As Penas de Matacás Viewpoint

The viewpoint of As Penas de Matacás is a panoramic balcony over the Sil canyon, in the parish of Paradela, more than 500 meters above sea level. It sits on a rocky edge of steep slope, with the river valley several hundred meters below and slopes covered by vineyards, soutos and Atlantic scrub. The topography explains the breadth of the view and the contrast between the slopes of Ourense and Lugo. From the point of visit, the course of the Sil river, the river piers of Abeleda and Ponte do Sil and, on clear days, the terraces of vineyards that characterize the Ribeira Sacra can be clearly recognized. The reading of the landscape is one of its main virtues: water, rock and cultivation are combined in a stretch where the river acts as a natural border between provinces. The viewpoint is part of the approved route PR-G 237, which links Castro Caldelas with this enclave and with other landmarks in the area, such as A Cova do Mario. The space has been conditioned with walkways and observation balconies, which facilitates the stay and reinforces its interest as a landscape viewpoint. It is a good place to understand why the Ribeira Sacra aspires to greater heritage recognition. The best time is usually the first half of the day or dusk, when the light best models the slopes and the river. In autumn and winter the valley tends to show more contrast; in spring and summer, the vineyards and vegetation give more depth to the whole.