4.1
(30)
44
riders
14
rides
Mountain biking around Encoro de Belesar offers diverse terrain shaped by the reservoir and the Miño River gorge in the Lugo region of Spain. The landscape features steep, terraced vineyards of the Ribeira Sacra, lush forests, and varied topography ranging from riverside paths to challenging ascents and technical descents. This area provides a comprehensive experience for mountain bikers, with routes traversing natural features and historical sites.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
41.7km
03:30
970m
970m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
11
riders
38.7km
03:27
900m
900m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
8
riders
43.8km
03:40
770m
770m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
55.6km
04:09
1,070m
1,070m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(28)
3
riders
31.8km
02:13
490m
490m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Pico do Páramo: a high point with endless views over Lugo and the Ancares. The climb is demanding, but topping out on your bike next to the giant antenna is rewarding: stunning panoramic views and guaranteed coverage. Cyclist tip: dress warmly, the wind never fails here.
0
0
A 12th-century Romanesque gem with a façade related to Santiago Cathedral. From its viewpoint, you can admire the Miño River in all its splendor. Cyclist's tip: the climb is tough, but the panoramic views make the climb—and the effort—worth it.
0
0
A rare sight! A magical moment! Seeing two bridges from different eras standing side by side. Low water levels make this possible.
2
0
The Roman Bridge of Pedrafita do Cebreiro is a historic bridge and a crossing point along the Camino de Santiago. This bridge spans the Navia River and was part of the Via Nova, the Roman road that connected Braga to Astorga.
2
0
It is a fortress-church dedicated to St. Nicholas
4
0
Portomarín, in the province of Lugo, is an emblematic stop on the French Way of St. James. However, its history is even more fascinating. The original Portomarín was buried by the waters of the Miño River in 1963 due to the construction of the Belesar reservoir in Chantada. The residents had to choose between money or a house in the new town. Although the old town was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1946 and its San Juan church a National Monument in 1931, the arrival of General Franco and the president of Fenosa, Pedro Barrié de la Maza, sealed its fate in favor of the electrical business. I hope you enjoy exploring this place full of history and beauty! 😊
6
0
The Church of San Facundo de Ribas de Miño is a jewel of Galician Romanesque art located in the municipality of O Saviñao, in the province of Lugo. This church, built in the 12th century, is known for its impressive architecture and its picturesque location overlooking the Miño River. The church stands out for its western façade, which features a series of blind arches and a central window decorated with geometric and plant motifs. Inside, you can see original Romanesque elements, such as the capitals sculpted with human and animal figures. San Facundo de Ribas de Miño is an outstanding example of Romanesque art in Galicia and has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest. Its natural surroundings and proximity to the Miño River make it a place of great beauty and tranquility.
7
0
There are 19 mountain bike trails around Encoro de Belesar listed on komoot. These routes offer a diverse range of experiences, from easy forest paths to challenging technical descents.
The terrain around Encoro de Belesar is highly varied. You'll find everything from scenic riverside paths along the Miño River to challenging mountainous ascents and technical descents. The region is also known for the steep, terraced vineyards of Ribeira Sacra, which offer unique and visually dramatic routes.
Yes, while many routes are challenging, there are options suitable for families. The Ribeira Sacra MTB Centre, for instance, offers routes of varying difficulty, including easier trails that wind through chestnut forests. Look for routes rated as 'easy' or 'moderate' on komoot for more family-friendly options.
Many mountain bike routes pass by significant landmarks. You can encounter the historic Portomarín Bridge, the challenging Rocky descent to Portomarín (historic route), and the Staircase and Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows (Capela das Neves) in Portomarín. The stunning Belesar Reservoir and the Miño River itself are central features of many rides.
Absolutely. For a moderate challenge with rewarding scenery, consider the Penasillas loop from Chantada. This 31.1 km route takes about 2 hours 10 minutes and offers a great way to experience the region's beauty without the extreme technical demands of some other trails.
The region experiences lush greenery, suggesting spring and autumn are ideal for mountain biking, offering pleasant temperatures and vibrant landscapes. While the 'rocky descent to Portomarín' can be challenging when wet, many trails are enjoyable outside of heavy rain periods. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Yes, the Ribeira Sacra MTB Centre serves as a dedicated hub for mountain biking. Located in a former hydroelectric plant, it provides access to over 150 kilometers of specific MTB routes, including a specialized downhill (DH) circuit, catering to various skill levels.
The mountain bike trails around Encoro de Belesar are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 30 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the stunning natural beauty of the reservoir and Miño River gorge, and the blend of natural features with historical sites.
Experienced riders will find several challenging options. The Chantada – vuelta por Monte Faro is a difficult 41.4 km route with significant elevation changes, typically taking around 3 hours 42 minutes. This route offers a demanding experience through varied landscapes.
Yes, many routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Portomarín Bridge – Portomarín sign loop from Portomarín is a difficult 39.2 km circular path offering great views of the historic bridge and surrounding area.
You'll be immersed in lush greenery, including chestnut and oak woods, and may encounter stunning waterfalls along some routes. The dramatic Miño River gorge and the expansive Belesar Reservoir are constant natural backdrops, offering breathtaking views throughout your ride.
While many routes are well-documented, specific public transport options directly to all trailheads might be limited. It's generally recommended to plan your journey, and GPS is often advised for comprehensive navigation, especially on longer or less conventional trails.


Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.