The best traffic-free bike rides around Vilasantar
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(4)
72
riders
3
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Vilasantar are set within a mid-mountain terrain, generally ranging between 400 and 500 meters above sea level. The region's landscape is shaped by the River Tambre and its tributaries, featuring lush riparian vegetation and shaded oak forests. These natural elements create varied topography and consistently fresh environments for cycling.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Vilasantar
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Hermitage of Mota loop from A Allanada,…
Last updated: October 1, 2026
4
riders
37.9km
03:26
780m
780m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
30.4km
02:06
390m
390m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
32.0km
02:29
340m
340m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Tips from the Community
Baroque-style hermitage from the 18th century built on a granite peak, hidden under a forest of oaks. The hermitage is dedicated to Saints Bartolomeu, Mateo and San Simón
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A section of the Camino de Santiago do Norte enters through Arzúa to cross the so-called Monta da Mota (460 m) where on its soft top sits the hermitage or chapel of San Bartolomé de A Mota (Santo Estevo de Campo) that the French author Jean Pierre Racq already named from his "Guide for pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela" back in the late eighteenth century (1790). A "mota", apart from certain meanings in Latin America, is a low elevation that rises on a plain, nothing better to define this place. Sometimes the "specks" are also related to old defensive sites although here we do not have information about any. What we do know is the presence in the parish and in the surroundings of several millenary "mamoas", so it is possible that some of them were the cause of the origin of this hermitage of miraculous saints. This chapel is hidden under a "carballeira" (oak forest) that seems to have been planted by the neighbors themselves. The story went that if a "carballo" burned, the son of the one who had planted it did not fulfill the military service. The chapel is dedicated to Saints Bartholomew, Matthew and Saint Simon and on them three pilgrimages are held throughout the year: September 21 (San Mateo); Saint Bartholomew (August 24) and Saint Simon (October 28). In the one of San Bartolomé they say that the goiter can be cured if the priest passes the sword of the saint down your throat. Inside we have a baroque altarpiece of the XVIII with images of San Pedro, Asunción and San Pablo. The current chapel is also from the same century and has a rectangular plan with a sacristy and a portico added on its north side. Its sober white façade only shows a linteled door, a flared window above it and a belfry with double bell tower topped with two pinnacles on the sides. In the esplanade that surrounds the hermitage there is a simple cruceiro of the same period and a fountain. https://www.galiciamaxica.eu/galicia/a-coruna/comarca-de-arzua/arzua/ermitadamota/
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Both in gravel and mountain bike, if you pass nearby, it is worth it to enjoy part of the valley that runs through the Mandeo river
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic touring cycling routes are available in Vilasantar?
There are currently 3 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes around Vilasantar featured in this guide. These routes offer a mix of moderate and difficult options for exploring the region.
What kind of terrain can I expect on no traffic touring cycling routes in Vilasantar?
Vilasantar features mid-mountain terrain, generally ranging between 400 and 500 meters above sea level. You can expect varied topography with some climbs, as routes like the Sobrado dos Monxes Monastery – Sobrado Lagoon loop include over 500 meters of elevation gain.
Are there any waterfalls or natural features to see on these routes?
Yes, the region is rich in natural beauty. You can find the Batán Waterfall, and the tranquil Sobrado Lagoon is a prominent natural monument. The River Tambre and its tributaries also offer lush riparian vegetation and shaded oak forests.
What historical or cultural landmarks can I visit along no traffic cycling routes?
Vilasantar offers several historical and cultural points of interest. The impressive Monastery of Saint Mary of Sobrado is a significant religious building. You might also encounter traditional Galician Hórreos, unique granaries, or the historic Muíño do Batán de Mezonzo, a former fulling mill.
Are there any circular no traffic touring cycling routes?
Yes, all the no traffic touring cycling routes listed in this guide are circular. For example, you can enjoy the Hermitage of Mota loop from A Allanada or the longer Sobrado dos Monxes Monastery – Sobrado Lagoon loop.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Vilasantar?
The region's riverine areas boast lush riparian vegetation and shaded oak forests, creating consistently fresh and humid ecosystems. This suggests that spring and autumn would be ideal for comfortable cycling, avoiding the peak heat of summer while still enjoying pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery.
Are there any viewpoints along the no traffic cycling routes?
Yes, for panoramic views, the Hermitage of Mota provides a viewpoint nestled within an oak forest, which is part of the Hermitage of Mota loop from A Allanada route.
What is the difficulty level of the no traffic touring cycling routes in Vilasantar?
The routes in this guide range from moderate to difficult. The Hermitage of Mota loop from A Allanada is considered moderate, while the Pena Marcada loop from Teixeiro and the Sobrado dos Monxes Monastery – Sobrado Lagoon loop are rated as difficult due to their length and elevation changes.
How long do the no traffic touring cycling routes typically take?
The duration varies by route and your cycling pace. The moderate Hermitage of Mota loop is approximately 30 km and can take around 2 hours. Longer, more difficult routes like the Sobrado dos Monxes Monastery – Sobrado Lagoon loop (38.5 km) can take over 3 hours.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Vilasantar?
The area is appreciated by the komoot community, with an average rating of 3.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, natural features, and the opportunity to cycle amidst nature, especially along the quiet riverine areas and through shaded oak forests.
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