Home to the only ski resort in Galicia, Manzaneda is a charming mountain town in the province of Ourense. Its surrounding peaks are crowned by glacial lakes that can be reached along a network of hiking trails while Parque Natural O Invernadeiro provides a habitat for a diversity of native wildlife.
Things to do in Manzaneda
If you’re visiting in the winter months, hit the slopes of the Manzaneda Ski Resort, which is framed by some of the highest mountains in Galicia. Extending between 1,500 and 1,800 metres, the resort provides a setting for skiing and snowboarding during the snow season before transforming into a park for mountain biking in the warmer months.
Manzaneda is an ideal base for exploring Parque Natural O Invernadeiro, a sprawling nature reserve that provides habitat for wolves, wild boars and martens. It encompasses undulating mountains and rocky landscapes that are traversed by hiking trails, several of which take in ancient Roman ruins. At the Ribeira Grande Nature Classroom, you can learn more about the park’s ecology and its human history.
One of the best views in the region can be enjoyed from the Miradoiro da Pena de Matacas, which is perched more than 500 metres above the Sil Canyon. On one side lies the province of Ourense while on the other are the terraced vineyards of Amandi in the province of Lugo. Coincide your visit with autumn when the leaves turn a rich orange or watch the day’s last rays illuminate the valley at sunset.
Getting around Manzaneda
Manzaneda is around 1.5 hours' drive from Ourense and just over two hours from Vigo Airport, which has flights to destinations across Spain. The larger Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport is 2.5 hours away. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Manzaneda and exploring the surrounding attractions.