Some places in Galicia are blessed with multiple attractions so that travellers can decide what appeals to them most. In the case of Verín, the proposals are so varied that it is difficult to choose just one. If you love wellness tourism you cannot miss its thermal spaces, a perfect way to round off your trip to the city of Ourense, which is only 45 minutes away by car. Equally attractive are its cultural options, where the historic centre of Verín and the fortress of Monterrei stand out. And something not to be missed on a trip to Verín are its wine and food. In fact, A Casa do Pulpo in Verín has earned its good reputation. When deciding which time of the year to visit Verín, choose the ‘Entroido’, i.e. a carnival that attracts thousands of visitors.
Stroll around Verín but leave time for nature trails such as the Támega International Eco-Track, a beautiful itinerary to do on foot or by bicycle. And, of course, a trip to the Invernadeiro Nature Reserve, a hidden reserve in the Ourense Central Massif with beautiful mountain scenery (and peaks of over 1,600 metres) as well as rich fauna and flora.
- Monterrei fortress
- Old town of Verín
- Támega eco-track
- Invernadeiro Nature Reserve
- Cabreiroá spring
- Verín carnival
- Wineries and vineyard tours
- Where to eat in Verín
- Where to stay near Verín
Monterrei fortress
It is located on the outskirts of the town and is the main monument in the municipality of Verín. Located on a hill, Monterrei Castle offers a great panoramic view of the valley of the river Támega. It was built in different phases, between the 13th and 15th centuries, on the initiative of Alfonso Enríquez, the grandson of Alfonso VI, and its importance has been recognised as a National Monument and a Cultural Heritage Site. It is made up of three walled enclosures, the first of which contains the castle, the palace of the Counts of Monterrey and the church of Saint Mary of Grace. In a second area there are buildings from different periods, one of which is the Holy Trinity Hospital. And the third, the most distant, the Saint Francis convent and the Jesuit school.
It is worth taking a guided tour to see this in its entirety and not miss any of the details of the parade ground, the keep, the Ladies’ tower and the church.
Old town of Verín
On your trip from Ourense to Verín, spend at least an hour touring the old town of Verín. It will not take you long to explore some interesting sights such as the convent of the Mercedarians and the Acevedo House. In terms of religious architecture, the 17th century church of Saint Mary Major stands out. If you walk along Calle Viriato, be sure to admire the sculpture of the Cigarrón carnival character, which has become one of the town’s icons.
Támega eco-track
Támega eco-track is a cross-border ecological corridor that connects Chaves (Portugal) and Verín following the banks of the river. The starting point can be at the beginning, at the end or somewhere in between. It can also be done on foot or by bicycle, as the total distance is 30 kilometres. Along the way, you will find beautiful landscapes such as lagoons, bird watching spots, cereal fields and orchards. This is a great plan to get to know the natural area surrounding Verín.
Invernadeiro Nature Reserve
In the municipality of Verín there are also other places where you can breathe nature, such as the Invernadeiro Nature Reserve. It is a protected area characterised by the mountains of the Ourense Central Massif, valleys and rivers. A visit to this reserve is more than justified as it has interesting fauna such as deer and mountain goats; footpaths that will help you to get to know the ecosystem of the river Ribeira Grande (such as the Water and Trout paths); and some ethnographic and industrial heritage sites (such as the old paper mill belonging to Papelera Española).
Cabreiroá spring
The Cabreiroá spring, discovered in the 19th century, is located in a district of the municipality of Verín called Cabreiroá. Its waters were declared of public utility in 1906 by the scientist Ramón y Cajal and were so successful that it was even decided to bottle them and build a spa in the area around the spring. The spa hotel, which gained great fame – even in Europe – had to close during the Spanish Civil War, when it was used as a military hospital and barracks. Although it was later reopened, it was never the same and closed for good in 1961.
Today it is possible to visit the spring in a beautiful building where you can see how the water flows. If you want to try the water, there is a tap available.
Verín carnival
As already mentioned, if we could only choose one reason to visit Verín, it would be for the carnival (or Entroido). It has been declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest and is one of the liveliest celebrations and one of the most popular with the local population. The festival begins on Correidoiro Sunday, the day on which the parade of the famous ‘cigarrons’ takes place. They are very peculiar characters dressed in masks who, whip in hand, encourage people to participate. The Verín carnival takes place with dances, parades and fun.
Wineries and vineyard tours
You are in a land of wines, a place where dozens of wineries are under the Monterrei Designation of Origin. If you visit the municipality of Verín in summer you will be able to see the grapes ripe and ready for the harvest. Your visit may even coincide with the Wine Fair. The best way to get to know the quality of the wines from this corner of Galicia is by visiting a winery and tasting them. Take the plunge and include this in your travel agenda.
Where to eat in Verín
In the town of Verín there are a good number of restaurants where you can eat very well. One of the most famous is A Casa do Pulpo, a place that appears to be a humble tavern but whose food is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. The octopus portions are spectacular but their veal chop is no less so. The fact that the menu is somewhat limited is forgiven by the quality of the dishes served. Another place of reference is the Casa Zapatillas restaurant, with abundant portions and good prices. It also has a daily set menu, so you cannot ask for more.
Where to stay near Verín
Just 45 minutes from Verín is the Barceló Ourense, a four-star hotel located in the historic centre of Ourense. Its modern and avant-garde appearance is not at odds with the comfort and good service of its facilities. Its rooms, under the B-Room concept, offer ultra-comfortable mattresses, pillow menu, rain showers, and a coffee and tea set. The experience is rounded off with a good B-Likeat breakfast buffet and snacks at the lobby bar. If you want to take care of yourself during your trip, you can also use the gym and sauna. Or, if you have a business meeting, you can even make use of five fully equipped meeting rooms.
