Ribeira Sacra Ecotourist Commitment

Ribeira Sacra, one of Galicia’s most unique landscapes, has established itself as a tourist destination committed to sustainability, heritage conservation, and balanced regional development. This commitment is reflected in a range of awards, projects, and initiatives that ensure the protection of its natural, cultural, and social values.

In 2018, Ribeira Sacra was designated a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC) in the Cultural Landscape category, a recognition that highlights the close relationship between humans and the environment over the centuries. This landscape, shaped by the river and traditional ways of life, stands today as a living example of the balance between nature and culture.
The destination also boasts natural areas endorsed by UNESCO. Notable among these are the Ribeira Sacra and Serras do Oribio e Courel Biosphere Reserve, designated in 2001, and the Montañas do Courel Global Geopark, recognized in 2019. These international distinctions underscore the area’s ecological and geological value, as well as its commitment to conservation and sustainable development.

The commitment to quality tourism is also reflected in the certification of the Ribeira Sacra Wine Route, which joined the select club of Spain’s Wine Routes in June 2025. This initiative reinforces the promotion of responsible wine tourism, linked to the region and its traditions.
Since 2020, Ribeira Sacra has been part of the Comprehensive System for Tourism Quality in Destinations (SICTED), a network that promotes the continuous improvement of tourism services. This commitment to quality is further reinforced by its inclusion in 2022 in the Network of Smart Tourism Destinations, consolidating a model based on innovation, accessibility, and sustainability.
The region also participates in cooperation and creative development initiatives. Ribeira Sacra, with Monforte de Lemos as one of its main hubs, has been part of the Network of Creative Cities and Territories of Spain since 2016, promoting culture as a driver of sustainable development.
In line with these objectives, two Destination Tourism Sustainability Plans (PSTD) have been under development in Ribeira Sacra since 2021, serving as a roadmap to structure the destination, enhance its competitiveness, and preserve its landscape—particularly in the context of its World Heritage nomination.
In addition, Ribeira Sacra has received awards for excellence as Best Rural Destination at the 3rdNational Geographic Travel Readers’ Choice Awards2025 and the Galicia Tourism Award granted by the Galicia Tourism Cluster in 2019 for its World Heritage nomination.
Furthermore, Ribeira Sacra is part of national ecotourism initiatives, such as the Ecotourism Reserve of Green Spain and the Ecotourism in Spain product club and its Soy Ecoturista brand, which endorse and promote responsible experiences to discover natural and cultural values with the assurance that they contribute to their conservation and local development. These experiences are offered by local companies committed to their region and affiliated with Soy Ecoturista.Together, these initiatives position Ribeira Sacra as a destination that looks to the future without sacrificing its essence, embracing a tourism model that protects its natural and cultural wealth, improves the quality of life for its residents, and offers authentic experiences to visitors.