Parador Santo Estevo
This Benedictine monastery in the middle of the Ribeira Sacra, an area of outstanding natural beauty where the rivers Mino and Sil meet, is one of Galicia’s monastic centres and now a holiday highlight. 
The existence of the Monastery has been proven in the 10th century, although its origins appear to be in the 6th and 7th centuries. The monastery styles range from Romanesque to Baroque, with three remarkable cloisters (Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance). The building was declared a Historic and Artistic Monument in 1923.
The Parador of Santo Estevo has a total of 77 rooms distributed around three cloisters of different styles and periods. The rooms are particularly interesting as they are all different, some with impressive views over the landscape and the valleys of the river Sil. The Hotel has a restaurant with terrace by the chestnut forest, a cafe with terrace in the entrance cloister, lounges and beautiful gardens.
Information and reservations at Parador of Santo Estevo
We got hopelessly lost in the hills trying to find the place but once there found ourselves quite lost for words. The most beautiful place we have ever stayed at and we wished we had booked more nights. Our room was spacious and very comfortable and the staff were helpful but unobtrusive.
We stayed here for just one night, and like so many of the Paradores the quality of the restoration and conversion to a modern hotel whilst maintaining the historic character of the monastery is simply amazing. Living within such an historic building with all the modern amenities is a unique experience. The ability to explore the whole building from church, cloisters and museum straight from your room is also a plus. The location in the hills is magnificent especially if you like to walk. It is a shame that the food provided in the restaurant does not match the excellence of all other aspects of the Parador.
Muy bello y muy confortable. Lo tres claustros son muy bonitos, especialmente el más pequeño y antiguo. El salón y el balcón “quitapesares” son rincones muy acogedores para rezar. El comedor impresionante. El desayuno estupendo.
Los alrededores son igualmente bonitos, especialmente los cañones de río Sil, del que mi mujer y yo disfrutamos en un paseo en el catamarán.
Los pueblecitos e iglesias románicas muy típicos.
Han sido dos días inolvidables. Gracias.
We changed our itinerary to stay here an extra night. It is totally beautiful, a very thought-out fusion of a Benedictine monastery and high-tech modern hotel. We had a room with a gorgeous view and little stone monk’s seat by the window without upgrading (and we were on senior citizen discount). Food and service were excellent. The whole hotel is very tranquil, with a lovely monks’ walk outside and some beautiful cloisters. There are some good walks from the monastery, and also some beautiful drives. It is a lovely part of Galicia, and a brilliant parador. We will definitely go back when we can!
We spent a day and one night at Santo Estevo and were nothing short of blown away. The accomodations were first class. The room was ample and well decorated; more importantly, the bed was very comfortable. The buildings are awe inspiring (I could picture the moks walking around centuries ago). The breakfast buffet was fresh and offered a good selection.
If you don’t upgrade your room, don’t spend a lot of time looking out the window . . . walk outside! It is beautiful.
The Parador of Santo Estevo is in a beautiful setting, and the buildings are lovely. It is very tranquil and restful. I would say, however, that we were quite disappointed with our room, which was very small and had no view at all – it looked out onto a gravel path. I understand that the rooms with views are the upgraded and more expensive ones, but I don’t feel this was clear from the literature. I would not have wanted to stay more than one night there. Also the spa service looked very nice but was very expensive, so that we didn’t feel able to use it.
We stayed just one night here en route from Baiona to Leon and wished we had planned for longer. The monastery buildings are beautiful and it is fascinating to see how the architect has incorporated modern facilities and air conditioned spaces without losing the beauty and style of the cloisters and courtyards. Our room was comfortable and the bathroom luxurious, but it still looked in keeping with clever use of wood, glass and concealed lighting. and was very peaceful. The surrounding woods ask to be explored. We ate supper in the restaurant and the service was excellent, the food alright.