a place for lunch in Monforte de Lemos. We had hoped to have pulpo but there was no open place. It was too...

A little over an hour west of O Cebreiros, we arrived in Monforte de Lemos. Monforte has a Parador, the former Monasterio de San Vicente,...

After leaving Villafranca del Bierzo, we drove 30 minutes to O Cebreiro, a one-road village on the Camino de Santiago. There are a couple...

We had tapas at the Alameda, located at Avenida Diaz Ovelar 4, at the southern edge of the Jardin de la Alameda. It's a short walk from...

The Iglesia De Santiago (Church of St. James) dates from the 12th century. The main entrance to the church, On the side facing the town...

The Parador de Villafranca del Bierzo is a favorite with pilgrims wishing for private accommodations. It's also a favorite for...

Our stop for the night was Villafranca del Bierzo, a 20 minute drive from Ponferrada. It's a small town on the Camino de Santiago. Top...

We happened to be in town during the Gran Mercado Medieval. It's a small medieval fair situated right across the street from the Castillo...

Our next stop was to see the Castillo de los Templarios (Castle of the Knights Templar) in Ponferrada, a 50-minute drive from Castrillo...

Castrillo de los Polvazares is one of Spain's "Most Beautiful Villages." It's a sleepy hamlet with 1 street. We didn't see anyone living...

Cocido Maragato is known in this area and one of the best is served at Casa Coscolo in Castrillo de los Polvazares. It's a 12-minute...

You'll find mantecadas all over town. They are muffin-top like pastries. I wasn't a big fan--they were too dry for me. 2021 09 07

Hernan Cortes brought the cocoa bean from Central America to Spain in the 16th century. Some believe that Astorga is the European...

The Plaza Mayor in Astorga is a huge town square. The Town Hall is Baroque in style and topped with a clock. The shield of the town is...