Parador De Santo Estevo - Santo Estevo de Rivas de Sil

4-star hotel inside a 10th-century Benedictine monastery overlooking the Sil River Canyon

Historic Setting & Architecture

Parador De Santo Estevo occupies a 10th-century Benedictine monastery, a conversion that preserves the original 3 cloisters in Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. The hotel layout follows these cloisters, with rooms distributed along each one and shared lounge areas placed around the central courtyard. Guests can explore historical displays that document the monastic heritage and view the stone archways, carved window frames, and original bread ovens on the grounds.

Rooms & Surroundings

Superior double rooms at Parador de Santo Estevo offer views of the Sil River Canyon and the surrounding chestnut forests. Rooms are uniquely decorated and some include original stone fireplaces or sit on the historic stone benches that monks once used for contemplation. Two hiking trails start directly from the hotel: one leads to ruins of an old mill, the other to a 6th-century hermitage, both described as quiet and solitary paths.

Wellness & Spa

The hotel's spa occupies the former wine cellars of the monastery and offers a thermal circuit including foot bath, hot tub, cold plunge pool, and a thermal chair. Treatments include massage and hammam, plus access to spa facilities like the solarium and spa lounge for relaxation. Spa/wellness packages are available, while the spa lounge and relaxation area provide additional space for post-treatment rest.

Dining

The hotel's Los Abades restaurant serves regional Galician cuisine using ingredients caught from the nearby rivers and the Galician coast; guests can dine on a terrace overlooking the forest. A café located in one of the cloisters offers a second dining option as well as coffee house service. Breakfast includes a buffet with eggs cooked to order, and the wine list features local Ribeira Sacra designations such as the 9 Bispos tinto.

Activities & Practical Amenities

The property provides hiking trails directly from the hotel and board games/puzzles for indoor leisure. On-site parking includes accessible parking, a parking garage, and an electric vehicle charging station. Additional services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, currency exchange, tour desk, and daily housekeeping.

• Location: Sil River Canyon & Ribeira Sacra wineries
• Rooms: 3 historic cloisters (Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance)
• Dining: Regional Galician cuisine & café in cloister
• Wellness: Spa with thermal circuit, hammam, and treatments
• Architecture: 10th-century Benedictine monastery conversion
• Ideal for: Couples, nature enthusiasts, history lovers

Licence number: H-OR-000618